CSPH 5642: Nature Heals: An Introduction to Nature-Based Therapeutics

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the enhanced quality of life and health benefits of nature-based therapeutics.
• Identify principles and theoretical framework of nature-based therapeutics.
• Recognize methods of nature-based therapeutic interventions.
• Discuss the current evidence-based applications to support the delivery and intervention of nature-based therapeutics.
• Identify nature-based therapeutic techniques utilized to treat specific target population needs and strengths.
• Apply concepts and practices of nature-based therapeutics to a specific user group/individual.
• Critique, synthesize, and suggest future direction for nature-based therapeutic research.

I'm a semi-retired architect and former architecture professor, who has been focused on healing environments for decades. I'm also a certified Forest Therapy guide, so I have had many years of nature and healing connections, research, and projects. I took this course as a 62 year old - just for fun with no need for a grade - through the U of M, and am finding that the way Jean has developed the class is really quite exceptional! She has taken such a holistic approach in having weekly exercises that can viscerally connect students with nature and with themselves. The course itself is a healing, nurturing container; I wish ALL university students could reap the benefits I'm gaining! Jean truly works from the heart as well as addressing the head. And I also see her course as enlightening others to want to protect the natural environment. Jean is doing such important work! -Joan Vorderbruggen