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Healing Trauma through Nature and Wildlife Encounters.
During my ongoing emissary mission with Bedein—Agents of Hope, I embarked on a journey with my family to explore the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska and the bordering Yukon Canadian province. Immersed in these stunning natural landscapes, I researched and documented several extreme nature resorts, focusing on their unique environments and opportunities for encounters with wildlife. Through our experiences, I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of these settings on individuals grappling with trauma.
Our family’s explorations illuminated the profound healing potential of nature. Each retreat we visited provided not only a picturesque backdrop but also an environment conducive to emotional processing and restoration. The immediate surroundings, rich with wildlife and natural beauty, became a powerful tool for fostering connection, introspection, and recovery.
The insights gained from these explorations underscore the necessity of creating accessible retreats for Israeli and Jewish families grappling with the year-long conflict, intensified by the October 7th atrocities and the significant rise in antisemitism. These challenges have compounded societal trauma, highlighting the urgent need for spaces where individuals can recuperate. With this understanding, I aim to leverage my years of expertise in innovative tourism development to serve as a curator of healing nature retreats and resilience experiences, witnessing participants reconnect with nature—and, in turn, themselves.
As trauma and mental health challenges continue to grow worldwide, there is a marked shift in how we approach healing. Today, an increasing number of practitioners and trauma survivors are recognizing the profound impact of nature-based retreats and wildlife encounters in the healing process. Beyond conventional therapy, these experiences offer restorative environments that can calm the mind, relieve stress, and foster resilience—benefits uniquely derived from immersing oneself in the natural world.
Nature’s Role in Trauma Recovery
Research increasingly supports the benefits of “ecotherapy” or “nature therapy” in treating symptoms of trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. A pivotal study by Bratman et al. (2015) at Stanford University revealed that individuals who spend 90 minutes in a natural setting experience reduced neural activity in areas of the brain associated with mental illness. This significant reduction in rumination and stress response highlights how time spent in nature can directly influence mental clarity and calm.
The therapeutic benefits of natural environments are rooted in the concept of “biophilia,” the human tendency to seek connections with nature. Pioneering psychologist Erich Fromm described biophilia as essential to mental health, suggesting that our bond with nature provides us with a crucial sense of grounding. For individuals dealing with trauma, immersion in nature offers a break from the sensory overload of urban environments, creating space for introspection, emotional processing, and restoration.
Benefits of Wildlife Encounters
While exposure to natural landscapes alone is beneficial, encounters with wildlife bring an added dimension to the healing process. Research in animal-assisted therapy has shown that interactions with animals can lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol levels, and improve overall mood, especially in trauma survivors. The American Psychological Association (APA) notes that such encounters enhance mindfulness, empathy, and presence—all essential elements for trauma recovery.
Wildlife encounters, particularly with large mammals like deer, wolves, or birds of prey, allow trauma survivors to engage in non-verbal connection and experience feelings of awe and mutual respect. A study published in the journal Animals found that observing wildlife helps combat feelings of isolation and disconnection, common in trauma survivors. This nonjudgmental engagement fosters trust, lowers hypervigilance, and aids emotional regulation, all of which contribute to trauma healing.
Case Studies: Wilderness Retreats and Trauma Recovery
Across the globe, programs and retreats are leveraging nature’s therapeutic power to assist trauma survivors on their journey to recovery. Programs such as Project Healing Waters in Alaska, designed for trauma survivors like veterans and first responders, immerse participants in nature through activities like hiking, fishing, and guided wildlife observation. These retreats have been shown to improve mental clarity, reduce anxiety, and offer a renewed sense of purpose, highlighting the effectiveness of structured nature experiences for trauma recovery.
In another instance, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has incorporated nature-based programs for mental health. These retreats use Scotland’s scenic landscapes and wildlife as the focal point, helping participants release stress, process emotions, and reconnect with the present moment. Participants often report a marked reduction in stress levels, as well as improved resilience and clarity, underscoring the long-term benefits of ecotherapy.
Ecotherapy as a Vital Tool in Trauma Treatment
Given the significant rise in mental health needs worldwide, nature-based healing is quickly becoming an essential complement to traditional therapeutic models. For those impacted by trauma, traditional settings can sometimes feel restrictive, while natural environments offer a sanctuary that promotes healing. Many schools, workplaces, and community centers are now incorporating ecotherapy concepts into their programming, with green spaces and outdoor activities becoming more prevalent as a method for supporting emotional well-being.
Studies support the notion that nature exposure is not simply beneficial but necessary. Dr. MaryCarol Hunter, an ecotherapy expert at the University of Michigan, points out that even short, regular time in natural settings can reduce symptoms of mental distress and foster an increased sense of peace. According to Dr. Hunter, “Nature is not a luxury; it’s a necessity,” underscoring the essential role of nature in supporting overall mental health resilience.
Looking Ahead: Mainstreaming Nature-Based Healing Approaches
While nature-based healing shows great promise, continued research and program development are necessary to fully integrate ecotherapy into mainstream trauma treatment. The potential for wildlife-based retreats and wilderness therapy lies not only in the therapeutic impact on trauma survivors but also in fostering a collective reconnection with the natural world.
Healing trauma through nature and wildlife encounters offers a unique approach to emotional recovery. For trauma survivors seeking peace and resilience, the natural world provides a path to reconnect with oneself, rebuild trust, and regain balance. As ecotherapy continues to expand, mental health professionals and community organizations are poised to support a new era of trauma recovery—one where nature serves as a restorative force, offering solace, strength, and, ultimately, healing.
Noam Bedein
Curator of Nature-Based Healing Resorts & Resilience Experiences
Crafting transformative, nature-inspired retreats that foster healing, resilience, and personal renewal.
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Sources
- Bratman, G. N., et al. (2015). “Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(28), 8567-8572.
- American Psychological Association. “The benefits of animals for mental health.” APA, 2020.
- Fromm, E. (1973). The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.
- Hunter, M. C., et al. (2019). “The role of nature in enhancing mental health.” Nature & Health, University of Michigan.
- Project Healing Waters. “Restorative wilderness retreats for veterans and first responders.”
