Environmental Arts Therapy: The Body in Nature

This chapter reflects the overlaps and differences between studio-based and environmental art therapy working outdoors including the different sensory experiences of both indoor and outdoor practice. Themes of attunement, presence, and imagination are developed within the context of the therapeutic relationship, creativity, and climate change. Working outdoors engages all the senses and is integrative in its use of materials found in nature. Environmental arts therapy intersects with issues of social injustice and climate change, and its use in embodied art therapy practice reflects the growing awareness of the social and politically active dimensions of imagination in creative arts therapy. Clinical vignettes highlighting the power of practicing art therapy outdoors will be presented.