1st Edition
EcoSensory Therapy The Transformative Power of Nature
Acknowledgements
Note to Readers
Welcome. Claire Pemrick
The EcoSensory Therapy Model of Practice. Claire Pemrick, Chris West and Dr Matt Slavin
Chapter 1: Introduction and Theoretical Foundations. Dr Matt Slavin
Who we are and where we come from
Welcome. A warm and heartfelt welcome from Matt, Chris and Claire
Our Sensory Foundations
The Biophilia Hypothesis
Green Mind Theory
Blue Mind Theory
Nature Connectedness
Stress Reduction Theory and Attention Restoration Theory
A Smidgen of the Evidence
An EcoSensory Model of Practice
Chapter 2: Ground. Dr Matt Slavin
What is Grounding and why start with it?
The Evolution of our Survival Strategies
Neuroscience: The Autonomic Nervous System, Polyvagal Theory and our Adaptive Brain
Interoception: Body Awareness and Sense of Self
Our brains have evolved to be adaptive to threats
Language, Representation and Internal Threats
Groundlessness
Grounding in Nature
Summary
Chapter 3: Connect. Chris West
Connecting for Regulation
The Art of Regulation
Attachment, Regulation & Nature
Connecting to Develop a Secure Base
Nature Space and Development of the Vagal Brake
Play as a way of Connecting with Outside Spaces
How Nature Connects & Protects Us
Sensing Nature and being Sensed by it
Summary
Chapter 4: Rhythm. Claire Pemrick & Dr Matt Slavin
Welcome to Rhythm
Nature’s Rhythms
The Seasons
Trauma and Time
Family Cycles
Entrainment
Circadian Rhythms
Development of Entrainment
Vestibular System and Rhythm
Resonance
Just Right Time
The Art of Allowing
Entrainment with Nature
Summary
Chapter 5: Discover. Claire Pemrick
Welcome to Discover
Introduction
Exploration-Exploitation Dilemma
Inner Drive
Zones of Proximal Development
Praxis
Adaptive Responses
Benefit of Outdoor Spaces
Zone of Curiosity
Risk Benefit Analysis
Summary
Chapter 6: Attend. Claire Pemrick.
Welcome to Attend
What is Attention?
Attending through our senses
Development of the Senses
Chemoreceptors
Radiation Senses
Development of Body Senses
Development of Sound
The Attend Element in Practice
Summary
Chapter 7: Create. Claire Pemrick.
Introduction
Concepts of Creativity
Evolution of Human Creativity
Theories of Creativity
Development of Creative Thinking Skills
Development of Skills
Form and Space Perception
Den Building
Prospect-Refuge Theory
Loose Parts Play
Development of Motivation
Flow
Prosocial Creativity
Summary
Chapter 8: Nourish. Chris West & Claire Pemrick
Introduction
Nourishing & Nurturing Ourselves and Others: Nourishing Our Bodies Through Sensory Experiences
The Gut Brain Axis Theory
Nurturing Nature
Nurturing Relationships
Summary
Chapter 9: Reflect. Chris West.
Introduction
Humans as Meaning Making Beings
Natural Metaphors
Spiritual Connections with Nature
Developing a Sense of Self: Awareness
Reflective Functioning
Reflecting on the EcoSensory Therapy Elements
Closing Reflections, Matt Slavin
Index
Biography
Claire Pemrick is a Consultant Occupational Therapist and co-author of EcoSensory Therapy. Founder of the Jump Start Centre, educator and doctoral researcher, Claire is dedicated to strengthening family systems through relational- and occupation-based interventions. Her love of the beach, forest and garden and commitment to nature is evident in both her therapeutic work and personal life.
Matt Slavin is a Clinical Psychologist and co-founder of EcoSensory Therapy. His work explores how modern stress and psychological challenges arise when ancient brains meet modern environments, and how reconnecting with our evolutionary roots can support healthier ways of living and performing.
Chris West is a Consultant Occupational Therapist and co-founder of EcoSensory Therapy. She works with individuals across the lifespan who have experienced developmental trauma and is passionate about working with nature to support regulation, connection, and meaningful opportunities for growth and transformation.
“A highly informative read. The passion the authors have for working in nature comes across. They provide convincing arguments based on research and leading clinical theories for clinicians to move their practice outdoors. The EcoSensory Model of Practice is transdisciplinary and neurosequential in its approach. The model provides a step-by-step guide on how to apply clinical practice within the natural setting. A cup of hot chocolate is recommended to aid the reflective process… What’s not to like?”
- Eadaoin Bhreathnach, Clinical Director, Sensory Attachment Intervention Centre
‘If you are a practitioner working in nature and want to deepen your understanding of this work, this grounding, but right-moment book will help you. A book that outlines the Eco-Sensory model and which makes utter sense… I trained in the model in Covid and I work as a therapist with children and young people but also provide supervision to senior leaders in education. I have been able to adapt the model to support the offer of supervision outside. I have also found the model easy to adopt as a framework for dramatherapy work too. It is clear about having a beginning, middle and end but it is part of a bigger process. It is training that has been the missing part of all the training I have done and grounds them all. Being able to know how to "be" with ourselves and with nature is literally vital to our wellbeing and yet we have increasingly forgotten how to be. This book is easy to read but deeply researched and grounded in both theory and practice. This book will bring you joy and deepen your practice. I am not sure many theoretical books can claim that!"
- Lisa Lea-Weston, Director of Talking Heads Supervision LTD.
“Ecosensory Therapy offers a clear, practitioner-focused pathway for integrating nature-connection and sensory awareness practices within a neuro-sequential framework. Developed by experienced clinicians, this book provides evidence-informed therapeutic practice in ways that feel both practical and profound. Every chapter invites deeper embodiment, connection, and confidence for therapists seeking to bring nature’s restorative influence into their work”
-Nevin J. Harper, PhD, RCC is a professor, therapist, and author of Nature-based Therapy, Outdoor Therapies, and Kids These Days.
