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Kate Scowsmith, who lost her home in the Camp Fire and is now a trained ecotherapist, poses for a portrait in Paradise, CA.

The people of Paradise, CA have seen multiple devastating wildfires in the last decade, leaving many afraid of fire. Social workers in the area have been providing a new ecotherapy method using forest walks that has helped participants repair their broken relationships with fire and nature.

With the increasing intensity and frequency of climate-related natural disasters, more people across the country have experienced trauma and loss. Forest therapy, which invites people to connect with nature, could be a tool to help survivors recover, especially those who live and work in ecosystems adapted to and reliant on seasonal fires. It may be especially beneficial in addressing the broken human-nature relationships that have disrupted this cycle and left many afraid of fire. (By Rebecca Randall)

“We need to be able to see these landscapes through a different lens. Otherwise, they’re just a constant reminder of our trauma and loss.”

https://www.hcn.org/issues/forest-therapy-for-wildfire-survivors/

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Kate Scowsmith, who lost her home in the Camp Fire and is now a trained ecotherapist, poses for a portrait in Paradise, CA.<br /> <br /> The people of Paradise, CA have seen multiple devastating wildfires in the last decade, leaving many afraid of fire. Social workers in the area have been providing a new ecotherapy method using forest walks that has helped participants repair their broken relationships with fire and nature.<br /> <br /> With the increasing intensity and frequency of climate-related natural disasters, more people across the country have experienced trauma and loss. Forest therapy, which invites people to connect with nature, could be a tool to help survivors recover, especially those who live and work in ecosystems adapted to and reliant on seasonal fires. It may be especially beneficial in addressing the broken human-nature relationships that have disrupted this cycle and left many afraid of fire. (By Rebecca Randall)<br /> <br /> “We need to be able to see these landscapes through a different lens. Otherwise, they’re just a constant reminder of our trauma and loss.”<br /> <br /> https://www.hcn.org/issues/forest-therapy-for-wildfire-survivors/
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