Ecotherapy is the general term for jobs that use nature and environments to help treat or care for others. Founded in, and grown from Indigenous Knowledge, this is a broad field that includes nature-based approaches to healing such as: wilderness therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and nature meditation. Jobs in this field offer treatment and care for mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression as well as for physical illnesses like ADHD and Alzheimer's Disease, substance abuse. There are also jobs that help people who have struggled with the law, which specifically address trauma and underlying issues they may have. Other jobs that fall under ecotherapy are focused on maintaining health, such as nature yoga or meditation leaders.
Group practicing sun salutation outdoors

A day on the job will look different for different positions. One may be outside, indoors, or a combination of the two. Sessions can happen in a one-on-one or group setting. Even the outdoor setting may look different ranging from remote wilderness locations to easily accessible city parks or backyards.

Opportunities in this field are very diverse, but what unites the people working in this field is a calling to help others using nature. Individuals working in this field may benefit from strong leadership skills, good communication, and compassion.

Education is dependent on the specific job, but typicall, a bachelor’s degree is required. Many that practice are certified or licensed in a specific area. A supervised internship of 560 hours may be required, and continuing education requirements may be required to maintain licensure or certification.

The median salary for a Recreational Therapist is $47,710, and the job is growing faster than average.

RELATED BLOGS