Nature-based art therapy: principles and practice

This course offers an introduction to nature-based art therapy. If you are curious about what it means to be working in natural environments, this course will introduce you to the principles and how to practise it safely.

Book tickets

Date & Time

Friday 7 – Saturday 8 February 2025

10am - 4pm

Who this event is for

Open to all suitably qualified and trainee professionals

Tickets

Non-members: £450

Associate members: £310

Full members
Employed: £280
Underemployed: £260
Unemployed/retired: £230

Trainee members: £230

Please create a free booking account if you don't have one or are not a member.

Location

Online via Zoom

Nature-based art therapy: principles and practice

This course offers an introduction to nature-based art therapy. If you are curious about what it means to be working in natural environments, this course will introduce you to the principles and how to practise it safely.

What is nature-based art therapy?

In the era of the climate crisis, art therapy delivered in natural environments can promote the health and wellbeing of people across all ages. It has a vast potential to heal both people and nature through offering a space for reflection and (re-)connection to the natural world.

Nature-based art therapy can be beneficial in de-stigmatising ‘therapy’, creating a more accessible space for people who may find it challenging to engage in a traditional therapeutic room, and (re-)connecting people with nature.

What you will learn

On completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • understand what environmental art therapy is and how it can be facilitated
  • gather information regarding current evidence and theoretical underpinnings
  • reflect on anti-oppressive practices and how to adopt cultural humility
  • be mindful of the most common ethical and safeguarding issues

The course focuses on: 

  • definition, role, and purpose of environmental art therapy
  • existing evidence and theoretical underpinnings
  • cultivating cultural humility and anti-oppressive practice, recognising the ideological, cultural and political identities of ‘land’, and facilitating equity of access to nature
  • establishing and holding a frame in a natural environment
  • ethical and safeguarding challenges
  • experiential activities introducing concepts of environmental art therapy

How you will learn

There will be a balance between theoretical, taught sections and reflective practical exercises done individually, in pairs and as a group, to explore experientially the ideas that emerge.

Tutors

Dr Zoe Moula and Katarina Horrox

 

Thank you to the presenters for providing the many rich and applicable examples of how art therapy and nature can gel so well. The information was delivered clearly and passionately.

Frequently asked questions