Therapeutic landscapes: A critical analysis

The concept of therapeutic landscape has been applied in a variety of ways, but there have not been any detailed reviews or critiques of the body of literature. A systematic literature analysis and key author interviews are performed. It is demonstrated that the concept has evolved from its original meaning, which focused on site-specific landscapes reputed to have supernatural healing powers. Results show a significant shift in the way therapeutic landscapes are conceptualized. Newer interpretations focus on non site-specific and everyday landscapes believed to contribute to healing and the maintenance of health and wellness, and have largely abandoned the original key qualities. Most key authors have embraced the evolution of the concept and view the change as positive. A cognitive theory of categorization is applied as a new way of conceptualizing therapeutic landscapes. Suggestions for future research on the topic, incorporating suggestions of the key authors, are reviewed.