Abstract
ABSTRACTEvidence confirms that nature-based therapy (NBT) has a positive effect on people with mental illnesses. However, there is a lack of evidence on the meaning of NBT for specific patient groups. The Nacadia® Therapy Garden was designed according to an evidence-based design process, and an NBT programme was developed. The aim of the study was to illuminate the phenomenon of participants’ lived experience of the NBT in Nacadia. Fourteen participants took part in semi-structured interviews (SSIs), and by way of reflective lifeworld research, the SSIs were analysed to identify and describe the meanings of the phenomenon. The essence of the phenomenon was found to be a process of adopting a searching approach to NBT and Nacadia to become familiar with the conditions. This familiarity stimulated the development of confidentiality and attachment to Nacadia. Feeling protected, safe, cared for, and not exposed was important, and motivated feelings of freedom, reduced demands, and increased the ability to access and try a spectrum of NBT activities. It encouraged participants to develop personal approaches and coping strategies to implement in their everyday lives for moving on.
Highlights
This study is part of a larger study, which includes, among other things, a randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing nature-based therapy (NBT) to cognitive behavioural therapy for people suffering from stressrelated illnesses
The rich descriptions indicate that the essential meaning of the phenomenon, participants’ lived experience of NBT in Nacadia, can be captured very well by the phrase: “I see my own forest and fields in a new way”
When the participants began NBT and were new to the programme and the settings of Nacadia, they experienced a sense of uncertainty and even slight discomfort
Summary
This study is part of a larger study, which includes, among other things, a randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing nature-based therapy (NBT) to cognitive behavioural therapy for people suffering from stressrelated illnesses. The focus of this study is on participants’ lived experiences in the University of Copenhagen’s Nacadia® Therapy Garden, during a 10 week NBT programme. It is based on semi-structured interviews (SSIs) with 14 participants. It is considered that stress and stress-related illnesses will be one of the greatest threats to public health in the Western world by 2020 (WHO, 2005). People who suffer from illness, e.g. stress-related illnesses, have had their relationship with the world disturbed. Ill individuals lose their undisturbed freedom, which involves exclusion from “life” (Gadamer, Gaiger, & Walker, 1996). Illness alters one’s attachment to the world” (p. 44)
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