BUSH ADVENTURE THERAPY

Melinda is passionate about creating accessible and inclusive nature-based experiences for people of all abilities. She completed her postgraduate studies in Sustainable Tourism at Murdoch University with a focus on nature-based wilderness experiences for people with disabilities. Her final research paper, "Natural Area Access” is available here.

In recent years, Melinda discovered the Bush Adventure Therapy space and partnered with Jocelyn Evans from

Right Foot Forward WA to create small group programs for children. These programs provide participants with the opportunity to connect with nature, build confidence, and develop new skills. Melinda is committed to making these experiences accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability.

TESTIMONIALS

WHAT IS BUSH ADVENTURE THERAPY?

Bush Adventure therapy is a type of therapy that uses outdoor activities to help individuals improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It can be beneficial for people of all ages, regardless of whether they have a diagnosed condition or not.

Bush Adventure therapy can help to:

Increase confidence and self-esteem
Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve attention and focus
Improve social skills, communication and teamwork
Improve problem-solving skills
Improve physical fitness

Bush Adventure therapy can be a great way for people to reach their full potential in a safe and supportive environment. It can help them to develop new skills, overcome challenges, and build confidence.

MEDIA

PAST PROGRAMS

EXPLORE MORE

CAVING - Check previous programs here

Research links

RESEARCH LINKS

Adventure bush therapy is a relatively new field of therapy, but there is growing evidence to support its effectiveness for people with and without diagnosed conditions. Studies have shown that adventure bush therapy can be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including ADHD, autism, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. See Table 1.0 for some recent studies in this area. The benefits of accessing nature for humans was first researched in the early 1980s by Roger Ulrich, a professor of environmental psychology in the US. Since then, many studies have shown that nature is good for our health.

NATURAL AREA ACCESS AND DISABILITY

This Sustainable Tourism research project "Natural Area Access” was written by Melinda in 2004. Despite it's age it still has relevant information and strategies on the topic. Find the full report here.

ADHD

Natural environments can help people with ADHD feel calmer and more focused. They do this by providing a break from the sensory overload and cognitive demands of everyday life. Natural environments also trigger positive physiological responses, such as decreased heart rate and blood pressure. These responses can help to calm the body and mind, making it easier for people with ADHD to focus and have impulse control.

1. Sensory Balance: Natural settings offer a balanced and gentle array of sensory stimuli, unlike the overwhelming sensory bombardment often experienced in indoor or urban environments. This sensory balance can help soothe the heightened sensory sensitivities associated with ADHD (Jones et. al., 2019).

2. Biophilia Hypothesis: Humans have an inherent connection to nature, known as the biophilia hypothesis. Being in natural surroundings triggers positive physiological responses, such as lowered heart rate and reduced stress hormone levels, which contribute to a calmer state of mind (Berman, 2008).

3. Attention Restoration: Natural environments provide a break from the constant demands of attention required by modern life. This "restorative environment" allows the brain to replenish its cognitive resources, leading to reduced impulsivity and improved self-control (Kaplan, 1995).

4. Soft Fascination: Nature offers what psychologists call "soft fascination." The gently changing patterns of leaves, flowing water, and natural sounds capture attention in a non-demanding way, allowing the ADHD brain to relax and focus without feeling pressured (Berman et.al., 2012).

5. Affective Benefits: Nature has a positive impact on mood and emotional well-being. The reduction in stress and anxiety often seen in natural settings can mitigate emotional dysregulation, which is commonly observed in individuals with ADHD (Berman et. al., 2012).

6. Stress Reduction: Exposure to nature triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, neurotransmitters associated with relaxation and mood enhancement. This can counteract the agitation and restlessness linked to ADHD (Berman et. al., 2010).

7. Restful Neural Patterns: Natural environments evoke a state of "soft fascination" that engages the brain's default mode network (DMN). This neural network is associated with mind-wandering, creativity, and a relaxed mental state, contributing to a sense of calmness that allows the brain to reset and function more effectively (Berman et. al., 2011).

Natural environments provide a harmonious sensory experience, offer a break from cognitive demands, and trigger positive physiological responses that collectively contribute to a calming effect on the ADHD brain. This effect can help mitigate the core symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and restlessness, promoting a more tranquil and focused state of mind.