Ecopsychology in South Africa: public perceptions and professional applications of nature-based therapy in the Western Cape

Pienaar, Andrea

Ecopsychology in South Africa: public perceptions and professional applications of nature-based therapy in the Western Cape

Thesis / Dissertation

2026

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Psychology

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

Ecotherapy, a form of nature-based therapy rooted in Ecopsychology, is increasingly recognised for its mental health benefits. However, little is known about its application within the South African mental health system. This study sought to answer the question: What place could nature-based therapies have in the South African mental health landscape? Using a mixed-methods approach, this study explored the perspectives of two groups: licensed mental health professionals who offer nature-based therapies, and members of the public who might use them. The first phase involved semi-structured interviews with seven mental health professionals, analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) reflexive thematic analysis, supplemented with their more recent guidance on good practice (Braun & Clarke, 2019, 2023). In the second phase, the study examined public knowledge and interest in nature-based therapy by collecting survey data from 922 Western Cape residents. The data were analysed using a combination of content analysis and statistical methods, including descriptive statistics and inferential tests such as Chi-squared and Mann–Whitney U tests. Findings indicated that, at the time of writing, nature-based therapies were not widely practised in South Africa. Few practitioners met the inclusion criteria, and the majority of respondents had not previously participated in nature-based interventions. However, despite low public awareness, there appears to be high interest in engaging with ecotherapy. While ecotherapy remains in its early stages of development, the findings suggest potential for its expansion within the South African mental health landscape. The findings highlight a need for further development of the research base, practitioner training, and formalisation of ecotherapy practices to support its growth in the South African mental health field.