Sense and sensibility : reality and romanticism in human/nature relationships

The use of remote locations to evoke the transformative and restorative powers of nature is both well documented and regarded as the key characteristic that differentiates wilderness therapy (WT) from more traditional forms of therapy/counselling. But how does wilderness therapy access the healing powers of nature? Drawing upon relevant literature and the voices of participants in an ongoing qualitative study this presentation explores the therapeutic potential of human/nature relationships and gains a deeper understanding of some of the conditions, attitudes and approaches may impact upon the transformational potential of wilderness experience.