Pre-Congress Full Day Workshop International Positive Psychology Association 8th IPPA World Congress 2023

This workshop will introduce participants to the new frontier of nature informed therapy. Nature-informed therapy (NIT) explores nature-based methods of psychological healing, grounded in the belief that nature has profound mental health effects- specifically for anxiety and stress related challenges. This interactive workshop is pertinent to anyone who aspires to learn about as well as experience the mental health benefits of a therapeutic relationship with the natural word. Nature informed mental health seeks to improve awareness regarding the impact of the disconnect from nature on mental health, and aims to improve wellbeing by restoring the bond with nature, self, and others.

This workshop includes guided relaxation (mostly mindfulness and breathing techniques), forest therapy invitations, therapeutic group conversations, and ecological identity assessments.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Explore their personal eco-identity and the role of eco-separation as a key player in human dis-ease
• Explore existing ecological models of psychological well-being
• Assess one’s current ecological wellness and nature exposure
• Consider race, culture, ethnicity, and gender differences as they pertain to NIT
• Experience human rewilding through distress tolerance exercises
• Awaken one’s inner child in nature
• Transform from ego-centeredness to eco-consciousness

Workshop attendees will learn about therapeutic approaches that integrate the natural world into established, evidence-based treatment modalities. The goal of this workshop is for participants to experience the integration of nature connection with mindfulness and other resiliency practices that assist with a lessening in emotional turmoil and promote psychological well-being.