This study explores the ethical challenges and solutions encountered in the practice of outdoor ecotherapy. A gap in the ecotherapy literature exists concerning the unique ethical issues faced in clinical practice and the specific solutions to achieve successful outcomes while in adherence to the APA Ethics Code (Hasbach, 2016; King, 2015; Revell & McLeod, 2016; Wolsko & Hoyt, 2012). Thus, the present This qualitative dissertation explored through qualitative interviews the firsthand experiences of 10 licensed 10 psychologists who have practiced outdoor ecotherapy while in adherence to the APA Ethics Code— offering both the common ethical challenges confronted, and solutions used across different client groups, practice settings, and cultural contexts.
Building on the past research regarding ethical outdoor ecotherapy practices, the thematic analysis examined challenges and solutions encountered in 14 domains that are related to elements of the APA ethics code including: minimum training, informed consent, screening, efficacy, payment, changes to the therapeutic frame, confidentiality, recording, accessibility, assessment, treatment planning, avoiding harm, documentation and liability insurance. Three additional domains are drawn from the previous ecotherapy literature: respectful integration, not pushing a nature agenda, and reciprocity. Findings identified common challenges confronted by outdoor ecotherapists and offered solutions used successfully in practice across different client groups, practice settings, and cultural contexts. This study's results may help clinicians who aim to incorporate nature into their therapeutic interventions.
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