Ileana Vitalia
Full Text PDF | creative methods, symbolic garden, nature.

Many recent studies have explored the physical and psychological effects of nature as a source of health and well being, and have argued the importance of reconnection with nature. Based on the therapeutic aspects of nature and contact with nature, many creative methods have been developed in the field of counseling and psychotherapy to help person reconnect body, mind and spirit through direct encounter with natural elements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a group creative exercise (using natural elements to design, create and explore a garden). We supposed that this kind of exercise would facilitate the access to personal resources and needs and it would reduce the negative thoughts. In this study we used an experimental design (experimental and control group), observation, psychodiagnostic instruments (ATQ - Automatic Thinking Questionaire), and statistical methods (Independent Samples t Test). After the participation in this type of group creative exercise the participants were more aware of their present needs and resources, and experienced less intense negative automatic thoughts compared to the control group. The experience of working with natural elements in the form of creative exercises can facilitate a direct but gentle access to personal needs and resources.

Current Trends in Natural Sciences

ISSN (online) 2284-953X
ISSN (CD-ROM) 2284-9521
ISSN-L 2284-9521
Publisher University of Pitesti, EUP