What is Ecotherapy?
In an age where so much of daily life is dominated by screens, schedules, and stress, reconnecting with nature has become more than a pleasant pastime; it has emerged as a recognised therapeutic approach. Ecotherapy (sometimes referred to as nature therapy or green therapy) describes a broad range of practices that aim to improve mental and physical well-being through engagement with the natural world.
At its heart, ecotherapy is based on the idea that humans are part of nature, not separate from it. When we immerse ourselves in natural environments (whether by walking along a woodland path, gardening, or interacting with animals), we tap into something deeply restorative. The natural world provides perspective, calm, and grounding; it invites mindfulness and connection, helping individuals to regulate their emotions and reduce stress.
Whilst the term ecotherapy is relatively modern, the concept is ancient. Many traditional cultures have long recognised the healing power of the earth, water, and sky. In Japan, the government has even endorsed shinrin-yoku (or forest bathing), a practice that encourages people to immerse themselves in woodland environments to restore physical and emotional well-being. Far from being mere recreation, shinrin-yoku invites participants to open their senses to the natural world: to walk slowly among trees, notice the play of light and shadow, listen to birdsong, and breathe in the forest air. Scientific studies in Japan have shown that regular forest bathing can lower blood pressure, boost immune function, and significantly reduce stress levels.
Similar nature-based traditions can be found around the world. In Scandinavian countries, the concept of friluftsliv – meaning “open-air living”, celebrates the rejuvenating power of spending time outdoors, whatever the weather. In many Indigenous cultures, nature has always been regarded as a living system to which humans belong, not something separate to be conquered. Ceremonies and rituals are often centred around natural elements (water, fire, earth, and air), reflecting a deep reverence for balance and interconnection. In the United Kingdom, initiatives such as “green prescribing” are reviving this wisdom in a modern context, with doctors recommending time in nature or community gardening as part of treatment for anxiety and depression.
Today, these time-honoured practices are supported by a growing body of scientific research showing that time spent in nature can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, enhance mood, and even improve immune function.
The benefits of Ecotherapy
The therapeutic benefits of nature are wide-ranging and increasingly well-documented. Ecotherapy can be beneficial for people experiencing a variety of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction.
- Reduction in stress and anxiety: Simply being outdoors can lower cortisol levels. Natural light boosts serotonin production, whilst fresh air and gentle movement calm the nervous system. Activities such as forest bathing (the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku) encourage a slow, mindful connection with the environment, reducing anxiety symptoms and promoting relaxation.
- Improved mood and self-esteem: Nature offers space to reflect and reset. Accomplishing small, tangible goals, such as planting seeds or caring for animals, can enhance confidence and a sense of purpose. For individuals in recovery, these simple, nurturing acts help rebuild self-worth and connection after periods of disconnection or self-neglect.
- Enhanced social connection: Many ecotherapy programmes are group-based, combining the benefits of community with the therapeutic effects of the outdoors. Shared experiences in nature, such as walking groups, conservation projects, or animal-assisted sessions, encourage cooperation, empathy, and trust.
- Physical health improvements: Ecotherapy often involves gentle movement, walking, gardening, or horse care, all of which support overall physical health. Exposure to natural sunlight increases vitamin D levels, known to influence mood and immunity.
- Mindfulness and grounding: The natural world naturally invites presence. Focusing on sensory details —the feel of grass underfoot, the sound of birds, the scent of pine —brings awareness into the body and out of anxious or ruminative thoughts. Many mindfulness practices used in therapy can be enhanced when practised outdoors.
Animal-assisted and equine-facilitated therapy at Ibiza Calm
One of the most powerful forms of ecotherapy offered at Ibiza Calm is equine-facilitated therapy. Horses are exceptionally intuitive animals, highly sensitive to human emotion and non-verbal communication. Working alongside them provides clients with immediate feedback about their own emotional state, behaviours, and interpersonal patterns.
Equine therapy does not involve riding; rather, it focuses on building a relationship of trust and respect through groundwork, observation, and care. Under the guidance of trained equine psychotherapists, clients may learn to groom, lead, or simply spend time with these magnificent animals.
The process can be profoundly revealing. Horses mirror human energy; they respond calmly to calmness and with unease to agitation. Learning to connect with a horse requires patience, honesty, and emotional regulation. For individuals recovering from addiction or trauma, it becomes a safe, non-judgmental space to explore feelings, boundaries, and communication.
At Ibiza Calm, equine therapy is a key component of our holistic treatment approach. Our sessions take place weekly at a private, secluded farm in the hills of Santa Gertrudis, offering a tranquil, safe environment for clients to engage with the horses. Each session is carefully managed and facilitated by a qualified, registered psychotherapist who is also a certified LEAP practitioner. This professional guidance ensures that every interaction with the horses is both therapeutic and insightful, helping clients develop emotional awareness, trust, and a deeper connection to themselves in the serene Ibizan countryside.
Other ecotherapeutic elements at Ibiza Calm
Ibiza Calm’s approach to healing is inherently ecotherapeutic. The clinic’s tranquil setting offers an immediate sense of peace. From the moment clients arrive, they are surrounded by nature.
Several aspects of daily life at the clinic integrate natural healing principles:
- Therapeutic gardens: The landscaped gardens and grounds invite reflection and relaxation. Clients are encouraged to spend time outdoors; journalling, meditating, or simply enjoying the view.
- Outdoor mindfulness and yoga: Regular yoga and mindfulness sessions often take place outside, allowing participants to connect breath with the rhythm of the natural world. Feeling the warmth of the sun or the gentle movement of a breeze helps people feel grounded and present.
- Walking and movement therapy: Gentle movement in nature supports both body and mind. Walking around the estate or guided hikes through Ibiza’s rural trails provide opportunities for quiet reflection and grounding, valuable tools for emotional regulation in recovery.
- Holistic nutrition: The philosophy of balance and connection extends to what clients eat. Meals at Ibiza Calm are prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reinforcing a connection to the island and its natural bounty.
- The healing power of place: Ibiza’s unique energy, long celebrated for its beauty and tranquillity, plays a role in every aspect of recovery. The island’s slower pace and abundance of natural light support rest and reflection, whilst its community of wellness professionals creates a nurturing environment for change.
Why Ecotherapy matters in recovery
For many people seeking help with mental health or addiction, life has become disconnected from self, from others, and from the natural rhythms of the world. Ecotherapy helps restore that connection. By re-engaging the senses, nurturing empathy, and encouraging mindfulness, it supports the emotional growth essential for lasting recovery.
At Ibiza Calm, ecotherapy is not simply an activity but a philosophy woven throughout the treatment experience. Whether through equine sessions, outdoor mindfulness, or simply spending quiet time under an Ibizan sky, nature becomes both teacher and healer. Clients rediscover calm, clarity, and a renewed sense of belonging, not only to the world around them but to themselves.
For more details on our tailored treatment programmes or admissions, contact sharon@ibizacalm.com.