The Connection Cure

Heather Hildebrant, LiCSW, Therapeutic Work Program Director

I’ve recently been reading The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging by Julia Hotz. I initially picked up the book because a local Rutland organization, Come Alive Outside, and their Nature RX program were featured in one of the chapters. What I didn’t expect was how much of the book would resonate with the work we’re doing at the Ranch.

As the title suggests, the book explores the transformative power of social connections, community, movement, art, and nature on overall well-being. It delves into the concept of social drivers of health and how we can holistically support wellness through social prescribing, an approach that integrates these elements into traditional medical care.

The book mentions compelling research, such as a study in Japan that found “forest bathing” increased immune cell activity. Other studies cited show that spending time in nature reduces stress hormones, boosts serotonin production, and improves cardiovascular health. Hotz also draws on insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, an 80-year-long study that underscores how strong relationships lead to contentment, community engagement significantly contributes to well-being, good relationships protect both physical and mental health, and having a sense of purpose fosters greater life satisfaction.

For me, this combination of traditional medical interventions, like medication and therapy, and holistic approaches, like time spent in nature, connection to community, and fostering a sense of purpose through meaningful work is at the heart of what makes the Ranch so special. Hotz’s argument for shifting the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What matters to you?” aligns perfectly with the conversations I witness happening at the Ranch every day. This perspective reinforces the idea that healing is not just about addressing symptoms but about fostering the wellness of the whole person in meaningful ways.

CARF Accredited: Spring Lake Ranch programs are CARF accredited. The CARF accreditation signals our commitment to continually improving services, encouraging feedback, and serving the community.

Spring Lake Ranch is a member of the American Residential Treatment Association (ARTA). ARTA members are dedicated to providing extraordinary care to adults with mental illness.