Welcome to Ecotherapy UK
This site dedicated to developing eco-therapy, raising awareness and promoting its wider use.
Ecotherapy aims to re-connect people with an inner peace through experiencing a more natural environment and pace of life - which can help people to put their lives into perspective and renew sense-of-self. Or to find inner calm, patience, new inspiration, insight, or new approaches to problems.
The use of anti-depressants and other drug treatments on a growing number of the population has raised interest in alternative and less 'unnatural' forms of therapy, such as Eco-therapy. In 2008 the anti-depressant industry has come under increasing scrutiny due to recent research indicating the limited effectiveness of such drugs, particularly in light of the cost of medicating such a high proportion of the population - not to mention the human cost of dealing with the side-effects.
Hopefully this is an indication that a significant shift may be on the horizon for mental health policy
A recent study by Mind recommends ecotherapy to improve mental wellbeing. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) had this to say in response:
The NHS is in a very difficult position as it has to deal with competing priorities and resource constraints - hard choices have to be made and there are no easy answers. We would therefore recommend that Ecotherapy like any other treatment should be carefully researched and evaluated by NICE before it is routinely introduced. *1
Ecotherapy goes hand in hand with a diverse range of complimentary medicines and alternative treatments - from Tai Chi to hypnosis. So, it makes sense that this site should be a place for these types of techniques as well, since all these activities can help people to achieve balance through a deeper closeness with nature and themselves.
If you'd like to tell us about an Ecotherapy course, retreat organisation or event - please contact us!
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All material © copyright Ecotherapy UK 2008
Credits:
*1
The Royal College of General Practitioners comment in response to the Mind study into Ecotherapy.
www.rcgp.org.uk/news__events/news_room/news_releases_and_press_statem/2007_mind_report_ecotherapy.aspx