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Nature-Heal

2025-1-RO01-KA210-ADU000350380

Partners:

  1. EduLActiva from Lithuania

  2. Asociatia Sustine from Romania


Main Aim: To enhance the mental health and well-being of individuals affected by climate change through nature-based therapeutic interventions.


Target Groups:

Direct Target Group: Adult Educators Working with People with Trauma

  1. Psychologists, Therapists, and Counselors:

    • Description: Provide mental health support and therapeutic services.

    • Role: Integrate nature-based therapeutic approaches to help clients with climate change-induced trauma.

  2. Social Workers:

    • Description: Offer support and resources in community settings.

    • Role: Incorporate nature-based techniques into care plans for holistic support.

  3. Occupational Therapists:

    • Description: Assist in developing and maintaining daily living skills.

    • Role: Use therapeutic gardening and outdoor exercises to enhance clients’ mental health.

Indirect Target Group: Adults with Trauma

  1. Individuals Affected by Climate Change:

    • Description: Suffer from anxiety, depression, or PTSD due to climate-related events.

    • Role: Benefit from therapeutic interventions and resources provided by trained educators.

  2. Families and Caregivers:

    • Description: Support loved ones with climate change-related trauma.

    • Role: Indirectly benefit from enhanced support and practical methods to aid healing.


Objectives:

  1. By the end of the project (Month 18), train at least 15 professionals (psychologists, therapists, social workers, and occupational therapists) from Romania and Lithuania in nature-based therapeutic approaches to support individuals affected by climate change-induced trauma.

  2. Develop and publish a digital toolkit by Month 12, featuring at least 10 practical nature-based therapeutic activities (e.g., horticultural therapy, outdoor yoga, and adventure therapy), including video tutorials, case studies, and interactive modules, accessible to at least 120 professionals across Europe.

  3. Organize and implement two international training events (in Romania and Lithuania) by Month 18, where 28 professionals will participate in hands-on workshops, increasing their competence in integrating nature-based interventions into their therapeutic practices.

  4. Increase awareness and adoption of nature-based therapeutic methods by reaching at least 200 stakeholders (mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers) through dissemination activities, including webinars, social media, and multiplier events, by the end of the project.


Activities:

1. International Workshop on Nature-Based Therapeutic Approaches

Description: This workshop will cover theories and therapeutic approaches supporting the use of nature in treating trauma, including ecopsychology, horticultural therapy, and adventure therapy.

  • Location: Romania

  • Duration: 3 days

  • Participants: 7 professionals from each partner organization (14 total)

  • Key Topics:

    • Ecopsychology: Understanding the psychological relationship between humans and the natural world.

    • Horticultural Therapy: Using gardening and plant-based activities to improve mental health.

    • Adventure Therapy: Engaging in outdoor activities to foster personal growth and healing.

2. Development of a Digital Toolkit

Description: Creation of a comprehensive digital toolkit that includes mechanisms through which nature can facilitate healing, focusing on stress reduction, increased sense of connection, and stimulation of creativity.

  • Responsible Partner: Romanian Organization (lead), with contributions from Lithuanian organizations.

  • Content:

    • Video tutorials on horticultural therapy practices.

    • Guides on integrating outdoor yoga and hiking into therapy sessions.

    • Case studies and best practices from the partner organizations.

    • Interactive modules and exercises to enhance connection with nature.

3. International Presentation of Therapeutic Interventions

Description: A hands-on activity to present concrete examples of therapeutic interventions using nature as a healing tool.

  • Location: Lithuania

  • Duration: 3 days

  • Participants: 7 professionals from each partner organization (14 total)

  • Activities:

    • Nature Walks: Guided by Lithuanian experts, participants will explore therapeutic hiking trails designed to promote mindfulness and reduce stress.

    • Therapeutic Gardening: Led by the Romanian organization, participants will engage in gardening activities to understand their impact on mental health.

    • Animal-Assisted Therapy: Demonstrations of how interaction with animals can serve as a therapeutic tool.

    • Outdoor Yoga Sessions: Conducted by Lithuanian experts, focusing on the therapeutic benefits of yoga in nature.


Expected Outcomes:

  1. Enhanced skills and knowledge among professionals from the partner organizations.

  2. A comprehensive digital toolkit available to therapists and mental health professionals.

  3. Increased awareness and use of nature-based therapeutic interventions across Europe.

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