Abstract

<div>This study seeks to explore how nature-based therapies are understood in Western “mental health” practices. Specifically, horticultural and equine-assisted therapeutic models are examined for discursive themes tied to mind-body connections, attachment and healing. Additionally, texts used to teach specific therapeutic modalities are examined to further explore common concepts such as mindfulness and coping. In conducting a review of relevant literature, similar themes were revealed which contributed to a base knowledge for understanding the discourse around nature-based therapies. Engaging in an anti-colonial theoretical framework and a modified critical discourse analysis methodology, this qualitative study explores the research question: “What are the discourses which inform Western nature-based therapies?” Ultimately, this study aims to develop a more thorough understanding of how these therapies are linked to Indigenous approaches, how practices may be appropriated and used by Western practitioners, and the shift in social work towards more wholistic therapeutic practices. </div>

Highlights

  • In an increasingly tense sociopolitical climate, the concept of “mental health” is becoming more categorized, rationalized and individualized in the West (Lynn, 2006; Poole, Jivraj, Arslanian, Bellows, Chiasson, Hakimy, Pasini, & Reid, 2012; Teghtsoonian, 2009)

  • The key texts and interview conducted for this study suggest that naturebased therapy discourses seek to persuade us that they promote the overall health and wellbeing of individuals living with some form of “mental health” need

  • I must clearly state that the goal of this research study is not to blame Western nature-based practitioners for the perpetuation of colonialism

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Summary

Introduction

In an increasingly tense sociopolitical climate, the concept of “mental health” is becoming more categorized, rationalized and individualized in the West (Lynn, 2006; Poole, Jivraj, Arslanian, Bellows, Chiasson, Hakimy, Pasini, & Reid, 2012; Teghtsoonian, 2009). Examples include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, the Therapeutic Community (TC) model, horticulture therapy, Somatic Experiencing©, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (Beck, 2011; De Leon, 2000; Hewson, 1994; Levine, 1997; Linehan, 2015; van der Kolk, 2014). Within these models, clear definitions are made for treatment (Beck, 2011; Levine, 1997; Linehan, 2015; van der Kolk, 2014), for characteristics of a person in recovery, for skills and strategies for recovery, and for stages and dimensions for recovery (Beck, 2011; De Leon, 2000; Hewson, 1994; Levine, 1997; Linehan, 2015; Poole, 2011; van der Kolk, 2014). “Alternative” therapies are birthed as solutions to counter traditionally biomedical-driven models of therapy, such as psychiatry and psychology (Bettman & Tucker, 2011; Corring, Lundberg, & Rudnick, 2013; Duvall & Kaplan, 2014; Cooley, & Cupples, 2007; Tucker, Javorski, Tracy, & Beale, 2012)

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