Battles Fought in Nature: lessons learned from nature-based treatment in a forest therapy garden for soldiers with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Using horticultural activities and nature experiences to aid the recovery of returning soldiers has a long history. An increasing number of practical experiences and a few research studies confirm the fact that it may well be beneficial. A review by Varning Poulsen et al. (Under review) describes the contradiction between the large number of programs using nature-based therapy to treat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the small amount of scientific studies in the field. In order to increase knowledge in this field, a project was initiated in Denmark. The overall aim of the project was, based on evidence and practical experience, to develop a transparent nature-based treatment program for war veterans suffering from PTSD. The treatment took place at the University of Copenhagen’s forest therapy garden. A qualitative research study documented and investigated the project. The lessons learned and some preliminary results of the study are the focus of this chapter.