Different forms of green therapy
Green therapy includes different nature-based interventions designed to support both mental and physical health. These approaches benefit individuals by activating three key therapeutic elements: social support (SS), self-efficacy (SE), and behavioral activation (BA).
As the demand for high-quality services in mental health rises, green therapy continues to show promise in delivering innovative care to individuals facing psychological issues.
Horticultural therapy
This form of green therapy uses plant-based activities such as gardening to promote emotional well-being. Often provided as group therapy, it fosters social support in a safe and interactive setting. Completing tasks like planting or weeding gives individuals a boost in self-efficacy and accomplishment.
The physical activity involved serves as gentle behavioral activation, which helps those dealing with stress or depression. Programs like these align with the broader mission of holistic health care by providing accessible services that reconnect customers with nature.
Animal-assisted interventions
These interventions involve therapeutic interaction with animals, including dogs, horses, or even small farm animals. The connection formed between an animal and an individual is often less complex than human relationships, making it ideal for enhancing social support. Participating in tasks such as grooming or feeding boosts self-efficacy, while walking or petting the animals ensures active behavioral engagement.
In some wellness settings, green therapy may be complemented by adjunct approaches, including the responsible use of cannabis products, edibles, or concentrates—under professional supervision—to aid in relaxation and trauma recovery.
Care farming
Care farming involves individuals in farm activities like milking, feeding, or herding livestock, all guided by a therapeutic farmer. The team-oriented nature of these activities cultivates strong social support, while mastering challenging farm tasks enhances self-efficacy. These physical and purposeful routines act as reliable behavioral activation.
As a green therapy method, care farming embodies the goal of delivering healing through nature and work, improving mental health services with an emphasis on quality and self-reliance.
Green exercise
Whether it's a walk in the park or cycling along a trail, green exercise merges physical activity with the restorative effects of nature. Group exercises foster social support, while learning new outdoor skills gradually increases self-efficacy. The movement itself functions as behavioral activation, improving both mood and cognition.
Wilderness therapy
Used especially with youth, wilderness therapy takes individuals out of their usual environments into the healing power of the wild. Group-based camping trips increase social support and foster teamwork. Activities like hiking, preparing campfires, and cooking in remote areas build self-efficacy and promote self-discovery.
These experiences also serve as active behavioral activation. Programs like these are increasingly incorporated into integrative health services, especially in regions like DC, where urban dwellers seek natural escapes for peace. These programs may even work alongside cannabis-informed care, when legally supported, to help individuals process trauma or manage long-term mental health issues.
