Natural Approaches to Optimal Wellness

""Socially conscious therapists offer a powerful gift in therapy by meeting people where they are or guiding them to discover themselves within their surroundings. Dr. Ryan Reese’s motivation for developing the EcoWellness counseling framework is truly compelling. It highlights the importance of going beyond traditional counseling methods and genuinely exploring the unknown. The client and personal narratives interwoven throughout the book are intriguing, adding depth, brilliance, and charm to this socially just approach to holistic counseling. Nature treats everyone equitably and serves as the great equalizer, in a profound way, nature is an essential part of who we are. Reese places the elements center stage, elevating his vision of counseling and therapy to a new level of optimal wellness."" S. Kent Butler, PhD, NCC, NCSC, American Counseling Association past president and fellow ""Through his innovative work, Dr. Reese illustrates what a cisgender heterosexual male counselor educator can accomplish when harnessing his privilege for the betterment of humankind. This book belongs in the bookshelves of every counselor wishing to embrace nature-based, holistic, and emancipatory mental health counseling practices. Filled with poignant vignettes and practical assessment and trauma-informed, ethical individual and group intervention strategies, this book is an invaluable resource for clinicians!"" Ana Puig, PhD, clinical professor of counselor education and research director at the University of Florida, American Counseling Association and Association for Specialists in Group Work fellow ""Natural Approaches to Optimal Wellness sets a new standard for professional counseling practice. Ryan Reese’s model of EcoWellness is based in good science. It's accessible, flexible, and actionable, with attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout. This book will be useful for practitioners, researchers, educators, and students. At a time when nature and wellbeing can seem under threat, EcoWellness provides a blueprint for hope and action."" Thomas Doherty, PsyD, fellow of the American Psychological Association and past president of the Society for Environmental, Population, and Conservation Psychology ""While the healing potential of nature is apparent to most, how counselors intentionally integrate the setting and experience of nature into practice can be enigmatic. Ryan Reese is the thought leader in EcoWellness counseling, and this book could be his magnum opus. Each chapter is a perfect blend of philosophy and practice. This book is an invaluable text for new and longtime adherents to ecological approaches who are considering ways to their deepen practice."" Matthew Lemberger-Truelove, PhD, professor of counseling at the University of North Texas, editor of the Journal of Counseling & Development and an American Counseling Association fellow ""This book is a valuable addition to the literature on the human-nature relationship and its essential role in the therapeutic process. Well researched and enriched by illustrative examples, Ryan Reese offers a comprehensive understanding of EcoWellness, from conceptualization to applications in client care and community advocacy."" Patricia H. Hasbach, PhD, author of Grounded: A Guided Journal to Help You Connect with the Power of Nature and Yourself ""Natural Approaches to Optimal Wellness addresses the critical need of conceptualizing wellness by addressing our connection (or disconnection) with the natural world. Dr. Reese provides an accessible guide to understanding his evidenced-based model of EcoWellness, a comprehensive, evaluative approach to counseling that incorporates the growing, multidisciplinary research linking the natural world with human holistic wellness. With touching vignettes, practical suggestions, multicultural considerations and reflection questions, Dr. Reese’s book is a must have for all counseling professionals."" Megan Delaney, PhD, LPC, associate professor of psychology at Monmouth University and author of Nature is Nurture: Counseling and the Natural World ""By drawing on scientific research and anecdotal case study material, this book provides a comprehensive guide to EcoWellness Counseling. The approach incorporates a broad understanding of social justice in ecotherapy via, for example, client and community advocacy for greater access and protection of greenspaces. The book provides an opportunity for practitioner self-development via reflection and is a timely examination of the dual issues of environmental and human health."" Joe Hinds, DPhil, psychotherapist in private practice and senior lecturer in therapeutic counselling, University of Greenwich, London ""Natural Approaches to Optimal Wellness is one of a kind and long overdue. As one of the authors of the empirically validated wellness models in professional counseling (i.e., IS-Wel), I am delighted to endorse this book’s substantive, groundbreaking work. Dr. Reese’s mentor, Dr. Jane E. Myers, would be very pleased."" Thomas J. Sweeney, PhD, professor emeritus of counselor education, Ohio University ""Embrace nature as co-therapist with this insightful guide on EcoWellness counseling practices. Authored by a seasoned practitioner, this book comfortably blends therapeutic techniques with the restorative benefits of connecting with nature, offering a refreshing approach to mental health and well-being. Packed with practical examples and informed by current research, this is a valuable resource for therapists and wellness enthusiasts seeking to take their practice outdoors."" Nevin J. Harper, PhD, professor, outdoor therapist, and co-author of Nature-based Therapy and co-editor of Outdoor Therapies ""Dr. Reese integrates his passion, clinical experience, and extensive research to offer a compelling text about an important aspect of wellness. Rich with case examples and practical applications for counseling, this book is an essential read for clinicians seeking to embrace a holistic approach to wellness."" Jacqueline M. Swank, PhD, LMHC, LCSW, RPT-STM, associate teaching professor of mental health practices in schools at the University of Missouri ""Dr. Reese provides readers with an important and multidimensional approach to the foundations of EcoWellness. Perhaps the thing that most clinicians crave is what he offers in Part II: the practical applications, assessment, trauma-informed considerations, and advocacy. The case vignettes and examples help the reader connect immediately to the potential of EcoWellness within their work. A lovely and important contribution!"" Debbie C. Sturm, PhD, LPC, professor, James Madison University ""Ryan Reese is one of the leading counselor educators integrating nature into both his research and practice in the counseling profession. This book thoroughly showcases his scholarly and clinical work, offering a rich exploration of EcoWellness and its practical applications in the field."" Sang Min Shin, PhD, LPC, NCC, RPT, associate professor, University of Texas at El Paso