Climate Psychology

Mental health practitioners have an invaluable role to play at this pivotal time in human history. Perspectives and practices from psychology are well positioned to make a significant and positive contribution to addressing our unfolding crisis. Behaviorists need to be at the table of interdisciplinary conversations generating effective climate solutions. Psychology is powerful in addressing the emotional underpinnings of climate denial, understanding motivators for change, identifying the most effective communication strategies, as well as building resiliency when individuals and communities are faced with immediate and long term climate chaos that provoke trauma, grief, anxiety and depression. Here is how and why we can begin to revise the practice of mental health to include climate realities: The Role of Systemic Therapists in an Era of Environmental Crisis.

Being part of effective change is not always taking to the streets in protest or signing petitions, although those do make significant social contributions. There are many ways to make a difference if we use our ecological imaginations.

Individuals: I offer climate aware therapy for addressing the eco-anxiety and eco-grief of climate chaos, whether resulting from high impact trauma, or the existential experience of what is occurring on a global scale, in addition to exploring ways of living a more ecoharmonious life. Together we explore ways to move through the ambivalence that arises when we want to make lifestyle changes but feel trapped by opposing needs and desires.

Mental Health Field: Please see the 70 hour certification program in Climate Psychology I co-created, offered through the California Institute of Integral Studies, as well as day-long CE workshops through Cascadia Training.

Healthcare Providers, Coaches, and Universities: I provide curriculum, retreats and training tailored to the organization’s needs.

Activists: I provide specific tools to those on the front lines of activist work providing ways to effectively engage over the long haul and reducing burnout.

Community Talks and Workshops:  Everyone has an important role in the great shift that is occurring at this time. It is especially valuable to enliven creative dialogue that have emotional intelligence with interdisciplinary approaches. Have you considered, for example, how the rise in popularity of mindfulness can sometimes do more harm than good when it comes to climate change? Read more here: As a Psychotherapist Treating Eco-Anxiety and Eco-Grief, Mindfulness Helps. Sometimes.

Governmental Agencies and NGOs: Consultations and training can clarify and improve effective actions with communication tools and leadership practices.

FREE RESOURCE: Emotional Resilience Toolkit for Climate Work (v1.5) 04Oct19. This workbook is available to any individual, organization or agency involved in climate work. It builds emotional resiliency to support effective action. Practices are brief, and can be added to any type of meeting or gathering. Check back to get the updated and revised versions. We aim to continue adding up to 100 practices.