Overview

The APS hosts this webinar with the APS Positive Psychology Interest Group.

As research continues to reveal the powerful relationship between nature and wellbeing, psychologists have new opportunities to enhance therapeutic practice through evidence-based nature connection strategies.

This webinar explores the rapidly expanding research on the benefits and limitations, of nature-based approaches for supporting the wellbeing of clients, practitioners, and the environment.

Discover how nature-based theory and wellbeing science intersect, and learn how integrating positive psychology interventions with nature connection can optimise therapeutic outcomes. Through practical, evidence-informed strategies, you'll explore how to cultivate savouring, gratitude, flow, mindfulness, and meaning in natural settings, while applying attention restoration and stress reduction principles.

The webinar will also examine how to tailor interventions to individual needs, with careful consideration of safety, accessibility, and cultural relevance. Finally, you'll explore a systems-informed perspective that extends beyond individual wellbeing to foster pro-social and pro-environmental behaviours, equipping you with practical approaches to enrich your practice and support sustainable wellbeing.

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Duration of access

This webinar will be recorded. Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• critique current literature on nature-based wellbeing interventions,

• identify three nature-based positive psychology and wellbeing interventions, and

• integrate nature-based interventions in their professional practice and personally for self-care.

Presenter(s)

Professor Dianne Vella-Brodrick

About the presenter(s)

Professor Dianne Vella-Brodrick (PhD) holds the Gerry Higgins Chair in Positive Psychology and is Director at the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne. She is a registered psychologist and Member of the Australian Psychological Society and College of Health Psychologists.
Dianne is the inaugural Director of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program and founder of the Positive Psychology Network in Australia. She is President and a Fellow of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA). In July 2025 she Chaired the IPPA World Congress and she has Co-Directed three Australian positive psychology and wellbeing conferences.
Dianne serves on many journal editorial and advisory boards and was the inaugural Co-Editor in Chief of the Psychology of Well-Being: Theory, Research and Practice journal. She reviews international grants, provides formal mentorship to international scholars and has co-led the University of Melbourne mentoring program for senior researchers.
Dianne’s interests are wide ranging and include wellbeing education across the lifespan, life meaning and community engagement. More recent interest has focused on different types of nature experiences and the ways in which these impact wellbeing. She has published several scientific reviews in this field and is involved in work evaluating nature prescribing for those with mild to moderate mental illness in regional Victoria. This research aligns with her broader interest in developing evidence-based interventions that harness the restorative power of natural environments.

Website/s

https://psychology.org.au/training-and-careers/education