Nature-Based Allied Health Practice
Creative and Evidence-Based Strategies
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The benefits of interacting with nature for our social, cognitive, and physical wellbeing are well documented. But how practical is it to take therapy into nature, or bring nature into therapy?
This evidence-based and accessible guide demonstrates easily workable, creative, tried-and-tested strategies for bringing nature into therapy. It includes simple and fun ready-to-go activity ideas. Using the life-course as a framework, the authors highlight the impact of nature at every stage of human development. From younger children to older adults, anyone can benefit from outdoor therapy, and different therapeutic offerings can be adapted to suit most individuals and groups. Resources are included to help assess a program's readiness to incorporate nature, create plans to take therapy outdoors (or bring the outside in), and evaluate the impact it could have for patients or clients.
With testimonials from service users who have felt the benefits of nature-based practices, and case studies highlighting excellence in practice from health and social care professionals across various fields, this book will inspire and empower allied health and mental health practitioners to take their therapy practice outdoors.
This evidence-based and accessible guide demonstrates easily workable, creative, tried-and-tested strategies for bringing nature into therapy. It includes simple and fun ready-to-go activity ideas. Using the life-course as a framework, the authors highlight the impact of nature at every stage of human development. From younger children to older adults, anyone can benefit from outdoor therapy, and different therapeutic offerings can be adapted to suit most individuals and groups. Resources are included to help assess a program's readiness to incorporate nature, create plans to take therapy outdoors (or bring the outside in), and evaluate the impact it could have for patients or clients.
With testimonials from service users who have felt the benefits of nature-based practices, and case studies highlighting excellence in practice from health and social care professionals across various fields, this book will inspire and empower allied health and mental health practitioners to take their therapy practice outdoors.
- Published: Oct 19 2023
- Pages: 352
- 246 x 172mm
- ISBN: 9781805010081
Press Reviews
Marlene Sotelo, EdD, BCBA-D, MT-BC
Nature-Based Allied Health Practice: Creative and Evidence Based Strategies is a wonderful and insightful book that explores the transformative power of nature as a therapeutic tool. As someone who has experienced the benefits of outdoor therapy in my practice as a music therapist, behavior analyst, and educator, I found this book to be an invaluable resource that offers a fresh perspective on the healing potential of nature. The authors expertly weave together personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical tips to illustrate how being in nature can have a profound impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In addition, the authors highlight the ways in which nature can complement therapeutic interventions in all fields. Who knew that there was such a powerful therapeutic tool waiting for you right outside your door to incorporate into your therapeutic practice.
Amy KD Tobik, Editor-in-Chief, Exceptional Needs Today
Nature-Based Allied Health Practice: Creative and Evidence-Based Strategies will transform your perception of the power of nature and its infinite possibilities as a therapeutic tool. Utilizing their extensive knowledge, authors Amy Wagenfeld and Shannon Marder inspire readers to take therapy outdoors (or bring it inside) to increase cognitive function, regulate the sensory systems, and strengthen family ties. This evidence-based and accessible guide is a must-read for those interested in interacting with nature for social, cognitive, and physical well-being. Teeming with anecdotes, scientific research, and practical tips, Nature-Based Allied Health Practice educates and inspires while providing a fresh approach.
Bronwyn Panter, Nature Occupational Therapist
Amy and Shannon's inspiring resource beautifully combines theory, evidence, and real life examples of nature based therapy. It uniquely positions nature based therapy as an evidence based intervention across the life span, empowering allied health professionals to confidently partner with nature for the wellbeing of our clients, communities and ourselves!
Mona Hanna-Attisha, Flint MI pediatrician and author of What the Eyes Don't See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City
In a time of profound mental health needs, Nature-Based Allied Health Practice is just what the doctor ordered to help all our patients heal and thrive.
Dr. Charles Christiansen Professor Emeritus and former Dean, School of Health Professions The University of Texas Medical Branch, and retired CEO, American Occupational Therapy Foundation
Prepare to be inspired and enlightened by the fusion of evidence-based approaches and the healing wisdom of nature found within the pages of this beautiful and extraordinary book.
Dr. Lolly Tai, Professor of Landscape Architecture
Amy Wagenfeld and Shannon Marder present an inspiring book that focuses on the health, therapeutic and educational benefits of taking activities outside in the natural environment. The authors provide thoughtfully organized chapters that detail the developmental tasks and health benefits gained for people of all age groups: adolescents, young adults, adults, older adults, children and families. Guidelines about how to evaluate programs as well as in-depth readiness guides for starting programs are covered in detail. The book is based on evidence-based research, and supported with case narratives and testimonials from passionate people and providers who have taken activities outside with positive results. This book is a must read for anyone interested in gaining a solid understanding of the many health benefits from taking programs outside.
Filip Maric, PT, PhD, Associate Professor, Founder and Executive Chair of the Environmental Physiotherapy Association.
Nature-Based Allied Health Practice: Creative and Evidence Based Strategies will surely become a mainstay textbook for all allied health professionals seeking to move their services outdoors as a critical element of the green transition. The UN declared access to clean and healthy environments a universal human right in July 2022 recognising the fundamental importance to health and wellbeing. Building on this even further, the creative and evidence-based strategies in this book highlight how nature is also essential for respite and recovery for people around the world. Thanks to the efforts of authors Amy Wagenfeld and Shannon Marder we now have even stronger tools to not only ensure that everyone has access to clean and healthy environments but can also enjoy their full therapeutic potential.