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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:
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.
#EcoTherapy #Montessori #WellnessJourney #NatureHealing #ArizonaWellness
Keywords:
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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:
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.
#EcoTherapy #Montessori #WellnessJourney #NatureHealing #ArizonaWellness
Keywords: