ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role of theory in framing therapeutic practice. It also explores settings where ecotherapy takes place, noting that these include group and community based work as well as one-to-one therapy. General principles are proposed around confidentiality, time boundaries, personal boundaries and safety. Since groupwork is a common medium for ecotherapy work, different styles of groupwork are explored including pre-planned, structured, unstructured and solitary working within a group frame. There are many different ways to think about therapeutic work outdoors. Most people who work in environmentally-based therapies have to be flexible in their approach and integrate their different influences in a fluid, multi-dimensional way. Other-centred approach offers a particularly appropriate framework for working outdoors. The chapter concludes with general reflections on facilitation and co-working. Facilitators may adopt a number of different styles of working. They may offer supportive facilitation and reflective listening, mediating ideas and negotiating with group members.
