NATURE HEALS: Eco-Therapy for Recovery and Resilience

By Dan Pava

Since October 7, 2023, tens of thousands of Israelis have experienced life-altering trauma. Families were forced from their homes, children witnessed unimaginable violence, and entire communities were uprooted. The resulting fear, grief, and emotional turmoil have left over 3 million Israelis suffering from psychological distress due to the attacks, ongoing war, displacement, and hostage situations. In response, Dr. Gilad Bodenheimer, Director of Mental Health Services for Israel’s Health Ministry, stressed the importance of finding innovative, non-pharmacological solutions to support the millions affected.

To address this urgent need, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) launched Nature Heals, a nationwide eco-therapy initiative. This program provides trauma-sensitive healing through guided experiences in nature, offering both immediate relief and long-term support for those impacted. 120,000 Israelis have benefitted since November 2023. 

As of early 2025, many Israelis remain displaced and continue to live in temporary housing, separated from routine, stability, and community. Teenagers are among the most vulnerable, often returning home but not to normalcy. The ongoing emotional impact has created a critical need for trauma-informed, non-clinical support focused on teens. To address this, Nature Heals is dedicating its primary focus in 2025–2026 to “Resilience Journeys”, an eco-therapy initiative designed specifically for teenagers experiencing emotional distress.

Educators have emphasized the urgent need for resilience-building programs, especially for 16- to 18-year-olds deeply affected by the war. Building on the success of Wilderness Camps for displaced youth, SPNI partnered with pedagogic experts from Oranim: Academic College to develop Resilience Journeys as the next phase of the Nature Heals program.

Resilience Journeys is a four-day immersive experience in nature, guided by experienced SPNI counselors. Teenagers are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones through a combination of physical challenges and meaningful choices, helping them regain a sense of control. The program is built on seven core principles: natural setting, pushing boundaries, active participation, challenge and choice, open discourse, rituals, and self-documentation.

During the journey, each participant assumes responsibility for various aspects of daily life, such as setting up camp, preparing meals, leading activities, navigating trails, and filming the experience. Roles rotate daily, ensuring that each student engages with different responsibilities.

A key element of Resilience Journeys is docu-education. Each group receives a camera to document their journey. In front of the camera, while conversing with a peer, teens can lower their emotional defenses and freely share their complex feelings—a crucial step in the healing process. At the conclusion of the journey, the footage is edited into a 20-minute film to share with friends and family.

One mother from Kibbutz Tze'elim shared: “My son refused to leave the hotel room for three months and stopped communicating with his friends. Your program was the first time he stepped outside the hotel and saw his friends since we left home on October 7. Since he returned, I can see a little of his old self again, and know that he is in touch with his friends again.”  Resilience Journey results are positive:

• 78% of participants reported increased capability, lower stress and anxiety, the ability to relate to peers with similar experiences, and renewed optimism.
• 89% of children believe that facing the challenges of the trip will help them overcome future obstacles.
• 94% of parents felt the trip contributed to their child’s sense of success and competence.
• 100% of parents expressed interest in sending their child on another trip.

The Resilience Journeys program was launched last year with support from the Jewish Federations of North America Emergency Fund and other donors from the US and Israel. Due to the pressing need, evidence of the program’s effectiveness, and its low cost per participant, SPNI is seeking additional funding to support 1,300 teens in the coming year. The cost is $800 per participant, or $15,000 per Resilience Journeys session.

For more information about this innovative and effective program, please refer to https://natureisrael.org/natureheals/

Dan Pava is vice chair of Nature Israel USA and a board member at Temple Beth Shalom in Santa Fe.

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