Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Cherie Graves

Abstract

Background: Using nature has been linked to improvements in well-being for individuals with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Bettmann et al., 2019). Combining nature with physical activity can increase feelings of revitalization, positive engagement, and energy with decreased feelings of tension, confusion, anger, and depression (Coon et al., 2011). Group-based activities for veterans can assist with the reintegration process back into the community as combat veterans value connections with like peers (Hawkins et al., 2016). Occupational therapy practitioners have the skills to analyze activities to make accommodations to allow veterans to be successful in the occupations in the nature-based sessions regardless of the mental health challenges present.

Project Description: This program aims to provide an opportunity for veterans with mental health difficulties to engage in a non-traditional approach to therapy to reduce the barrier presented by the veterans’ stigma around mental health treatment (Bettmann, 2019). The purpose of this program is to increase well-being through engagement in nature-based therapy by incorporating social participation, rest/sleep education, activities to provide increased life purpose and satisfaction, and growth in self-confidence by teaching new skills. Additionally, the program targets engagement in leisure activities, enhances sensory regulation skills, uses purposeful activities for self-care, and provides opportunities to practice skills for productivity and work.

Discussion: The program was developed for sustainability by including evaluation measures, goals, objectives, and marketing strategies. To promote the program, clear language was used and sessions were intentionally designed to target individual’s goals. There are three recommendations for further development of the product in the future. First, adaptive equipment would be beneficial to incorporate in each session to increase inclusivity for the population. Next, partnering with the VA or other well-known veteran supporters to increase access for individuals who are financially unable to participate. This will also enhance the marketing of the programming to provide information of additional resources that are available to the population. Lastly, peer-led programs would increase participation and engagement in the program along with the availability of more sessions to be implemented.

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