Wider Horizons: Drawing Inspiration from the World Around Us with Ecotherapy through Photography
As therapists, we often encourage our clients to reflect on their inner world, explore their emotions, and confront the challenges that shape their lives. But often the key to unlocking new insights and creativity doesn’t always lie within the confines of the therapy room, but instead, in the world around us. What if the answers to our deepest questions could be found in a photograph, a walk in the park, or a moment spent observing the world from a different perspective?
This is where the power of ecotherapy and the art of photography come into play. By engaging with nature or capturing moments through a lens, we can draw on the inspiration that exists all around us. Whether we’re on a solitary walk or admiring the details in a single photograph, these external experiences can become gateways to self-discovery, healing, and transformation. And as therapists, we have the privilege of guiding our clients to tap into these sources of inspiration to fuel their growth.
Ecotherapy: The Healing Power of Nature
It’s no secret that spending time in nature can have profound effects on our mental well-being and we here at Counselling Toolkit experience this first hand every time we meet a client for an ecotherapy session. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood and enhancing cognitive function, studies have long shown that time spent outdoors has a direct positive impact on mental health and this form of therapy, often referred to as ecotherapy, uses nature as a tool to promote healing and well-being.
Ecotherapy is more than just a walk in the park; it’s a practice that invites clients to reconnect with the natural world and, in turn, reconnect with themselves. In many ways, it’s about slowing down and learning to observe, whether that’s the movement of leaves in the wind, the intricate patterns in a tree’s bark, or the stillness of a nature reserve; often feeling that power without obviously noticing it, often reflected upon when one leaves that environment. The natural world offers a sanctuary where clients can find solace, perspective, and clarity an environment I often refer to as ‘the natural guide’
For clients struggling with stress, anxiety, or even more profound issues such as trauma, a simple walk in nature can provide a sense of grounding (quite literally). In the process, clients may experience a shift in perspective that allows them to look at their struggles from a new vantage point. Nature has an incredible way of putting things into perspective, reminding us that the world is vast, and our problems, though significant at the time, are part of something much larger.
From a therapeutic standpoint, ecotherapy encourages mindfulness; attuning clients to the present moment and allowing awareness of the natural beauty around them. As they step outside and engage with the world, clients begin to feel more connected not just to their environment, but to themselves. And this sense of connection can be a powerful catalyst for healing. So, next time you suggest a walk, remember it’s not just about getting steps in; it’s about engaging with the world in a way that nurtures the mind and soul.
Photography: Capturing the Essence of the World
While nature has a unique ability to heal, photography adds another layer to the equation by allowing us to see the world in new ways. Photography is more than just capturing an image; it’s about noticing the details, finding meaning in the ordinary, and looking at the world from a fresh perspective. As a tool for self-reflection, photography encourages clients to pause and observe, noticing the beauty in things they might have otherwise overlooked.
When clients take up the lens, whether as part of an ecotherapy session or as a standalone exercise, they engage with their environment in a deeper, more intentional way. A simple walk through a forest, a park, or even a bustling street can become an opportunity for exploration and self-expression. Photography invites clients to capture moments that speak to them, be it the play of light on a leaf, the way the water reflects the sky, or the patterns found in everyday life. In these moments, clients not only connect with the world around them but also with their own inner world, giving them an opportunity to express emotions and thoughts that might otherwise be difficult to articulate.
The beauty of photography as a tool in therapy is that it offers an external focus. By encouraging clients to look through the lens of a camera, we guide them to focus on something other than their internal struggles. And in doing so, they often gain clarity, inspiration, and new perspectives. Photography can help clients uncover metaphors and symbols that resonate with their personal experiences, whether they’re capturing a fleeting moment of beauty or documenting the process of personal growth.
There is also the opportunity for reflection. A photograph, like a memory, can hold meaning that goes beyond the image itself. It can capture a moment of joy, a feeling of calm, or even an unresolved emotion. When clients look back at their photos, they can reflect on what feelings come up for them when they look at the image, revealing more about their inner landscape, and how they relate to their journey of healing. Photography, much like nature itself, becomes a mirror, a reflection of their emotions, thoughts, and experiences, captured from their unique frame of reference.
The world around us offers an endless source of inspiration and wonder. Whether through the calming influence of nature or the creative expression of photography, we can help our clients step out of their normal thought patterns and engage with the world in a way that promotes healing, self-awareness, and growth. By encouraging clients to look beyond themselves and draw inspiration from the environment, we offer them the chance to explore new possibilities, find new perspectives, and ultimately, rediscover their sense of purpose and connection.
If you would like to join our next on-line course on how to engage your clients in photography then integrate exercises to unearth the unconscious then click here for our ‘Frames of Reference’ course.
References:
Jordan, M., & Hinds, J. (2016). The Therapeutic Benefits of Ecotherapy: A Review of the Evidence. Journal of Mental Health, 25(3), 231-241.
Sullivan, K. (2018). Photography and Well-Being: Exploring the Relationship between Photography and Emotional Health. Journal of Visual Culture, 17(2), 187-205.
