Ecotherapy Awareness: a professional development workshop

 Course date: Friday April 27 2012               Tutor/Guide Andy McGeeney

What is Ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy is a new and innovative approach to mental health care – based on fundamental connections to Nature which create a positive sense of well-being – confirmed by academic research that has been carried out on the health benefits of the green environment.

It uses specific techniques to enhance well-being- you will experience ecotherapy activities and receive the positive benefits. There will also be an opportunity to reflect on ecotherapy and how it relates to your professional work.

A free e-booklet on ecotherapy and how to build it into your practice is included, plus a collection of detailed instructions for carrying out ecotherapy activities.

You will be given a CPD attendance certificate and receipt.

Benefits of Ecotherapy

  • Increased awareness
  • Feeling more relaxed
  • Clearer thinking and memory
  • Enhanced mood
  • Physically active
  • Breathing fresh air
  • A better sense of a positive self
  • Meet and make friends
  • Learn about local nature
  • Apathy reduced and motivation increased
  • Sensory awareness grows
  • Spiritually warmed

Andy McGeeney will be your guide, in to nature and be a pointer to potentially very deep and positive connections  between a person’s heart-mind and the green world around them.

Fees: £60 professionals and £30 students – cheques payable to: TrustLinks Ltd

Venue: Hadleigh Country Park, Chapel Lane, Benfleet SS7 2PP

Time 9.30 – 16.30

Does not include drinks or lunch, please bring your own.

Who should attend?

Mental health professionals: occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and counsellors. Park Rangers and those involved in environmental education will also find this programme very useful.

What do you need to bring?

The workshop will run, rain or shine.

We won’t be walking far but you do need to be dressed to suit the weather. Trainers will do for footwear. It is best to wear warm layers and a waterproof outer layer. A hat, suntan lotion, and a big water bottle are strongly advised if it is sunny.

NB We will be walking slowly but the venue is hilly – be prepared for a few steep ascents!

Please bring food for a picnic lunch. We will be coming back to the car park and toilets at lunchtime if you forget anything.

Andy McGeeney is a Psychologist Specialising in Ecotherapy. He has a background in psychology, counselling, training and development, wildlife photography and conservation.

For further information contact:

Jackie Cole 01702 213134 or email: office@trustlinks.org