NATURE AS A THERAPEUTIC SOURCE: AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF PETER WOHLLEBEN’S THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES

Abstract

The current research focuses on the ecological perspective of nature as a therapeutic source, as reflected in Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees. The model of natural well-being holds a prominent position in providing therapeutic comfort for those who need a safe zone or are in dire need to escape from the desperate routine of daily life. However, it has multiple reflective positions, but the study aims to examine how the ecological principles outlined in Kathy Willis' Good Nature, particularly her model of natural well-being, has been applied to the therapeutic benefits of humans for their mental health interventions and improve their quality of life through nature. Therefore, nature is beyond all therapies which is employed in the research. The researcher has applied the model on Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees (2015) and found that the trees and plants can facilitate healing and emotional growth in humans. The research findings highlight the therapeutic position of nature, diversified and easy to approach as forest bathing, horticultural therapy, visual plant exposure, aromatherapy with plants, nature soundscape, and tree-hugging.

Keywords: Nature, Therapy, Well-being, Good Nature, Mental health, forest bathing