ReRoot Therapy: Nature-Based Counseling
ROOT noun: 1) the part of a plant that attaches it to the ground or to a support, typically underground, conveying water and nourishment to the rest of the plant. 2) the basic cause, source, or origin of something. verb: 1) cause to grow roots. 2)establish deeply and firmly.
REROOT verb: to root again or in a new place
ReRoot Therapy is about growing new roots, cultivating belonging and nourishment, Growing towards being fully alive.
Community
When we are in relationship with nature we experience that we are part of something that is bigger than ourselves. Something we can effect and be affected by. Belonging to a community decreases isolation, depression and anxiety. By being in community with nature we connect to diversity within the natural world which opens us to the diversity in our human community and within ourselves. When we are aware of the diversity that exists we can chose to become an advocate for the parts of the community that are being neglected or harmed.
Transformation
What better teacher of transitions than the seasons? Each year we have a model of death, rebirth, youth, and aging. The plants and the soil do not hurry, yet they get everything done. The natural world reminds us that profound change can take time, and that is usually comes in increments and phases.
THe Theory
ReRoot Therapy is based on the tenets of ecopyschology including:
1.Unconscious processes exist. 2. Sensory experiences with nature are a source of knowledge, joy, and a full realization of human potential. 3. Human life is interdependent with other human life and with the rest of nature. 4. Interaction with nature helps lead to optimal mental health, often developing inner peace, compassion, and trust. (Paraphrased from Kahn, Peter H.; Hasbach, Patricia H.. Ecopsychology: Science, Totems, and the Technological Species (MIT Press) (pp. 119-120). )
Approaches are informed by research done wilderness therapy, horticulture therapy, and equine assisted psychotherapy. Many aspects of ReRoot therapy are connected to Transpersonal Psychology.