What is it?
“As with all my work, whether it’s a leaf on a rock or ice on a rock, I’m trying to get beneath the surface appearance of things. Working the surface of a stone is an attempt to understand the internal energy of the stone.“
Andy Goldsworthy, Land artist
N/nature
For the understanding and clarification for this website and to understand my general philosophy ‘Nature’ with a capital ‘N’ is a noun, a being, a thing. The setting, locations and materials you might use are represented by ‘nature’ with a small ‘n’. At times, Nature and nature are so intertwined that it is appropriate to use N/nature on this website.
Eco Art Therapy
The use of the natural world in art therapy practice is developing and evolving and a definitive definition would be helpful. Dr. Theresa Sweeny Ph.D.,Ed.D, claims she is the founder of ‘Eco Art Therapy.’ She viewed eco-art therapy as an applied ecopsychology. Dr. Michael Cohen, Founder and Director of Project Nature Connect provides a working definition: ‘Eco-Art Therapy is a revolutionary blending of art therapy with ecopsychology. It is a fun, creative way of tapping into Nature’s restorative powers for healing of body, mind and spirit.’
Nature-based Art Therapy (NBAT) and Nature-based Art Psychotherapy (NBAPT)*
Nature – based art psychotherapy would be theory and practice based on an integration of art therapy and art psychotherapy practices with nature-based practices aligned with ecotherapy theories. Where eco-art therapy has a bias towards ecopsychology and working with clients in ways to restore earth and planetary needs, almost (but not necessarily) with an activist spirit; nature-based art therapy and nature-based art psychotherapy is a modality where clients can work on their own needs first, within N/nature. The focus being on the therapeutic relationship, the art making processes by the client and therapist and the interactions with, within and in-between self, ‘other’ and N/nature.
The art therapist having an awareness of ecopsychology may direct clients towards alternative global environmental perspectives as and when appropriate.
*Some mental health professionals will interchange nature-based art therapy and nature-based art psychotherapy with Eco Art Therapy and Eco Art Psychotherapy to mean the same practice and it sounds more succinct. They are similar and I am happy to tailor to what you need and want for your ‘nature-based’ or ‘eco’ therapy programme.
Shaw’s 2019 Eco Art Psychotherapy model
Nature-based Expressive Arts Therapy
According to Sally Atkins and Melia Snyder (2018), a nature-based approach includes the basic concepts of expressive arts work and expands them to include and emphasize the human relationship within the more-than-human world. Snyder writes, “three healing dynamics are at work in nature-based expressive arts: the therapeutic relationship, the art making process and the creative process of the Earth.” As a poet myself, I am happy to explore with you other channels of creative expression to process emotions, such as the use of poetry inspired by our sessions with N/nature.
Contact me to discuss what format of Nature Based Art Therapy suits you best, emotionally and practically.
No experience necessary, bring yourself, an image taking device and an open mind.
“I couldn’t believe a storm was brewing and then dissipating as I processed the recent tension with my sister.”