EcoSensory Therapy

The Transformative Power of Nature

Inbunden, Engelska, 2026

2 909 kr

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EcoSensory Therapy addresses a growing question among practitioners in mental health, health care, social care, and education: how can the transformative and therapeutic power of nature be integrated into professional practice safely, ethically, and with confidence? This book introduces the EcoSensory Therapy Model of Practice, offering a practical, evidence-informed framework that helps practitioners move beyond the four walls and work intentionally with the therapeutic potential of natural environments.Drawing on insights from neuroscience, psychology, sensory integration, attachment theory, trauma-informed practice, and nature-based approaches, this book presents the EcoSensory Model as a bridge between theory and practice. At the heart of the model are eight core elements, mirrored in the structure of chapters within this book, and organized within a neuro-sequential framework that translates seamlessly to practice:GroundConnectRhythmDiscoverAttendCreateNourishReflectTogether, these elements help practitioners understand how regulation, attention, learning, connection, creativity, wellbeing, and reflection can be supported through sensory experience and relationship with the natural world. Through theory, research, case examples and professional guidance, the authors show how everyday natural spaces can become meaningful settings for therapeutic and developmental work. An essential read for any mental health practitioner, such as psychologists, occupational therapists and psychotherapists, this book may also be of interest to practitioners, supervisors and trainers working within related professions such as health, social care and education.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2026-10-09
Mått156 x 234 x undefined mm
FormatInbunden
SpråkEngelska
Antal sidor174
FörlagTaylor & Francis Ltd
ISBN9781041310839

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Claire Pemrick is a Consultant Occupational Therapist and co-author of EcoSensory Therapy. Founder of the Jump Start Centre, educator and doctoral researcher, Claire is dedicated to strengthening family systems through relational- and occupation-based interventions. Her love of the beach, forest and garden and commitment to nature is evident in both her therapeutic work and personal life. Matt Slavin is a Clinical Psychologist and co-founder of EcoSensory Therapy. His work explores how modern stress and psychological challenges arise when ancient brains meet modern environments, and how reconnecting with our evolutionary roots can support healthier ways of living and performing.Chris West is a Consultant Occupational Therapist and co-founder of EcoSensory Therapy. She works with individuals across the lifespan who have experienced developmental trauma and is passionate about working with nature to support regulation, connection, and meaningful opportunities for growth and transformation.

Acknowledgements Note to ReadersWelcome. Claire PemrickThe EcoSensory Therapy Model of Practice. Claire Pemrick, Chris West and Dr Matt SlavinChapter 1: Introduction and Theoretical Foundations. Dr Matt SlavinWho we are and where we come from Welcome. A warm and heartfelt welcome from Matt, Chris and Claire Our Sensory Foundations The Biophilia Hypothesis Green Mind TheoryBlue Mind Theory Nature Connectedness Stress Reduction Theory and Attention Restoration TheoryA Smidgen of the EvidenceAn EcoSensory Model of PracticeChapter 2: Ground. Dr Matt SlavinWhat is Grounding and why start with it?The Evolution of our Survival StrategiesNeuroscience: The Autonomic Nervous System, Polyvagal Theory and our Adaptive BrainInteroception: Body Awareness and Sense of SelfOur brains have evolved to be adaptive to threatsLanguage, Representation and Internal ThreatsGroundlessnessGrounding in NatureSummaryChapter 3: Connect. Chris WestConnecting for RegulationThe Art of RegulationAttachment, Regulation & NatureConnecting to Develop a Secure BaseNature Space and Development of the Vagal BrakePlay as a way of Connecting with Outside SpacesHow Nature Connects & Protects UsSensing Nature and being Sensed by itSummaryChapter 4: Rhythm. Claire Pemrick & Dr Matt SlavinWelcome to RhythmNature’s RhythmsThe SeasonsTrauma and TimeFamily CyclesEntrainmentCircadian RhythmsDevelopment of EntrainmentVestibular System and RhythmResonanceJust Right TimeThe Art of AllowingEntrainment with NatureSummaryChapter 5: Discover. Claire PemrickWelcome to DiscoverIntroductionExploration-Exploitation DilemmaInner DriveZones of Proximal DevelopmentPraxisAdaptive ResponsesBenefit of Outdoor SpacesZone of CuriosityRisk Benefit AnalysisSummaryChapter 6: Attend. Claire Pemrick.Welcome to AttendWhat is Attention?Attending through our sensesDevelopment of the SensesChemoreceptorsRadiation SensesDevelopment of Body SensesDevelopment of SoundThe Attend Element in PracticeSummaryChapter 7: Create. Claire Pemrick.IntroductionConcepts of CreativityEvolution of Human CreativityTheories of CreativityDevelopment of Creative Thinking SkillsDevelopment of SkillsForm and Space PerceptionDen BuildingProspect-Refuge TheoryLoose Parts PlayDevelopment of MotivationFlowProsocial CreativitySummaryChapter 8: Nourish. Chris West & Claire PemrickIntroductionNourishing & Nurturing Ourselves and Others: Nourishing Our Bodies Through Sensory Experiences The Gut Brain Axis Theory Nurturing Nature Nurturing Relationships SummaryChapter 9: Reflect. Chris West.IntroductionHumans as Meaning Making BeingsNatural MetaphorsSpiritual Connections with NatureDeveloping a Sense of Self: AwarenessReflective FunctioningReflecting on the EcoSensory Therapy ElementsClosing Reflections, Matt SlavinIndex

“A highly informative read. The passion the authors have for working in nature comes across. They provide convincing arguments based on research and leading clinical theories for clinicians to move their practice outdoors. The EcoSensory Model of Practice is transdisciplinary and neurosequential in its approach. The model provides a step-by-step guide on how to apply clinical practice within the natural setting. A cup of hot chocolate is recommended to aid the reflective process… What’s not to like?”- Eadaoin Bhreathnach, Clinical Director, Sensory Attachment Intervention Centre‘If you are a practitioner working in nature and want to deepen your understanding of this work, this grounding, but right-moment book will help you. A book that outlines the Eco-Sensory model and which makes utter sense… I trained in the model in Covid and I work as a therapist with children and young people but also provide supervision to senior leaders in education. I have been able to adapt the model to support the offer of supervision outside. I have also found the model easy to adopt as a framework for dramatherapy work too. It is clear about having a beginning, middle and end but it is part of a bigger process. It is training that has been the missing part of all the training I have done and grounds them all. Being able to know how to "be" with ourselves and with nature is literally vital to our wellbeing and yet we have increasingly forgotten how to be. This book is easy to read but deeply researched and grounded in both theory and practice. This book will bring you joy and deepen your practice. I am not sure many theoretical books can claim that!" - Lisa Lea-Weston, Director of Talking Heads Supervision LTD. “Ecosensory Therapy offers a clear, practitioner-focused pathway for integrating nature-connection and sensory awareness practices within a neuro-sequential framework. Developed by experienced clinicians, this book provides evidence-informed therapeutic practice in ways that feel both practical and profound. Every chapter invites deeper embodiment, connection, and confidence for therapists seeking to bring nature’s restorative influence into their work”-Nevin J. Harper, PhD, RCC is a professor, therapist, and author of Nature-based Therapy, Outdoor Therapies, and Kids These Days.