ABSTRACT
Methodologically, “eco-art therapy” is based upon applying an eco-psychology theory to art therapy practices to invigorate the senses and facilitate clients in sharing emotions, memories, and wisdom. Given this foundation of art therapy and its holistic form of treatment backed by research, eco-art therapy has a lower perceived stigma than typical psychotherapy; some even describe the process as a free-flowing, collaborative, and expressive effort between the client and therapist. Defined clinically: Eco-art therapy is a holistic, integrative mental health practice in which clients, facilitated by the therapist, use natural art materials and settings, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to improve mental, physical, and emotional health adapted from American Art Therapy Association. From a clinical standpoint, eco-art therapy is a goal-oriented practice. To achieve clinical goals, therapists engage clients in activities such as exploring the natural world and its naturally occurring phenomena, including, but not limited to, living organisms, rocks and minerals, natural landscapes, or the sky.
