Eco-Art Therapy: Creative Activities that let Earth Teach

The title of the book may suggest that its author has some background in art therapy field. Yet, the structure of proposed activities and meticulous guidance through the art making process, seem to take away the spontaneity of art making experience, the individual creativity, and the opportunity to connect with nature in a unique, personal way ( something, most art therapists would strongly emphasize in their work).There are strong base connections between our human nature and our natural environment, base connection that "mysteriously" surface when we engage both, our conscious and our subconscious mind in a true art making process. The "magic" of it is, that at times we acquire knowledge through the joy of experience without extensive, conscious analysis. Strong focus on conscious art work analysis, as proposed in this book, may not only bring some discouraging elements of judgment, it may become a vehicle for alternative interpretations, which would be a drawback in any therapeutic setting. I would most likely perceive the book in more favorable way if it would use the title " Eco- Art Activities" rather then " Eco- Art Therapy".

I haven't and don't plan to take this course, but this truly is a fantastic book. I thought I would be bothered by the author's coinage including and usage of the phrase "art therapy" throughout, since I believe I can assume that she has no background in the field of art therapy. However, the true spirit of art therapy is there on every page…the spirit that one would never need an art therapy educational background in to understand or impart.Although the author makes little to no reference to the history and techniques of art therapy, after reading, I realize it may have taken away from the message (particularly in assuming the book is not geared toward art therapists). As I said, the spirit is there. I still think it would be better named "Creative Ecotherapy" or something along those lines, but regardless, each page is filled with wisdom.If you've read any of Cohen's work, this book will fit right in that library. I thought "Eco-Art Therapy" actually summed up Cohen's work in a more digestible and navigable format, but then again I was reading it with an art-focused brain and have no background in ecopsychology! I would recommend this text to anyone in any field or with any background. It is accessible for any and all.

This is an extremely well written book on a fascinating topic. It's so different because it's so natural. It speaks to the part of me that didn't have a voice before. It has tons of illustrations and inspiring quotes that make it a delight to read and the layout is very well-organized. It gives scads of creative ideas and exercises that you can use to connect with nature and receive its guidance on anything. Now that I've found this book, I can't imagine being without it. In my opinion, this one of the best, most helpful life manuals ever written.

Great resource. Excellent for outside-the-box interventions! Would love if it were written by a trained art therapist, but all healthcare professionals can use art for healing!

I read this book as an accompaniment to the Eco-Art Therapy class Dr. Sweeney teaches online and it is amazing! I have been able to use it both to expand my own connectedness with nature but in my work as a mental health counselor with my clients. This is a must read for anyone who wants to connect (or reconnect) with nature and anyone who wants to improve their insight into the connection between among nature, art, and ecopsychology. Fantastic!

Some ideas for children activities development

I am so disappointed in the contents of this book. The Kindle version has numerous formatting problems with run-on sentences and missing illustrations. But that aside, the author delivers a chaotic overview on “eco-art therapy” that often veers from the theme into basically art making in nature.My biggest disappointment is how “white person centric” this book is. Mostly laden with quotes from white men and women, with little regard for the indigenous cultures that are in tune with the arts and the ecology and nature of this planet. Also, the idea that nature access is a privilege not available to everyone is ignored or not perceived by this author.The art therapy exercises are very limited in application and are pretty standard thinking-feeling-behavior focused. This book would have been more convincing if the author actually immersed her senses in nature and then related that through the arts. Instead this book falls flat, a workbook without much of a spirit that ironically is found only in the natural world.

Book arrived very fast to Estonia, looks perfect! Thank you :)

Full of amazing activities to assist the individual in reconnecting themselves to nature through the expression of art.

Give practical how to