Philippa Williams

By Philippa Williams

This paper introduces nature therapy and single session therapy as alternative psychotherapeutic frameworks in addition to more traditional ways of working, offering a modern perspective on evolving societal and individual needs. In particular, the concern for human coping mechanisms and survival in today’s fast paced environment dictates a growing need to address conflicts of inner and outer lived experiences, dissociation, and trauma, where traditional settings are failing or inadequate. Ethical considerations and applications for working outside in nature are discussed, as well as limitations for traditional settings. This paper can be used as an introductory guide for practitioners seeking to work therapeutically in nature.

Part of the book: Counseling and Therapy

By Philippa Williams

Drawing on historical and current medical model trends, as well as the epistemologies and their impact for how we understand depression, leads to the crucial question for whether depression is a permanent or curable human phenomenon. Presenting animalistic and evolutionary perspectives within a biopsychosocial framework offers choice to individuals experiencing depression, that symptoms may be inherently fluid and a temporary part of the human condition. Furthermore, that early childhood attachment and trauma can shape our predisposition for experiencing depression is discussed. Neurobiological and neurochemical processes are identified as driving factors for depression from a trauma-informed lens, and psychotherapies that incorporate animal, nature, and somatic elements are offered as alternatives for supporting a biopsychosocial, body-based way of working with depression.

Part of the book: Depression