The roots of nature-based counselling

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” – Rachel Carson

Why humans have always turned to nature

Across cultures and throughout history, people have instinctively turned to landscapes, forests, water, and open space when seeking reflection, restoration, and healing. Long before psychology began studying these effects scientifically, many traditions already understood that our well-being is deeply intertwined with the environments we inhabit.

Today, research in psychology, neuroscience, and public health is beginning to confirm something people have sensed for generations: the places we spend time in shape how our minds and bodies feel. 

Nature-based counselling sits at the meeting point of these older human experiences and modern psychological understanding.

Humans evolved in natural environments

For most of human history, people lived in direct relationship with the natural world. Landscapes were not separate from daily life; they were the environments in which food was gathered, communities were formed, and meaning was created.

Anthropologists and evolutionary psychologists often point out that the human nervous system developed in these natural environments over hundreds of thousands of years. Our sensory systems became attuned to the rhythms, patterns, and signals present in natural landscapes.

Research suggests that certain features of nature, such as flowing water, tree cover, open views, and natural light, may be particularly calming because they resemble environments in which early humans experienced safety and survival (Ulrich, 1991; Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989).

Although modern life has changed dramatically, our nervous systems have not evolved at the same pace. Many researchers now argue that this mismatch between modern environments and our biological history may contribute to rising stress and mental fatigue.

Spending time in natural environments may therefore help restore a sense of balance that our bodies recognise instinctively.

Nature in cultural and healing traditions

Across many cultures, natural landscapes have long been connected with healing and reflection. Indigenous traditions around the world often emphasise relationships between land, community, and well-being. In these worldviews, health is not seen as something contained solely within the individual but as something that emerges through relationships with the wider environment.

While modern nature-based therapy does not attempt to replicate these traditions, it does echo an important principle: human well-being is shaped by the ecological systems we belong to.

Recognising this connection has become increasingly important in modern mental health conversations, particularly as urbanisation and digital environments have distanced many people from regular contact with nature.

When psychology began paying attention

Although people have long recognised nature’s restorative effects, psychology only began studying these relationships seriously in the late twentieth century.

One of the most well-known early studies was conducted by environmental psychologist Roger Ulrich in 1984. Ulrich found that hospital patients recovering from surgery healed more quickly and required fewer pain medications when their rooms had a view of trees rather than a brick wall.

This study helped spark wider interest in how natural environments influence health and emotional well-being. Since then, researchers have developed several theories explaining why nature appears to have such powerful psychological effects.

Attention restoration theory

Psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan proposed Attention Restoration Theory (ART) in the late 1980s. Their research suggested that modern life demands large amounts of directed attention, the kind of mental effort used for concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making. Over time, this effort can lead to mental fatigue.

Natural environments, however, tend to engage what the Kaplans described as “soft fascination.” The movement of leaves, patterns of light, flowing water, and natural sounds gently hold our attention without requiring effort. This allows the brain’s attentional systems to recover (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989).

Stress reduction theory

Another important explanation comes from Stress Reduction Theory, proposed by Roger Ulrich. This theory suggests that humans may have an evolutionary predisposition to respond positively to certain natural environments. When people encounter landscapes resembling those that supported early human survival, such as areas with trees, water, and open space, the body may shift more easily toward states of relaxation.

Research has shown that time spent in nature can lower heart rate, reduce cortisol levels, and improve mood (Ulrich et al., 1991). These physiological changes are closely connected to the regulation of the nervous system, something that has become a central focus in modern therapeutic practice.

Nature and modern counselling practice

Today, nature-based counselling builds upon these ideas while integrating modern therapeutic approaches. Practitioners often combine traditional talking therapy with outdoor environments that support reflection, movement, and nervous system regulation.

Walking side-by-side in nature can create a slightly different therapeutic dynamic than sitting face-to-face in a room. Many clients find that the rhythm of walking, fresh air, and natural surroundings makes it easier to reflect and speak openly.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” –Lao Tzu

References

Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective.

Ulrich, R. (1984). View Through a Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery. Science.

Ulrich, R. et al. (1991). Stress Recovery During Exposure to Natural and Urban Environments.