Nurturing Minds With Nature: Incorporating Ecodaemonia Theory Into Comprehensive School Counseling Programs

Abstract

The mental health needs of K–12 students have grown significantly in recent years, necessitating innovative approaches to support their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. This article explores integrating Ecodaemonia, a nature-based framework, into school counseling programs. We provide a guide for developing, implementing, and evaluating nature-based interventions, covering program creation, professional training, collaboration, tailoring interventions, and effectiveness evaluation. The potential benefits of incorporating nature-based interventions include improved attention and cognitive functioning, stress reduction, fostering a deep connection with nature, and promoting students’ mental health and overall educational experience.