Natural Approaches to Optimal Wellness: Integrating EcoWellness into Counseling offers a groundbreaking perspective on holistic human wellness by introducing the EcoWellness framework to counselors and psychotherapists. The book integrates discussion of nature's therapeutic benefits with an understanding of clients' broader ecological and sociocultural contexts. It addresses foundational professional issues, such as the clinician's scope of practice, ethics, and nature worldview, and explores the empirical and conceptual bases of the EcoWellness model through a comprehensive review of the multidisciplinary literature and supporting theories. Interspersed with the author's own clinical experience, the book offers practical examples for applying the EcoWellness perspective in counseling and psychotherapy. With a roadmap for ethical EcoWellness counseling practice, including assessment, treatment planning, specialized strategies, and advocacy, this book equips professionals with tools to enhance client wellness, advocate for environmental and climate justice, and foster a deep, respectful connection to the more-than-human world. This essential guide equips counselors and psychotherapists with innovative, inclusive, and effective practices to enhance client wellness and foster restorative connections with the natural world. "Socially conscious therapists offer a powerful gift in therapy by meeting people where they are or guiding them to discover themselves within their surroundings. Dr. Ryan Reese’s motivation for developing the EcoWellness counseling framework is truly compelling. It highlights the importance of going beyond traditional counseling methods and genuinely exploring the unknown. The client and personal narratives interwoven throughout the book are intriguing, adding depth, brilliance, and charm to this socially just approach to holistic counseling. Nature treats everyone equitably and serves as the great equalizer, in a profound way, nature is an essential part of who we are. Reese places the elements center stage, elevating his vision of counseling and therapy to a new level of optimal wellness." S. Kent Butler, PhD, NCC, NCSC, American Counseling Association past president and fellow "Through his innovative work, Dr. Reese illustrates what a cisgender heterosexual male counselor educator can accomplish when harnessing his privilege for the betterment of humankind. This book belongs in the bookshelves of every counselor wishing to embrace nature-based, holistic, and emancipatory mental health counseling practices. Filled with poignant vignettes and practical assessment and trauma-informed, ethical individual and group intervention strategies, this book is an invaluable resource for clinicians! " Ana Puig, PhD, clinical professor of counselor education and research director at the University of Florida, American Counseling Association and Association for Specialists in Group Work fellow " Natural Approaches to Optimal Wellness sets a new standard for professional counseling practice. Ryan Reese’s model of EcoWellness is based in good science. It's accessible, flexible, and actionable, with attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout. This book will be useful for practitioners, researchers, educators, and students. At a time when nature and wellbeing can seem under threat, EcoWellness provides a blueprint for hope and action." Thomas Doherty, PsyD, fellow of the American Psychological Association and past president of the Society for Environmental, Population, and Conservation Psychology "While the healing potential of nature is apparent to most, how counselors intentionally integrate the setting and experience of nature into practice can be enigmatic. Ryan Reese is the thought leader in EcoWellness counseling, and this book could be his magnum opus. Each chapter is a perfect blend of philosophy and practice. This book is an invaluable text for new and longtime adherents to ecological approaches who are considering ways to their deepen practice." Matthew Lemberger-Truelove, PhD, professor of counseling at the University of North Texas, editor of the Journal of Counseling and Development and an American Counseling Association fellow "This book is a valuable addition to the literature on the human-nature relationship and its essential role in the therapeutic process. Well researched and enriched by illustrative examples, Ryan Reese offers a comprehensive understanding of EcoWellness, from conceptualization to applications in client care and community advocacy." Patricia H. Hasbach, PhD, author of Grounded: A Guided Journal to Help You Connect with the Power of Nature and Yourself "Natural Approaches to Optimal Wellness addresses the critical need of conceptualizing wellness by addressing our connection (or disconnection) with the natural world. Dr. Reese provides an accessible guide to understanding his evidenced-based model of EcoWellness, a comprehensive, evaluative app