Introduction: The Continuing Maturation of the Therapeutic Landscape Concept

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book introduces the idea of the globalizing therapeutic landscape when reviewing the expansion of yoga centres across the globe, bringing together literatures which would otherwise stand in stark opposition to one another. It provides evidence for the therapeutic potential of support groups, via modalities – the telephone, newsletter and the internet, which would otherwise be deemed banal in the sense of only providing information/resources. The book also provides a few selected continuing lines of research, as well as future research directions, both of which are discussed in light of the continued maturation of the concept both within and outside the bounds of health geography. It discusses the ideal elements required to ensure nursing homes operate as therapeutic. The book argues that the zoological park offers a therapeutic landscape for families.