Naturopathy - Recovery.com Resource Library

“Nature is not only nice to have, but it’s a have-to-have for physical health and cognitive functioning¹.” Spending time outdoors is vital for personal well-being. Ecopsychology seeks to not only reap these benefits but expand them to use the natural world for mental health recovery.

What Is Ecopsychology?

Ecopsychology explores humans’ relationship with the natural world. It examines how nature and the human psyche are interconnected and how this relationship can impact physical, mental, and emotional health.

Humans are fundamentally connected to nature. We evolved in and adapted to natural environments. When we spend time in nature, we can experience a number of positive benefits, such as reduced stress, improved mood, increased creativity, and enhanced problem-solving skills. When we are disconnected from nature, we can experience stress, depression, and loneliness.

Ecopsychologists, such as Renee Baribeau³, seek to understand and use this connection to reconnect with nature that is meaningful and beneficial to our lives. They put these ideas into action, specifically in mental health and addiction recovery, to nourish the mind, body, and spirit.

Theodore Roszak created 8 guiding principles that ecopsychologists follow⁴:

We all should access and feed our ecological unconscious, or core human identity.
Our ecological unconscious is intrinsically tied to the natural world. We come into this world with a connection to nature.
Ecopsychology helps people recover by using the outdoors as a source of healing and rejuvenation for the human psyche.
Ecopsychology seeks to create more environmental awareness and a sense of wonder for the natural world.
It also promotes taking responsibility for maintaining nature.
We can see nature as an equal, not something to dominate.
Ecopsychology emphasizes personal empowerment. It views us as an interconnected entity but does not support mass consumption/large-scale domination.
There is a synergistic interplay between humans and nature, “the needs of the planet are the needs of the person, and the rights of the person are the rights of the planet.”

Using these principles, ecopsychology heals the person and the planet. In a recovery setting, ecopsychology encourages patients to focus on their interconnectedness with the natural world to help them rediscover their true selves.

Ecopsychology in Practice: Nature Therapy and Wilderness Immersion

Nature therapy is a core element of ecopsychology. It’s a therapeutic approach involving time in nature to promote healing and personal growth. This can look like outdoor individual counseling, group therapy, or workshops. Sometimes, therapists incorporate elements like animal therapy or horticulture therapy.

Some providers prioritize natural healing by incorporating wilderness immersion. During these programs, you spend an extended period of time in natural, often remote, settings. These immersive experiences provide an opportunity to disconnect from the modern world, reflect on life, and deeply reconnect with nature. You may participate in adventure therapies such as rock climbing or hiking.

Both approaches utilize experiential learning. The therapist or group leader will use natural elements to emphasize specific lessons within therapy, such as self-reflection, resilience, and mindfulness. They may introduce therapeutic interventions complimenting the outdoors, such as nature meditation and art therapy. Nature therapy leverages the calming and restorative qualities of natural environments to address issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Ecopsychology Benefits for Mental Health

Incorporating ecopsychology into your treatment plan provides an opportunity to heal in ways that traditional therapy may not offer. Studies show that nature therapy can improve attention, lower stress, and enhance mood⁵, which can relieve symptoms of certain mental health conditions. For example, spending time outdoors can decrease anxiety and depression symptoms⁶.

Nature can also improve immune system functioning⁷ and enhance sleep due to natural light, vitamin D exposure⁸, and physical activity. Good health is vital for a successful recovery.

Building Eco-Connection

Eco-connection refers to the deep and inherent relationship between human beings and the natural world⁹ and is a fundamental concept in ecopsychology. This concept highlights that humans are not separate from nature; instead, they are intrinsically connected to and dependent on the natural world.

Ecopsychology practices eco-connection by using the human:nature relationship to not only help people but also to benefit the environment. In recovery, you may participate in horticulture therapy, which has psychological benefits and replenishes and maintains the earth.

Strengthening your bond with the planet can improve your well-being, and it’s easier to do than you may think. Simply taking a mindful nature walk, nature journaling plants and animals you see, outdoor yoga, and nature photography can all help you feel closer to the earth. As you bolster this relationship, you may find it easier to benefit from ecopsychology in your recovery.

Ecopsychology and Climate Change

Ecopsychology provides a therapeutic framework to help patients cope with anxiety about environmental challenges, sometimes called eco-grief. With the scale of ecological and climate crises, it’s normal to feel uneasy about the path our planet is on; however, ecopsychology can help you address these emotions and find ways to manage them.

Ecopsychology validates eco-grief and encourages being mindful in your relationship with the natural world (how do you treat Earth?). Moreso, it emphasizes power in numbers. Ecopsychology believes that relying on social systems to process these feelings and enact change¹⁰ is one of the best ways to ease anxiety. You may be more likely to problem-solve ways you can make a difference when you have the support of others.

For example, you could educate yourself on climate change and raise awareness for various issues, such as deforestation. Doing so can help you feel more in control of your future and aligned with the planet.

Future of Ecopsychology

As society begins to see the importance of human connection to nature, and the climate crisis, ecopsychology will continue to make a lasting impact. Moving forward, there may be more specific ecopsychology practices and nature wellness programs put into place—for mental health recovery and general health and well-being.

More research is needed to incorporate these principles into mainstream healthcare; however, programs and people are seeing the benefits. If you’re curious about your eco-connection and programs that focus on ecopsychology, talk to your doctor or a nature therapist. You may find that this approach can have a lasting impact on your recovery and life.

How to Talk to Your Provider

If you’re interested in adding nature therapy or wilderness immersion into your recovery, reach out to your primary care physician. You can talk to them about what you’re hoping to gain from these therapies, and they can help you find an appropriate nature therapy provider that fits your needs. Once you meet with the provider, consider asking these questions to see if this approach is a fit for your recovery:

What specific nature-based practices or interventions do you offer?
Do my recovery goals align with the benefits of nature therapy/wilderness immersion?
What can I expect during a typical nature therapy session?
How will you evaluate my progress and adjust the therapy plan if needed?
Is insurance coverage available for nature therapy, or will it be an out-of-pocket expense?

Naturopathy is a type of medicine based on the idea that the body can heal itself. Instead of just treating your symptoms, naturopaths teach you healthy, sustainable habits. For example, you might alter your diet, take supplements, or start working out. And over time, these gentle changes support your body’s natural impulse to be well.

A naturopath’s job is to identify the obstacles to your health, and help you move past them. And in a rehab with naturopathic treatments, this can be an important part of addiction recovery.

What Is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is sometimes called an alternative medicine.¹ According to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians,² these specialists are versed in “certain areas of study not covered in conventional medical school. At the same time, aspiring naturopathic doctors receive training in the same biomedical and diagnostic sciences as MDs.” Naturopaths with the right training can even work as primary care providers.

By law, naturopaths are licensed differently in various locations.³ In the U.S., for instance, insurance only covers this type of treatment in certain states. If you want to try naturopathy, talk to your rehab, and your insurance provider, about your options.

Treating Addiction With Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a clearly established practice, and not an umbrella term. Many rehabs combine this approach with complementary holistic treatments, like energy healing. And yes, these activities can be part of a naturopathic treatment plan. But you won’t always receive them from the same provider.

Some rehabs take a naturopathic approach to every aspect of addiction recovery. Others combine naturopathy with more traditional therapies. Either way, most naturopathic doctors⁴ use similar techniques to help you start healing.

Nutrition

Most naturopaths will assess your dietary habits, and may suggest changes. This can have a major impact on addiction recovery. Many drugs damage your digestive health.⁵ And every drug has unique effects. Your personal history will inform your course of treatment. A naturopath might recommend that you take supplements, or cut out certain foods.

Some facilities, like Maison Ila, may even suggest intermittent fasting. At this treatment center, you’ll consult with a naturopath to learn about nutrition. Your bespoke meal plan will then be based on their suggestions. Every menu includes local and seasonal ingredients, sourced from the lush French countryside.

Ila Maison bedroom — Treatment at Maison Ila in France is tailored to each guest, including bespoke meal plans.

Hawaii Naturopathic Retreat also has a strong focus on nutrition. Clients may try one of several dietary plans, like therapeutic fasting, or a raw food diet. They also offer sugar-free and salt-free options. Each plan is “anti-inflammatory, high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.”⁶ The goal is to detoxify the body not only from drugs, but also from harmful chemicals.

Naturopathic Medications

In many areas, licensed naturopaths can prescribe controlled substances.⁷ So in some programs, your naturopath may treat you using medication. And you might end up taking a well-known Western medication—or you might not.

Naturopathic doctors can also prescribe botanical medicines to treat addiction.⁸ For example, some naturopaths use kratom, an herbal painkiller, for patients with opioid use disorder. Others, like the team at The Hermitage Centre, use naturopathy during initial detox.

The Hermitage Centre patio — Detox regimens are highly-personalized at The Hermitage Centre in Gold Coast, Australia.

Homeopathy

Although it’s a distinct type of treatment, homeopathy is often used by naturopathic doctors.⁹ And in some ways, it’s very similar to botanical medicine. Homeopathic remedies¹⁰are very small—sometimes microscopic—doses of natural plant extracts. These treatments are usually delivered in pill form.

While some studies show that homeopathy can treat addiction,¹¹ more research is needed. But if you’re curious about this approach, a naturopath can answer your questions. Rehabs like Le Center for Health and Wellness recommend homeopathy during rehab—but only with close supervision.

IV Drip Therapy

Pills aren’t the only way to ingest medication. In some areas, naturopaths can legally prescribe IV drip therapy.¹² In this controversial method, clients receive vitamins, minerals, and nutrients intravenously. Supporters say IV drip therapy can treat addiction and other mental health issues. But many disagree.

Ather Ali, a doctor of naturopathic medicine and health researcher at the Yale School of Medicine, falls squarely in the middle. According to his research, IV therapy is a placebo.¹³ But it’s often an effective one. And “when your child falls down and scrapes their knee, you give them a kiss,” he told NPR. “There’s value in that.”

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy¹⁴ can refer to most hands-on healing modalities. Massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, and some physical therapy techniques fall into this category. If they have the right training, your naturopath might offer these treatments during rehab. Or, they might refer you to another specialist for complementary therapy.

At The River Source, in Arizona, regular naturopathic massages help improve clients’ sleep patterns. These sessions help you let go of the physical and mental stress of recovery.

Exercise as Addiction Treatment

Most primary care providers recommend exercise.¹⁵ But, as one study found, few recommend specific types of exercise. This leaves patients wondering what to do next. Naturopathic doctors Jennifer Gibbons and Osemekhian Okojie write that people with their expertise “are uniquely qualified” to give clients more guidance. “The training we receive in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and biochemistry allows us to go beyond the general and broad fitness recommendations that one can find in an average health magazine,” they explain.

At Hawaii Naturopathic Retreat, exercise is a big part of recovery. Clients go for walks, take yoga classes, and spend time at the gym. And with locations near Kealakekua Bay and Hilo Bay, “opportunities for self-guided exercise are almost limitless.”¹⁶ But even if you work out on your own, you’ll be following a treatment plan, tailored to help you recover.

These activities affect more than your level of fitness. Researchers believe that exercise can also treat addiction.¹⁷ Preliminary studies show that working out helps normalize dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in both addiction and the feeling of satisfaction.¹⁸ And regulating it can improve both your physical and mental well-being.

Mental Health Recovery

Le Center Health Wellness Bellevue — A peek into Le Center for Health and Wellness, located in Bellevue, Washington.

Naturopathy doesn’t only heal the body; it also supports mental health. At Le Center for Health and Wellness, lifestyle counseling is an essential part of treatment. And clients at Birch Wellness Center can get naturopathic treatment for anxiety, depression, and stress.

This approach may look different from traditional talk therapy. And it may not be right for everyone. But you don’t necessarily have to choose. Some centers invite you to combine naturopathy with other forms of treatment. The goal is to help you heal as effectively as possible. And that means something different for each client.

Naturopathy Clears the Path to Recovery

This branch of medicine is rooted in profound trust. Naturopaths don’t just treat your symptoms. They might not even diagnose a cause. Instead, their job is to support you in the natural process of healing. With fewer barriers, and more effective tools, you can take the lead in your recovery journey. And when you’re empowered to heal yourself, life becomes far more sustainable.

To start planning your recovery, learn more about rehabs that offer naturopathic treatment, including their locations, insurance coverage, and complementary therapies.

Tag: Naturopathy

Ecopsychology: Healing Your Mind With Nature