Enhancing Practitioner Skills Through Therapeutic Landscapes in Nature-Based Tourism
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our appreciation for nature, highlighting its therapeutic benefits and potential for fostering well-being. As the world reopens and travel becomes more accessible, practitioners in the field of therapy and education can harness these insights to enhance their skills and improve client outcomes. The research article "Nature-based tourism as therapeutic landscape in a COVID era: autoethnographic learnings from a visitor’s experience in Iceland" offers valuable lessons on the healing effects of natural landscapes and their implications for sustainable tourism.
The Therapeutic Landscape Concept
The concept of therapeutic landscapes refers to environments that contribute to physical and mental health through their natural, built, social, and symbolic elements. This framework has been applied to various settings, including natural areas known for their healing properties. The study conducted in Iceland provides an autoethnographic account of visiting three distinct natural landscapes: the southern part of the Westfjords peninsula, Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, and the Central Highlands. These sites exemplify how nature can foster restoration, awe, and concern—key themes identified in the research.
Restoration
The restorative power of nature is well-documented. In Iceland's diverse landscapes, visitors experienced reduced stress and renewed attention. Practitioners can apply this knowledge by encouraging clients to engage with natural environments as part of their therapeutic process. Whether through virtual nature experiences or guided outdoor activities, integrating elements of nature into therapy can enhance mental health outcomes.
Awe
Awe-inspiring experiences in nature can lead to profound shifts in perspective and emotional well-being. The vast geological landscapes and ecological phenomena observed in Iceland elicited feelings of awe among visitors. Practitioners can use these insights to design interventions that evoke similar feelings of wonder and connection with the natural world.
Concern
The theme of concern highlights the need for sustainable tourism practices that protect natural landscapes from overtourism and climate change impacts. Practitioners can advocate for responsible travel behaviors among clients and communities, emphasizing the importance of preserving these therapeutic environments for future generations.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can enhance their skills by incorporating the therapeutic benefits of nature into their work. This involves staying informed about emerging research on therapeutic landscapes and advocating for policies that support sustainable tourism development. By fostering a deeper connection with nature, practitioners can help clients achieve greater well-being and resilience.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Nature-based tourism as therapeutic landscape in a COVID era: autoethnographic learnings from a visitor’s experience in Iceland.