Judy Barreto, a single mother of three boys, formerly ran "Spondeo Montessori" in Gilbert, Arizona, where she demonstrated her profound commitment to children's education. During her time as the school's leader, she placed special emphasis on incorporating environmentally conscious principles into the institution's framework and operations.

Judy embarked on a new professional path in the field of eco-therapy. We explore her fascinating transition from Montessori education administrator to eco-therapy practitioner, examining how her experience as both an educator and mother has informed this evolving career journey. Our conversation with Judy reveals the connecting threads between her previous work in structured nature-based education and her current pursuit of healing through environmental connection.

Key aspects of eco-therapy include:

1. Connection to nature: Eco-therapy is based on the principle that humans have an innate connection to nature (sometimes called "biophilia"), and that spending time in natural environments can reduce stress and improve wellbeing.
2. Formal therapeutic practices: These might include guided nature meditation, horticultural therapy (gardening for mental health), wilderness therapy, animal-assisted interventions, or conservation activities as part of a therapeutic program.
3. Health benefits: Research has shown nature exposure can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress; lower blood pressure; improve immune function; increase attention capacity; and enhance overall mood.
4. Environmental awareness: Many eco-therapy approaches include an element of environmental stewardship and developing a reciprocal relationship with nature.
5. Accessibility variations: Eco-therapy can range from structured programs led by trained professionals to simple self-directed activities like regular walks in natural settings, caring for houseplants, or gardening.

Some specific eco-therapy approaches include forest bathing (shinrin-yoku from Japan), adventure therapy, care farming (therapeutic use of farming practices), and green exercise (physical activities in natural environments).

Popular Eco-Therapy Practices You Can Adopt

Here are several accessible eco-therapy practices that have gained popularity for their mental health benefits:

This Japanese practice involves mindful immersion in forest environments. Simply spend time walking slowly through a wooded area, engaging all senses—notice the scents, sounds, textures, and visual details. Research shows 2-3 hours of forest bathing can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and boost immune function.

Engage with plants through gardening activities. This could be as simple as maintaining indoor plants, creating a small container garden, or joining a community garden. The act of nurturing plants provides both immediate satisfaction and long-term rewards as you watch them grow.

Regular interaction with animals—whether pets, wildlife observation, or volunteering at animal sanctuaries—can reduce anxiety and provide emotional support. The human-animal bond has proven therapeutic effects.

Document your observations, feelings, and experiences in natural settings. This reflective practice helps process emotions while developing deeper connections to the environment. Combine writing with sketches of plants, landscapes, or wildlife.

Participate in habitat restoration, beach cleanups, or tree planting. These activities provide a sense of purpose and community while fostering environmental stewardship.

Create art inspired by or using natural materials. This might include painting outdoors, making mandalas from found objects, photography, or crafting with natural elements.

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Keywords:

• Eco-therapy

• Nature-based healing
• Environmental wellness
• Gilbert Arizona
• Career transition
• Mother entrepreneurs
• Sustainable education

• Holistic wellness
• Desert healing

• Parenting and nature
• Green education
• Environmental psychology