Phoenix House Therapeutic Conservation Programme: underpinning theory (ENRR611)

The Phoenix House and English Nature partnership existed to help substance misusers challenge themselves as individuals to build self-esteem, self-confidence and motivation through the power of activity in wildlife-rich environments. This report sets out the theoretical basis for an eco-based therapy treatment programme, and the first hand experiences of participants. There is an on-going evaluation programme in place to quantify the added value that such a programme can bring to the therapeutic process. The experiences reported here show that there are very real long term benefits for the individual.