The Asia Experiential Education Association, in collaboration with the The Society of Wilderness, National Open University of Taiwan, and Taiwan Association of Psychotherapy, recently organized two remarkable Green Care series events.Green Care is a holistic approach that seamlessly blends the human mind with the natural world, creating a harmonious connection between individuals and their environment. It encompasses practices like horticultural therapy, animal-assisted therapy, forest healing, and adventure therapy, all designed to reintegrate people with nature.
Event 1: “Reflecting DNA: Reflective Techniques in Green Care” Workshop:
The first event featured an enlightening workshop led by a seasoned psychologist with extensive experience in adventure therapy. The workshop kicked off with a unique exercise: participants placed their hands behind their backs, and the facilitators placed various seeds in their hands. Subsequently, participants were encouraged to explore the shape and texture of these seeds and, through interaction and description, connect with others who held the same seeds. This simple yet profound activity seamlessly brought the gifts of nature into the classroom.
The workshop ingeniously combined elements of Green Care with adventure therapy techniques such as the Adventure Wave and the 4F theory. The DNA metaphor was employed as a framework for reflection, highlighting the interplay of these two theories in reflective practices. Through activities like the High 5 Mingle and dynamic reflection, commonly used in adventure therapy, participants engaged directly in experiential learning, providing them with valuable insights to apply in future program design.
Event 2: “2023 Outdoor Behavioral Health Care Symposium: Wilderness x Adventure x Therapy”:
The second event brought together five distinguished speakers who shared their expertise on various aspects of Green Care. First, the concept of green prescriptions beyond the conventional medical system was introduced, expanding the horizons of promoting mental health. Following this, two clinical psychologists delved into the intricacies of Green Care. One approached it from the perspective of existential hypnotherapy, elucidating the profound experiences of body-environment interaction fostered in adventure therapy and proposing nuanced strategies for adventure therapists. However, the high-intensity physical and mental challenges posed by adventure activities also carry the risk of triggering trauma responses. Subsequently, another psychologist discussed the delicate balance between adventure and care from a trauma-informed standpoint.
During the afternoon session, a lecturer drew from positive youth development theory to explore program design and assessment in adventure therapy. What might have seemed theoretical came to life under the guidance of the lecturer, inspiring lively discussions and a continuous flow of innovative ideas. Finally, the last speaker, a tree-climbing coach and advocate, shared heartwarming anecdotes illustrating how tree climbing can serve as a bonding activity in parent-child relationships. These presentations collectively highlighted the diverse facets of Green Care and its potential for enriching lives.
Conclusion:
Green Care offers a unique opportunity for individuals to reconnect with the natural world, fostering harmony between the body and the environment. It redirects attention from the virtual realms created by technology back to the tangible beauty of real-life experiences. These two events underscored a myriad of ways to adapt modern lifestyles, enabling individuals to rediscover the healing potential of nature—a prescription we all need !
