In this episode, Dr. Jean Larson shows how the outdoors has healing powers! Nature-based Therapeutics, similar to integrative medicine, is a collection of practices to support a healthcare program. In NBT patients find healing by engaging with the outdoors, animals, and other sensory experiences in the "unbuilt world."

Dr. Larson, a faculty member at the University of Minnesota and Developer of Nature-Based Therapeutics, joins the conversation to talk about the profound benefits of nature in therapeutic contexts. She shares her journey from studying therapeutic recreation to founding a program in horticulture therapy at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The discussion delves into the importance of relaxation and self-care found in nature, and the tangible metrics in therapeutic horticulture, animal-assisted interventions, and facilitated green exercise. Dr. Larson reflects on her educational path and how she encourages students to integrate nature-based therapeutics into their marketable skills. She touches on her vision for the future of the field along with practical ways for anyone to incorporate nature into their daily life.

Today's episode:

0-5 minutes: Introduction to Lifeyness and how nature supports health
 5-10: Exploring the Concept of Nature-Based Therapeutics
   The Journey to Developing a Nature-Based Therapeutics Program
10-15: The Role of Nature in Therapeutic Recreation
     The Impact of Nature-Based Therapeutics on Patients
15-20: Personal Experiences and Motivations in Nature-Based Therapeutics
    Understanding Biophilia and Biophobia, Animal-assisted interventions
20-25: The Role of Nature in Hospital Design and Patient Recovery
     The Intersection of Nature and Education
25-35:  Practical Applications of Nature-Based Therapeutics
35-40:  Incorporating Nature into Daily Life
40-47:  The Future of Nature-Based Therapeutics

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Referenced:

Larson, Jean Marie. “A Partnership with Nature.” Interdisciplinary Journal of Partnership Studies, vol. 5, no. 2, 2018, p. 4–, https://doi.org/10.24926/ijps.v5i2.1074.

LINKS! Learn more about Nature-based Therapeutics:

Dr. Jean Larson at The Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing

The Bakken Center: A Vital Part of the University of Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Youtube Video showing the participants and staff of Nature-Based Therapeutics!

More about Dr. Larson:

Dr. Jean Larson began her work for the University of Minnesota in 1992, where she developed the Nature-Based Therapeutic Services (NBT) a partnership between the Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. NBT provides a range of services including direct programming, training, education, research and outreach in the fields of therapeutic horticulture, animal-assisted interventions, facilitated green exercise, and therapeutic landscapes. The partnership provides opportunities to better understand and ensure students, professionals and general public will have access to the most current research and practices. The unique partnership recognizes the strengths and expertise to make the best use of resources from both integrative medicine and nature-based science.