Pakighi-Usa sa Kalikupan: A Process Framework for Developing Ecotherapeutic Interventions

Sustainability and mental health should be everyone’s concern. Addressing these, the practice of ecotherapy was explored by interviewing practitioners in Justice German Lee Jr. Sanctuary in Cebu., observing their sessions, and gathering available documents related to their practice. From data analysis, it was discovered that (1) ecotherapy is a formal label to an old practice of interacting with nature; (2) a structured learning experience in nature; (3) engages the head, heart and hands; (4) is multimodal; (5) guided by the biopsychosocial framework; (6) observes the permaculture ethics, process and principles; and, (7) incorporates the Buddhist perspective. Moreover, the interaction between nature and the human person resembles that of the (1) ground and tree, (2) Abel and Cain, (3) temple and believer, (4) mirror of the soul, (5) sage and seeker, (6) diversion of the mind, and (7) wind and sailboat. As an output, a process framework was created to develop ecotherapeutic interventions. This framework can be used by counselors, psychologists and educators which can benefit their clients and learners as well as the natural environment.