The Group EcoWellness Model of Change: A Conceptual Framework for Facilitating Groups in Nature

ABSTRACT Group counselors who facilitate groups in and around natural environments may benefit from a clear conceptual model that delineates the underlying theorized elements of therapeutic change in such settings. We sought to develop a theoretically grounded model of change for developing and evaluating nature-based groups, which we call the Group EcoWellness Model of Change (GEMC). The purpose of this article is to describe the theoretical underpinnings of the GEMC and explore one application of the framework in articulating the Fishing for Wellness therapeutic group. Implications for group counseling practice and research are discussed.