​What is alpaca-assisted ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy is a therapeutic treatment, led by a trained therapist, and focuses on completing outdoor activities as part of the counselling process. Alpaca-assisted therapy (AAT) involves caring for or spending time with an alpaca during a goal-oriented therapy session. These goals can be physical, emotional, educational and/or psychological; AAT is used to complement the benefits of traditional therapy. 

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ALPACAS
Working alongside alpacas offers a different way of exploring difficult and sensitive issues; clients may find it easier to express their feelings and recount painful experiences. 
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Benefits of positive interactions between people and alpacas are:

1. Develop trusting relationships
2. Improve mood, morale and sense of self worth
3. Reduce feelings of isolation
4. Learn new skills 
5. Build self-esteem and confidence building

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PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES
Activities selected in our programme have been specifically chosen to help clients build confidence, problem solving skills, mindful practices and develop healthy relationships.

Here are some simple activities to try at home:
GROW SOMETHING:

• plant herbs you cook with and grown them on a windowsill.
  
• plant native plants to attract birds, bees, and butterflies
  

​​​GET OUTSIDE:

• ​have a picnic in your backyard,
  
• read a book under a tree,
  
• take a brisk 10 minute walk.

SPEND TIME WITH ANIMALS:

• Teach pets some new tricks
  
• Build your cats a fort out of cardboard boxes
• Build a bird house to place outside your window.
  

BRING NATURE INDOORS:

• Crack a window open to get a breath of fresh air. ​
  
• Get a family member or friend to bring you some plants
• Journal about what you can see outside your window, and record the changes you can observe from your vantage point.

WHAT WE OFFER
Alpaca-assisted ecotherapy specifically for women seeking treatment for anxiety, depression and/or addiction. Working hands on with the alpacas and engaging in a variety of nature based activities, we offer: ​

Martha Bache

Counsellor

Martha has worked as a counsellor since 2011 and gained a 1st Class BSc (Hons) in Addictions Counselling from The University of Bath in 2015. One of her proudest achievements was the creation of innovative nature workshops she facilitated to clients who had previously struggled with engaging in mental health services. In 2017, Martha set up a private practice providing ecotherapy workshops to socially isolated individuals and she is the driving force behind The Crea Pax Centre, bringing her counselling experience, work with vulnerable adults, and her unique way of using innovative activities alongside science based practice as a tool for learning and self-development.