Ecosystemic nature-based art therapy: Portraits from the ‘Book of Nature’

In recent years, there has been a growing body of literature on nature-based art therapies. Set in the context of the climate crisis, these practices speak to the need for systemic thinking to adequately address the psychological impact of environmental damage and biodiversity loss. This note from the field explores how, in taking art therapy outdoors, that practice comes into immediate contact with the natural world, its dynamic rhythms and its ecosystems. This opens a dialogue between humans (therapist and clients) and the many other life forms found in nature. The nature-based art therapy practices described enable participants to recognize their relationship with Nature and recognize that damage done to Nature is also done to humanity. ‘Portraits from the “Book of Nature”’ is a method of exploring ecosystemic nature-based art therapy that involves the active process of discovery with direct engagement with the living environment, through art-making.