EcoSensory Therapy
The Transformative Power of Nature
Gebonden Engels 2026 1e druk 9781041310839Samenvatting
EcoSensory Therapy addresses a growing question among practitioners in mental health, health care, social care, and education: how can the transformative and therapeutic power of nature be integrated into professional practice safely, ethically, and with confidence? This book introduces the EcoSensory Therapy Model of Practice, offering a practical, evidence-informed framework that helps practitioners move beyond the four walls and work intentionally with the therapeutic potential of natural environments.
Drawing on insights from neuroscience, psychology, sensory integration, attachment theory, trauma-informed practice, and nature-based approaches, this book presents the EcoSensory Model as a bridge between theory and practice. At the heart of the model are eight core elements, mirrored in the structure of chapters within this book, and organised within a neuro-sequential framework that translates seamlessly to practice: Ground Connect Rhythm Discover Attend Create Nourish Reflect
Together, these elements help practitioners understand how regulation, attention, learning, connection, creativity, wellbeing, and reflection can be supported through sensory experience and relationship with the natural world. Through theory, research, case examples, and professional guidance, the authors show how everyday natural spaces can become meaningful settings for therapeutic and developmental work.
An essential read for mental health practitioners, such as psychologists, occupational therapists, and psychotherapists, this book may also be of interest to practitioners, supervisors, and trainers working within related professions such as health, social care, and education.
Specificaties
Lezersrecensies
Inhoudsopgave
Note to Readers
Welcome. Claire Pemrick
The EcoSensory Therapy Model of Practice. Claire Pemrick, Chris West and Dr Matt Slavin
Chapter 1: Introduction and Theoretical Foundations. Dr Matt Slavin
Who we are and where we come from
Welcome. A warm and heartfelt welcome from Matt, Chris and Claire
Our Sensory Foundations
The Biophilia Hypothesis
Green Mind Theory
Blue Mind Theory
Nature Connectedness
Stress Reduction Theory and Attention Restoration Theory
A Smidgen of the Evidence
An EcoSensory Model of Practice
Chapter 2: Ground. Dr Matt Slavin
What is Grounding and why start with it?
The Evolution of our Survival Strategies
Neuroscience: The Autonomic Nervous System, Polyvagal Theory and our Adaptive Brain
Interoception: Body Awareness and Sense of Self
Our brains have evolved to be adaptive to threats
Language, Representation and Internal Threats
Groundlessness
Grounding in Nature
Summary
Chapter 3: Connect. Chris West
Connecting for Regulation
The Art of Regulation
Attachment, Regulation & Nature
Connecting to Develop a Secure Base
Nature Space and Development of the Vagal Brake
Play as a way of Connecting with Outside Spaces
How Nature Connects & Protects Us
Sensing Nature and being Sensed by it
Summary
Chapter 4: Rhythm. Claire Pemrick & Dr Matt Slavin
Welcome to Rhythm
Nature’s Rhythms
The Seasons
Trauma and Time
Family Cycles
Entrainment
Circadian Rhythms
Development of Entrainment
Vestibular System and Rhythm
Resonance
Just Right Time
The Art of Allowing
Entrainment with Nature
Summary
Chapter 5: Discover. Claire Pemrick
Welcome to Discover
Introduction
Exploration-Exploitation Dilemma
Inner Drive
Zones of Proximal Development
Praxis
Adaptive Responses
Benefit of Outdoor Spaces
Zone of Curiosity
Risk Benefit Analysis
Summary
Chapter 6: Attend. Claire Pemrick.
Welcome to Attend
What is Attention?
Attending through our senses
Development of the Senses
Chemoreceptors
Radiation Senses
Development of Body Senses
Development of Sound
The Attend Element in Practice
Summary
Chapter 7: Create. Claire Pemrick.
Introduction
Concepts of Creativity
Evolution of Human Creativity
Theories of Creativity
Development of Creative Thinking Skills
Development of Skills
Form and Space Perception
Den Building
Prospect-Refuge Theory
Loose Parts Play
Development of Motivation
Flow
Prosocial Creativity
Summary
Chapter 8: Nourish. Chris West & Claire Pemrick
Introduction
Nourishing & Nurturing Ourselves and Others: Nourishing Our Bodies Through Sensory Experiences
The Gut Brain Axis Theory
Nurturing Nature
Nurturing Relationships
Summary
Chapter 9: Reflect. Chris West.
Introduction
Humans as Meaning Making Beings
Natural Metaphors
Spiritual Connections with Nature
Developing a Sense of Self: Awareness
Reflective Functioning
Reflecting on the EcoSensory Therapy Elements
Closing Reflections, Matt Slavin
Index
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