Horticultural Therapy & Health Services
Health services that use horticulture as an integral part within a therapeutic modality framework include:
Horticultural therapy (HT) & Therapeutic horticulture (TH)
Allied therapeutic modalities- (occupational, recreation, physical therapy)
Nature-based therapies- (ecotherapy, ecopsychology, wilderness camps, aromatherapy, forest bathing, veteran to farmer programs)
Some of these disciplines and programs require specialized training and credentialing.
Horticultural therapy (HT) & Therapeutic horticulture (TH)
Allied therapeutic modalities- (occupational, recreation, physical therapy)
Nature-based therapies- (ecotherapy, ecopsychology, wilderness camps, aromatherapy, forest bathing, veteran to farmer programs)
Some of these disciplines and programs require specialized training and credentialing.
HORTICULTURAL THERAPY & THERAPEUTIC HORTICULTURE (HT & TH)
Key Organization
The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA)
“Horticultural Therapy (HT) is the participation in horticultural activities facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist to achieve specific goals within an established treatment, rehabilitation, or vocational plan. Horticultural therapy is an active process which occurs in the context of an established treatment plan where the process itself is considered the therapeutic activity rather than the end product.
Therapeutic Horticulture (TH) is the participation in horticultural activities facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist or other professionals with training in the use of horticulture as a therapeutic modality to support program goals. Therapeutic horticulture is the process through which participants enhance their well-being through active or passive involvement in plant and plant-related activities” (AHTA, 2021).
“Horticultural Therapy (HT) is the participation in horticultural activities facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist to achieve specific goals within an established treatment, rehabilitation, or vocational plan. Horticultural therapy is an active process which occurs in the context of an established treatment plan where the process itself is considered the therapeutic activity rather than the end product.
Therapeutic Horticulture (TH) is the participation in horticultural activities facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist or other professionals with training in the use of horticulture as a therapeutic modality to support program goals. Therapeutic horticulture is the process through which participants enhance their well-being through active or passive involvement in plant and plant-related activities” (AHTA, 2021).
Books, journals & epublications on horticultural therapy & therapeutic horticulture
AHTA Magazine
American Horticultural Therapy Association Resources
Cultivate epublication
Digging In epublication
Cooper Marcus, C. & Sachs, N. (2013). Therapeutic Landscapes: An Evidence-Based Approach to
Designing Healing Gardens and Restorative Outdoor Spaces. Wiley.
Fleming, L. (2016). Therapeutic Horticulture A Practitioner’s Perspective. Smashwords.
Haller, R, Kennedy, K. & Capra, C. (2019). The Profession and Practice of Horticultural Therapy. CRC Press.
Haller, R. L., and C. L. Kramer. 2006. Horticultural Therapy Methods: Making Connections in Health
Care, Human Service, and Community Programs. Binghamton, NY: Hawthorne Press.
Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture
Layman, G. (2018). Gather & Make. Azara Publishing.
American Horticultural Therapy Association Resources
Cultivate epublication
Digging In epublication
Cooper Marcus, C. & Sachs, N. (2013). Therapeutic Landscapes: An Evidence-Based Approach to
Designing Healing Gardens and Restorative Outdoor Spaces. Wiley.
Fleming, L. (2016). Therapeutic Horticulture A Practitioner’s Perspective. Smashwords.
Haller, R, Kennedy, K. & Capra, C. (2019). The Profession and Practice of Horticultural Therapy. CRC Press.
Haller, R. L., and C. L. Kramer. 2006. Horticultural Therapy Methods: Making Connections in Health
Care, Human Service, and Community Programs. Binghamton, NY: Hawthorne Press.
Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture
Layman, G. (2018). Gather & Make. Azara Publishing.
Research & articles on horticultural therapy & therapeutic horticulture
Recently published selected research & articles:
Blake M. & Mitchell, G. (2016). Horticultural therapy in dementia care: A literature review. Nurs Stand.
30(21), 41-7.
Chua, M, Tan, J, Lee, S, Sia, A, Ng, MKW, Mahendran, R, Kua, EH, Ho, RCM. & Larbi, A. (2021).
Horticultural therapy reduces biomarkers of immunosenescence and inflammaging in
community-dwelling older adults: A feasibility pilot randomized controlled trial. J Gerontol A
Biol Sci Med Sci. 76(2), 307-317.
Diehl, E. & Park Brown, S. (2016). Horticultural therapy. University of Florida AFAS Extension.
Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP145
Fleming, L. & Wilson, C. (2021). Compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue [applications for
HT]. Digging In 7(4), 1-3.
Fleming, L. (2021). Superfood garlic: Applications for people-plant programs. Digging In 7(3), 1-3.
Hart, B. & Zanskas, S. (2021). Cultivating care: Trauma, homeless veterans, and nature-based therapy.
Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture 31(1), 25-38.
Harvey, ML, Bowman, K. & Karr, A. (2021). The gardening spirit: Evidence that frequency of gardening
precisely predicts ecospirituality. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture 31(1), 1-9.
Lu, LC, Lan, SH, Hsieh, YP, Yen, YY, Chen, JC. & Lan, SJ. (2020). Horticultural therapy in patients with
dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal Alzheimers Disease &
Other Dementias 35, 1533317519883498
Meore, A. et al. (2021). Pilot evaluation of horticultural therapy in improving overall wellness in
veterans with history of suicidality. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 59, 102728.
Millet, P. (2009). Integrating horticulture into the vocational rehabilitation process of Individuals with
fatigue, chronic fatigue, and burnout: A theoretical model. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture
19, 11-22.
Nicholas, SO, Giang, AT. & Yap, PLK. (2019). The effectiveness of horticultural therapy on older
adults: A systematic review. Journal American Medical Directors Association 20(10):
1351.e1-1351.e11.
Palsdottir, AM, O’Brien, L, Varning Poulson, D. & Dolling, A. (2021). Exploring a migrant’s sense of
belonging through participation in a urban agricultural vocational training program in Sweden. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture 31(1), 10-24.
Shao, Y, Elsadek, M. & Liu, B. (2020). Horticultural activity: Its contribution to stress recovery and
wellbeing for children. Int J Environ Res Public Health 17(4), 1229.
Siu, AMH, Kam, M. & Mok I. (2020). Horticultural therapy program for people with mental illness: A
mixed-method evaluation. Int J Environ Res Public Health 17(3), 711.
Tu, HM. & Chiu, PY. (2020). Meta-analysis of controlled trials testing horticultural therapy for the
improvement of cognitive function. Sci Rep. 10(1), 14637.
Zhao, Y, Liu, Y. & Wang, Z. (2020). Effectiveness of horticultural therapy in people with dementia:
quantitative systematic review. Journal Clinical Nursing.
Blake M. & Mitchell, G. (2016). Horticultural therapy in dementia care: A literature review. Nurs Stand.
30(21), 41-7.
Chua, M, Tan, J, Lee, S, Sia, A, Ng, MKW, Mahendran, R, Kua, EH, Ho, RCM. & Larbi, A. (2021).
Horticultural therapy reduces biomarkers of immunosenescence and inflammaging in
community-dwelling older adults: A feasibility pilot randomized controlled trial. J Gerontol A
Biol Sci Med Sci. 76(2), 307-317.
Diehl, E. & Park Brown, S. (2016). Horticultural therapy. University of Florida AFAS Extension.
Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP145
Fleming, L. & Wilson, C. (2021). Compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue [applications for
HT]. Digging In 7(4), 1-3.
Fleming, L. (2021). Superfood garlic: Applications for people-plant programs. Digging In 7(3), 1-3.
Hart, B. & Zanskas, S. (2021). Cultivating care: Trauma, homeless veterans, and nature-based therapy.
Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture 31(1), 25-38.
Harvey, ML, Bowman, K. & Karr, A. (2021). The gardening spirit: Evidence that frequency of gardening
precisely predicts ecospirituality. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture 31(1), 1-9.
Lu, LC, Lan, SH, Hsieh, YP, Yen, YY, Chen, JC. & Lan, SJ. (2020). Horticultural therapy in patients with
dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal Alzheimers Disease &
Other Dementias 35, 1533317519883498
Meore, A. et al. (2021). Pilot evaluation of horticultural therapy in improving overall wellness in
veterans with history of suicidality. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 59, 102728.
Millet, P. (2009). Integrating horticulture into the vocational rehabilitation process of Individuals with
fatigue, chronic fatigue, and burnout: A theoretical model. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture
19, 11-22.
Nicholas, SO, Giang, AT. & Yap, PLK. (2019). The effectiveness of horticultural therapy on older
adults: A systematic review. Journal American Medical Directors Association 20(10):
1351.e1-1351.e11.
Palsdottir, AM, O’Brien, L, Varning Poulson, D. & Dolling, A. (2021). Exploring a migrant’s sense of
belonging through participation in a urban agricultural vocational training program in Sweden. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture 31(1), 10-24.
Shao, Y, Elsadek, M. & Liu, B. (2020). Horticultural activity: Its contribution to stress recovery and
wellbeing for children. Int J Environ Res Public Health 17(4), 1229.
Siu, AMH, Kam, M. & Mok I. (2020). Horticultural therapy program for people with mental illness: A
mixed-method evaluation. Int J Environ Res Public Health 17(3), 711.
Tu, HM. & Chiu, PY. (2020). Meta-analysis of controlled trials testing horticultural therapy for the
improvement of cognitive function. Sci Rep. 10(1), 14637.
Zhao, Y, Liu, Y. & Wang, Z. (2020). Effectiveness of horticultural therapy in people with dementia:
quantitative systematic review. Journal Clinical Nursing.
Examples of horticultural therapy & therapeutic horticulture programs
The Therapeutic Horticulture Program at Wilmot Botanical Gardens University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Programs for veterans, student wellness group, alumni, women veterans, Florida Recovery Center groups.
Rehab South Florida, Lantana, FL
Program for people overcome emotional & cognitive challenges in a rehab setting.
Plants & People Horticultural Therapy Program @ Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, FL.
Programs for individuals living with dementia and children with autism spectrum disorder along with care partners and family.
Chicago Botanic Garden Horticultural Therapy Services, Chicago, IL.
A variety of services are available including direct service, consultation, & speakers.
Programs for veterans, student wellness group, alumni, women veterans, Florida Recovery Center groups.
Rehab South Florida, Lantana, FL
Program for people overcome emotional & cognitive challenges in a rehab setting.
Plants & People Horticultural Therapy Program @ Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, FL.
Programs for individuals living with dementia and children with autism spectrum disorder along with care partners and family.
Chicago Botanic Garden Horticultural Therapy Services, Chicago, IL.
A variety of services are available including direct service, consultation, & speakers.
Videos & webinars on horticultural therapy & therapeutic recreation
ALLIED THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES
These include occupational, physical, recreation therapy where horticulture is used as therapeutic activity, using adaptive gardening tools and techniques & garden settings. Health providers across disciplines including counsellors, social workers, nutritionists, & mental health staff also use horticulture in their services.
These include occupational, physical, recreation therapy where horticulture is used as therapeutic activity, using adaptive gardening tools and techniques & garden settings. Health providers across disciplines including counsellors, social workers, nutritionists, & mental health staff also use horticulture in their services.
key organizations
Books, journals & epublications on allied therapeutic modalities
Research & articles on allied therapeutic modalities
Recently published selected research & articles:
Fleming, L., House, B. & Kirby, J. (2018). Half-day intensive grow your professional skills: Gardening, gardens & therapeutic horticulture [for recreation professionals]. Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association.
Kaplanis, G.F. (2019). Harnessing nature for occupational therapy: Interventions and health promotions. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University College of Health Care Sciences. Retrieved from https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1065&context=hpd_ot_student_dissertations
OTDUDE (2021). Occupational therapy gardening ideas for adults (& kids). Retrieved from https://www.otdude.com/ot-practice/occupational-therapy-gardening-ideas-for-adults/
Pieters, H.C, Ayala, L., Schneider, A., Wicks, N., Levine-Dickman, A. & Clinton, S. (2018). Gardening on a psychiatric inpatient unit: Cultivating recovery. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing 33(1): 57-64. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2018.10.001
Porter, J. Y., & Porter, W. C. (2010). Transforming counseling pedagogy with horticulture therapy techniques. http://counselingoutfitters.com/vistas/vistas10/Article_52.pdf
Wagenfeld, A., & Atchison, B. (2014). Putting the occupation back in occupational therapy: A survey Of occupational therapy practitioners’ use of gardening as an intervention. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy 2(4).
Fleming, L., House, B. & Kirby, J. (2018). Half-day intensive grow your professional skills: Gardening, gardens & therapeutic horticulture [for recreation professionals]. Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association.
Kaplanis, G.F. (2019). Harnessing nature for occupational therapy: Interventions and health promotions. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University College of Health Care Sciences. Retrieved from https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1065&context=hpd_ot_student_dissertations
OTDUDE (2021). Occupational therapy gardening ideas for adults (& kids). Retrieved from https://www.otdude.com/ot-practice/occupational-therapy-gardening-ideas-for-adults/
Pieters, H.C, Ayala, L., Schneider, A., Wicks, N., Levine-Dickman, A. & Clinton, S. (2018). Gardening on a psychiatric inpatient unit: Cultivating recovery. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing 33(1): 57-64. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2018.10.001
Porter, J. Y., & Porter, W. C. (2010). Transforming counseling pedagogy with horticulture therapy techniques. http://counselingoutfitters.com/vistas/vistas10/Article_52.pdf
Wagenfeld, A., & Atchison, B. (2014). Putting the occupation back in occupational therapy: A survey Of occupational therapy practitioners’ use of gardening as an intervention. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy 2(4).
Examples of allied therapeutic modalities
The Mobility Garden at Sarasota Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Pavillion in Sarasota, FL.
Occupational therapists use the Mobility Garden for treatment of compromised physical abilities.
LeadingAge Florida association and Eldergrow GARDEN project across Florida
Funded in 2021 from the Agency for Health Care Administration to implement therapeutic horticulture programs at 22 nursing homes in Florida.
Occupational therapists use the Mobility Garden for treatment of compromised physical abilities.
LeadingAge Florida association and Eldergrow GARDEN project across Florida
Funded in 2021 from the Agency for Health Care Administration to implement therapeutic horticulture programs at 22 nursing homes in Florida.
Videos & webinars of allied therapeutic modalities
Related organizations
NATURE-BASED THERAPIES & INTERVENTIONS
Included in this category are all types of nature-based therapies & interventions, ecotherapy, ecopsychology, ecowellness, wilderness camps, aromatherapy, forest bathing and forest therapy where horticulture places a significant role.
Included in this category are all types of nature-based therapies & interventions, ecotherapy, ecopsychology, ecowellness, wilderness camps, aromatherapy, forest bathing and forest therapy where horticulture places a significant role.
Key Organizations
Books, journals & epublications on nature-based therapy & interventions
Aromatics in Action journal from the Alliance of International Aromatherapists
Buzzell, L. & Chalquist, C. (Eds.). (2002). Ecotherapy: Healing with nature in mind. Sierra Club Books.
Ecopsychology journal
Harper, N.J. & Rose, K. (2019). Nature-based therapy: A practitioner’s guide to working outdoors with
children, youth, and families. New Society Publishers.
Journal of Ecopsychology
Journal of Environmental Psychology
McGeeney A. (2016). With nature in mind: The ecotherapy manual for mental health professionals.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Nature and Health (2021). Publications
Research Digest journal from Children & Nature Network
Stigsdotter, U.K, Palsdottir, A.M, Burls, A, Chermaz, A, Ferrini, F. & Grahn, P. (2010). Nature-based
therapeutic interventions. In K. Nilsson M. Sangster, C. Gallis, T. Hartig, S. deVries, K. Seeland, & J. Schipperijn (Eds.) Forests, trees and human health. Springer.
Buzzell, L. & Chalquist, C. (Eds.). (2002). Ecotherapy: Healing with nature in mind. Sierra Club Books.
Ecopsychology journal
Harper, N.J. & Rose, K. (2019). Nature-based therapy: A practitioner’s guide to working outdoors with
children, youth, and families. New Society Publishers.
Journal of Ecopsychology
Journal of Environmental Psychology
McGeeney A. (2016). With nature in mind: The ecotherapy manual for mental health professionals.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Nature and Health (2021). Publications
Research Digest journal from Children & Nature Network
Stigsdotter, U.K, Palsdottir, A.M, Burls, A, Chermaz, A, Ferrini, F. & Grahn, P. (2010). Nature-based
therapeutic interventions. In K. Nilsson M. Sangster, C. Gallis, T. Hartig, S. deVries, K. Seeland, & J. Schipperijn (Eds.) Forests, trees and human health. Springer.
Research & articles on nature-based therapies & interventions
Recently published selected research & articles:
Antonelli, M., Barbieri, G. & Donelli, D. (2019). Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on levels of
cortisol as a stress biomarker: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Biometeorology 63(8):1117–1134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-019-01717-x
Bang, K.S., Lee, I. & Kim, S. (2017). The effects of a campus forest-walking program on undergraduate
and graduate students' physical and psychological health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14(7). doi: 10.3390/ijerph14070728
Blaschke, S., O’Callaghan, C.C. & Schofield, P. (2017). Identifying opportunties for nature engagement
in cancer care practice and design: Protocol for four-round modified electronic Delphi. BMJ Open 7(3) e013527. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013527
Chaudhury, P. & Banerjee, D. (2020). Recovering with nature: A review of ecotherapy and
implications for the OVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Public Health 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.604440
Clatworthy, J., Hinds, J. & Camic, P.M. (2013). Gardening as a mental health intervention: A review.
Mental Health Review Journal 18(4):214–225. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-02-2013-0007
Coventry, P.A., Brown, J.E., Pervin, J., Brabyn, S., Pateman, R., Breedvelt, J., Gilbody, S., Stancliffe, R.,
McEachan, R. & White, P.L. (2021). Nature-based outdoor activities for mental and physical health: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SSM Popul Health 16:100934. doi: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100934
Eskilsson, R. & Palsdottir, AM. (20xx). Qualities for rest and recovery in nature-based rehabilitation at
Grona Rehab, Sweden. Acta Horticulturae (in press).
Fleming, L. (2015). Veteran to farmer programs: An emerging nature-based programming trend.
Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture 25(1):27-48.
Hansen, M.M., Jones, R. & Toccini, K. (2017). Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) and nature therapy: A
state-of-the-art review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14(851). doi: 10.3390/ijerph14080851
Hall, C. & Knuth, M. (2019). An update of the literature supporting the well-being benefits of plants: A
review of the emotional and mental health benefits of plants. Journal of Environmental Horticulture 37(1):30-38. https://doi.org/10.24266/0738-2898-37.1.30
Hatala, A., Morton, D., Njeze, C., Bird-Naytowhow, K. & Pearl, T. (2019). Reimagining miyo-
wicehtowin: Human-nature relations, land-making, and wellness among indigenous youth in a Canadian urban context. Social Science & Medicine 230:122-130.
Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework. Journal of
Environmental Psychology 15(3):169–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/0272-4944(95)90001-2
Kurth, A.M., Narvaez, D., Kohn, R. & Bae, A. (2020). Indigenous nature connection: A 3-week
intervention increased ecological attachment. Ecopsychology 12(2):101-117.
Li, Q. (2010). Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environmental Health and
Preventative Medicine 15:9-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-008-0068-3
Nadkami, N.M, Thys, T.M., Ruff, J.S., Anholt, A., Trevino, J. & Yeo, S.K. (2021). Providing virtual nature
experiences to incarcerated men reduces stress and increases interest in the environment. Ecopsychology 13(2):71-83.
Oh, K.H., Shin, W.S., Khil, T.G. & Kim, D.J. (2020). Six-step model of nature-based therapy process.
International Journal of Environmental Research Public Health 17(3):685. https://doi.org/-
10.3390/ijerph17030685
Painter, K. (2007). Plant seeds of healing: Nature makes you feel better. USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/painter/2007-04-15-seeds-of-healing_N.htm?csp=34
Park, B.J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kasetani, T., Kagawa, T., & Miyazaki, Y. (2008). Physiological effects of shinrin-yoku (Taking in the atmosphere of the forest) in a mixed forest in Shinano Town, Japan. Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research 23(3):278–83.
Poulsen, D.V., Stigsdotter, U.K., & Refshage, A. D. (2015). Whatever happened to the soldiers? Nature-assisted therapies for veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder: A literature review. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 14(2):438–45.
Reese, R.F. (2016). EcoWellness and guiding principles for the ethical integration of nature into
counseling. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 38(4):345–357. https://doi. org/10.1007/s10447-016-9276-5
Reese, R.F. & Myers, J.E. (2012). Ecowellness: The missing factor in holistic wellness models. Journal of Counseling and Development, 90(4):400–406. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6676.2012.00050.x
Sia, A., Tam, W., Fogel, A., Kua, E. H., Khoo, K., & Ho, R. (2020). Nature-based activities improve the well-being of older adults. Scientific reports 10(1):18178. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-74828-w
Summers, J.K. & Vivian, D.N. (2018). Ecotherapy-A forgotten ecosystem service: A review. Frontiers in
Psychology 9(1389). doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01389
Thompson, M. (2009) Reviewing ecopsychology research: Exploring five databases and considering
the future. Ecopsychology 1(1):32-37.
Twohig-Bennett, C. & Jones, A. (2018). The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic
review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes. Environmental Research, 166:628–637. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.030
Weeland, J., Moens, M.A., Beute, F., Assink, M., Staaks, J.P.C. & Overbeek, G. (2019). A dose of
nature: Two three-level meta-analyses of the beneficial effects of exposure to nature on children’s self-regulation. Journal of Environmental Psychology 65(101326). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp. 2019.101326
Wilson, E. O. (1984). Biophilia: The Human Bond with Other Species. Harvard University Press.
White, M.P., Elliott, L.R., Grellier, J., Economou, T., Bell, S., Bratman, G. N., Cirach, M., Gascon, M.
Lima, M. L., Lohmus, M., Nieuwenhuijsen, M., Ojala, A., Roiko, A., Schultz, P. W., van den Bosch, M., & Fleming, L.E. (2021). Associations between green/blue spaces and mental health across 18 countries. Scientific Reports 11(8903). doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-87675-0
Antonelli, M., Barbieri, G. & Donelli, D. (2019). Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on levels of
cortisol as a stress biomarker: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Biometeorology 63(8):1117–1134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-019-01717-x
Bang, K.S., Lee, I. & Kim, S. (2017). The effects of a campus forest-walking program on undergraduate
and graduate students' physical and psychological health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14(7). doi: 10.3390/ijerph14070728
Blaschke, S., O’Callaghan, C.C. & Schofield, P. (2017). Identifying opportunties for nature engagement
in cancer care practice and design: Protocol for four-round modified electronic Delphi. BMJ Open 7(3) e013527. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013527
Chaudhury, P. & Banerjee, D. (2020). Recovering with nature: A review of ecotherapy and
implications for the OVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Public Health 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.604440
Clatworthy, J., Hinds, J. & Camic, P.M. (2013). Gardening as a mental health intervention: A review.
Mental Health Review Journal 18(4):214–225. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-02-2013-0007
Coventry, P.A., Brown, J.E., Pervin, J., Brabyn, S., Pateman, R., Breedvelt, J., Gilbody, S., Stancliffe, R.,
McEachan, R. & White, P.L. (2021). Nature-based outdoor activities for mental and physical health: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SSM Popul Health 16:100934. doi: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100934
Eskilsson, R. & Palsdottir, AM. (20xx). Qualities for rest and recovery in nature-based rehabilitation at
Grona Rehab, Sweden. Acta Horticulturae (in press).
Fleming, L. (2015). Veteran to farmer programs: An emerging nature-based programming trend.
Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture 25(1):27-48.
Hansen, M.M., Jones, R. & Toccini, K. (2017). Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) and nature therapy: A
state-of-the-art review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14(851). doi: 10.3390/ijerph14080851
Hall, C. & Knuth, M. (2019). An update of the literature supporting the well-being benefits of plants: A
review of the emotional and mental health benefits of plants. Journal of Environmental Horticulture 37(1):30-38. https://doi.org/10.24266/0738-2898-37.1.30
Hatala, A., Morton, D., Njeze, C., Bird-Naytowhow, K. & Pearl, T. (2019). Reimagining miyo-
wicehtowin: Human-nature relations, land-making, and wellness among indigenous youth in a Canadian urban context. Social Science & Medicine 230:122-130.
Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework. Journal of
Environmental Psychology 15(3):169–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/0272-4944(95)90001-2
Kurth, A.M., Narvaez, D., Kohn, R. & Bae, A. (2020). Indigenous nature connection: A 3-week
intervention increased ecological attachment. Ecopsychology 12(2):101-117.
Li, Q. (2010). Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environmental Health and
Preventative Medicine 15:9-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-008-0068-3
Nadkami, N.M, Thys, T.M., Ruff, J.S., Anholt, A., Trevino, J. & Yeo, S.K. (2021). Providing virtual nature
experiences to incarcerated men reduces stress and increases interest in the environment. Ecopsychology 13(2):71-83.
Oh, K.H., Shin, W.S., Khil, T.G. & Kim, D.J. (2020). Six-step model of nature-based therapy process.
International Journal of Environmental Research Public Health 17(3):685. https://doi.org/-
10.3390/ijerph17030685
Painter, K. (2007). Plant seeds of healing: Nature makes you feel better. USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/painter/2007-04-15-seeds-of-healing_N.htm?csp=34
Park, B.J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kasetani, T., Kagawa, T., & Miyazaki, Y. (2008). Physiological effects of shinrin-yoku (Taking in the atmosphere of the forest) in a mixed forest in Shinano Town, Japan. Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research 23(3):278–83.
Poulsen, D.V., Stigsdotter, U.K., & Refshage, A. D. (2015). Whatever happened to the soldiers? Nature-assisted therapies for veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder: A literature review. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 14(2):438–45.
Reese, R.F. (2016). EcoWellness and guiding principles for the ethical integration of nature into
counseling. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 38(4):345–357. https://doi. org/10.1007/s10447-016-9276-5
Reese, R.F. & Myers, J.E. (2012). Ecowellness: The missing factor in holistic wellness models. Journal of Counseling and Development, 90(4):400–406. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6676.2012.00050.x
Sia, A., Tam, W., Fogel, A., Kua, E. H., Khoo, K., & Ho, R. (2020). Nature-based activities improve the well-being of older adults. Scientific reports 10(1):18178. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-74828-w
Summers, J.K. & Vivian, D.N. (2018). Ecotherapy-A forgotten ecosystem service: A review. Frontiers in
Psychology 9(1389). doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01389
Thompson, M. (2009) Reviewing ecopsychology research: Exploring five databases and considering
the future. Ecopsychology 1(1):32-37.
Twohig-Bennett, C. & Jones, A. (2018). The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic
review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes. Environmental Research, 166:628–637. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.030
Weeland, J., Moens, M.A., Beute, F., Assink, M., Staaks, J.P.C. & Overbeek, G. (2019). A dose of
nature: Two three-level meta-analyses of the beneficial effects of exposure to nature on children’s self-regulation. Journal of Environmental Psychology 65(101326). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp. 2019.101326
Wilson, E. O. (1984). Biophilia: The Human Bond with Other Species. Harvard University Press.
White, M.P., Elliott, L.R., Grellier, J., Economou, T., Bell, S., Bratman, G. N., Cirach, M., Gascon, M.
Lima, M. L., Lohmus, M., Nieuwenhuijsen, M., Ojala, A., Roiko, A., Schultz, P. W., van den Bosch, M., & Fleming, L.E. (2021). Associations between green/blue spaces and mental health across 18 countries. Scientific Reports 11(8903). doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-87675-0
Examples of nature-based therapies & interventions
Florida Center for Recovery in Fort Pierce, FL.
Programs using ecotherapy along with other modalities in addiction recovery.
The Veterans Florida Agriculture Program in Gainesville, FL.
A six-month training fellowship for transitioning veterans as vocational education for agribusiness, and other agriculture careers.
Operation Eco Vets in Sarasota FL.
Located at Green Path Veterans Farm, with support from Easterseals. Activities focus on sustainable gardening, addressing post-traumatic stress, and sense of community.
Programs using ecotherapy along with other modalities in addiction recovery.
The Veterans Florida Agriculture Program in Gainesville, FL.
A six-month training fellowship for transitioning veterans as vocational education for agribusiness, and other agriculture careers.
Operation Eco Vets in Sarasota FL.
Located at Green Path Veterans Farm, with support from Easterseals. Activities focus on sustainable gardening, addressing post-traumatic stress, and sense of community.
Videos & webinars on nature-based therapies & interventions
Rodiek, S. (2009). Access to nature for older adults [3 DVDs – 93 minutes]. Center for Health Systems & Design.
Prescribing nature for health TedxNashville
Ten principles: How and why they are so effective – EcoPsychology Initiative
Ecopsychology: Reinventing the human-nature relationship in the digital age Part 1
Science Pub – EcoWellness: Optimizing time outdoors
The art and science of forest Bathing with Dr. Quing Li
Making the case: Community engagement for equitable access to nature
Prescribing nature for health TedxNashville
Ten principles: How and why they are so effective – EcoPsychology Initiative
Ecopsychology: Reinventing the human-nature relationship in the digital age Part 1
Science Pub – EcoWellness: Optimizing time outdoors
The art and science of forest Bathing with Dr. Quing Li
Making the case: Community engagement for equitable access to nature