Nature Therapy is sometimes also known as Ecotherapy. It is a therapeutic practice that emphasizes the beneficial role of nature in promoting emotional and mental health. The therapy takes advantage of the serene outdoors where individuals are encouraged to connect with their environment. Promoting a sense of peace and well-being. After experiencing trauma, you may feel like you are stuck in a dark and isolated place.
Getting outside and reconnecting with nature can be a powerful way to help heal the wounds of trauma. Research has shown that spending time in nature can lower stress levels, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve overall well-being. In this blog, we will explore how nature therapy can be a fresh start for trauma survivors.
Understanding Trauma
Before we dive into how nature therapy can benefit trauma survivors, it is important to understand what trauma is. Trauma is a psychological response to an event or experience that creates feelings of overwhelming fear, helplessness, and horror. It can be caused by a one-time event like a natural disaster or a car accident, or it can be the result of ongoing abuse or neglect. Trauma can also be inherited through generational trauma, where the effects of trauma are passed down from previous generations.
Types of Trauma
There is small t trauma and big T trauma. Small t traumas are everyday events that can have a negative impact on our mental health. This can be failing an exam or losing a job. Big T traumas, on the other hand, are more severe and can cause long-lasting effects like PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). These can include experiences such as physical or sexual abuse, combat, or witnessing a traumatic event.
What are Common Symptoms of Trauma Survivors?
Trauma can affect individuals in many different ways, both physically and mentally. Each person’s experience with trauma is unique, and symptoms can vary greatly. Some common symptoms of trauma survivors include:
- Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event.
- Avoiding certain people, places, or situations that remind them of the trauma.
- Feeling on edge or easily startled.
- Difficulty sleeping or experiencing nightmares.
- Emotional numbing and detachment from others.
- Persistent feelings of fear, anger, or guilt.
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and muscle tension.
When your nervous system has been triggered by a traumatic event, it can be challenging to regulate your emotions and find peace in your daily life. This is where nature therapy can play a significant role. Other traditional therapies can support trauma survivors, but nature therapy offers unique benefits that can complement these therapies. These other therapies may include talk therapy, medication, or other forms of alternative treatment.
The Connection Between Nature and Healing
Nature therapy is not a new concept. It has been around for centuries, such as in ancient civilizations. People would often turn to nature for healing purposes. For example, the Greeks believed that spending time in natural environments could improve one’s well-being and reduce stress. Indigenous persons also have a long history of using nature as a form of healing. They incorporate elements such as herbal medicine and rituals in their practices.
But how did nature therapy become a formalized treatment option?In the 19th century, a Scottish physician, Duncan McDougall, proposed that fresh air and exercise could support mental health. He observed that patients who worked outdoors showed significant improvements in their symptoms compared to those treated indoors. This idea was further supported by the work of Sigmund Freud. He suggested that walking in nature could help with psychoanalytic treatment.
As science and technology advanced, researchers began to study the connection between nature and healing more closely. In the 1980s, Dr. Roger Ulrich discovered that patients recovered faster after surgery with a view of nature rather than a brick wall. Since then, numerous studies have confirmed the positive effects of nature on our mental and emotional well-being.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Nature Therapy
Research has shown that spending time in nature can positively impact our psychological well-being. A study published in the Frontiers of Psychology found that individuals who spent at least 20 minutes in nature had lower levels of cortisol. This is also known as the “stress hormone.” This decrease in cortisol was associated with an improvement in mood and overall well-being.
Another study from the University of Exeter found that individuals living near green spaces reported fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. All compared to those living in more urban areas. The researchers also found that the benefits of nature were not limited to physical environments. This could be spending time in virtual or digital natural environments showed similar results. These studies and many others provide strong evidence for the healing power of nature. For trauma survivors, the calming and restorative effects of nature can be especially beneficial.
How Does Nature Promotes Healing?
Trauma can leave individuals feeling disconnected from their bodies and the world around them. Nature therapy offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with both. Here are some ways that nature can promote healing for trauma survivors:
Mindfulness
Spending time in nature can help individuals practice mindfulness. By focusing on the present moment and being fully immersed in nature, individuals can learn to let go of negative thoughts. But also negative emotions. This can provide a sense of calm and clarity, which is essential for healing from trauma.
Reduced Stress Levels
Being in natural environments has been shown to reduce stress levels significantly. For trauma survivors who may experience high levels of anxiety and stress, this can be particularly beneficial. Nature’s calming effects can help individuals feel more relaxed, which can improve overall well-being and reduce symptoms of PTSD.
Sense of Safety
For those who have experienced trauma, feelings of safety can be hard to come by. In nature therapy, individuals are encouraged to explore and engage with their natural surroundings while feeling supported and safe. This experience can help trauma survivors feel a sense of control and empowerment, which can aid in the healing process.
Soothing Senses
The sights, sounds, and smells of nature can be soothing for trauma survivors. These sensory experiences can help individuals feel more grounded and connected to their surroundings. This connection can be especially beneficial for those who struggle with dissociation or feeling disconnected from their bodies.
Physical Activity
Engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, gardening, or even just taking a walk can promote physical well-being. This releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress. Physical activity can also support emotional regulation and promote a sense of accomplishment and self-worth, which is essential for trauma survivors.
What are the Benefits of Nature Therapy for Trauma Survivors
Nature therapy offers a unique and valuable approach to healing from trauma. It can give them an opportunity to reconnect with their bodies, find peace and calmness in the present moment, and build resilience. Here are some specific benefits of nature therapy for trauma survivors:
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. Trauma survivors may experience high levels of stress and anxiety. Nature therapy can provide a safe and calming environment to find relief. Additionally, the physical benefits of outdoor activities can also help reduce stress and tension in the body.
Enhanced Emotional Regulation
When in nature, there is the sun on your skin, the smell of flowers in the air, and the sound of birds chirping. These sensory experiences can help individuals regulate their emotions and find a sense of calmness. Nature therapy offers a space for trauma survivors to learn coping mechanisms and practice self-regulation in a supportive environment.
Improved Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
Engaging in physical activities in nature can improve self-esteem and self-confidence for trauma survivors. Accomplishing tasks such as climbing a mountain or completing a hike can give individuals a sense of accomplishment and boost their self-worth. Being in nature can also offer a peaceful and safe environment to challenge oneself and build self-confidence.
Building Resilience
Nature therapy can help trauma survivors build resilience. It can provide a safe and supportive environment to face challenges. The calming and restorative effects of nature can also help individuals learn coping skills and find strength in difficult times. Engaging in physical activities can also promote a sense of accomplishment and self-worth, which are essential components of resilience.
Working with a trauma therapist in Roswell, GA or attending trauma therapy in Atlanta, GA can provide a unique and effective approach to healing from trauma. By incorporating nature into the trauma-informed therapeutic process, individuals can tap into the healing power of the outdoors and experience its many benefits. If you are a trauma survivor seeking support, consider exploring nature therapy as part of your journey towards recovery. The beautiful natural landscapes of Roswell, GA and Atlanta, GA can be a source of healing and growth for you.
Learn More About Nature Therapy From a Trauma Therapist in Roswell, GA or Trauma Therapy in Atlanta, GA
Nature therapy has been proven to be a powerful tool for healing from trauma. If you are interested in learning more about nature therapy and how it can benefit you, consider reaching out to a trauma therapist in Roswell, GA. Or by attending trauma therapy in Atlanta, GA. Together with trauma therapy, nature therapy can help you find peace, resilience, and healing on your journey towards recovery. At Wellview Counseling, our therapists are dedicated to providing a warm and supportive environment for trauma survivors to heal and grow. We believe in the power of nature and its ability to facilitate healing and positive change. If you’re ready to begin:
- Contact Wellview Counseling
- Meet with Our Therapists
- Let Nature be Your Guide to Healing!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
Our therapists at Wellview Counseling understand that each individual’s journey towards healing is unique. That’s why we offer a variety of therapy services to support individuals in their mental health and well-being. Our therapists are trained in various modalities, allowing us to provide personalized and effective treatment for a variety of concerns. We offer child counseling, teen counseling, family counseling, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, trauma and PTSD treatment, therapy for those with a chronic illness, and more. Regardless of the challenge you face, our therapists are here to help. Our office is in Roswell, GA, but we also offer online therapy to anyone in Georgia. Don’t let trauma or any other challenges hold you back from living a fulfilling life.
About the Author
Introducing Ashley Bobo, MSW, LCSW, a compassionate therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting trauma survivors. Ashley understands the profound impact trauma can have on setting resolutions and moving forward. She offers a safe and nurturing space where individuals can find the support they need to navigate their healing journey. Ashley collaborates with our team of trained therapists who provide trauma therapy, such as EMDR. At Wellview Counseling, we are dedicated to helping you heal, grow, and thrive. Discover how trauma therapy can make a difference in your life. Visit us at wellviewcounseling.com to learn more.