We found that, in general, there seem to be several advantages for VET centres and Treatment centres in implementing ecotherapy curricula and treatment modalities. However, as became clear in the partners’ SWOT analysis, there are some barriers to consider, when implementing VET courses on ecotherapy.
Ecotherapy is not yet broadly recognised with its official term and must compete with an abundance of evidence-based educational programmes. Research shows that in several countries ecotherapy is currently used as an alternative therapy and not as the actual treatment of alcohol and drug addiction. Also, many professionals do not have the knowledge and training to apply ecotherapy as an actual treatment, due to the lack of recognised training in the field. Another identified barrier relates to the very framework for practising the therapy. These include the need to be taught in natural spaces that are not accessible to everyone. New practices need to be part of the therapeutic protocol of professionals which can be affected by a need for validation from regulatory bodies. This can lead to difficulties introducing new practices in public centres.