ecotherapy

Ecotherapy is a therapy practice born from ecopsychology, a field of study which looks at the phenomenon of psyche as resulting from our relationships to all things, people, and places. As defined by C.G. Jung, Psyche refers to "the totality of all psychic processes conscious as well as unconscious." By making the connection between psyche and our relationships, especially those we have with the natural world, one can see the psychological processes behind the destruction of our most crucial land and water ways. Ecopsychology reveals that our inextricable relationship with nature has meant that nature then serves (and has served) as both temenos (sacred space) and waste bin for the unresolved traumas of history and the individual. In other words, nature has served as both friend and foe, ally and enemy, personifications which persist in modern times. Through understanding this link, one begins to see that nature itself has become the field through which most human projections become manifest.

In practice, ecotherapy works to help individuals connect their symptoms to the greater systems that surround them, and like in family systems therapy, the connections work to reveal the true nature of our suffering and what it reflects about our relationship to self, others, and the world. Through this lens symptoms always reveal that which is out of balance and becomes the doorway through which health and healing take place. It is the practice of acknowledging the direct and indirect influence that the natural world has on our wellbeing and suffering or "dis-ease".

Ecotherapy acknowledges the complexities of an individual’s internal world while simultaneously working to rebuild a positive relationship with the landscapes that surround them. The forms and patterns in nature have a direct way of revealing the patterns of human growth and development, and by developing a deeper relationship with nature, individuals are able to find clarity around some of the more perplexing aspects of the human psyche. Often is the case that we adopt the patterns of behavior that surround us, and in a world where repeated and regular destruction reign, it is no wonder that so many of us turn a destructive eye towards our own inner landscapes. Ecotherapy works to repair this relationship to self by challenging these common practices and replacing them with acts of reverence for the world which sustains and nourishes all life.

In ecotherapy, nature is the co-therapist, an entity which activates the parasympathetic nervous system needed to feel calm, making it easier to access deeper parts of self. Daily stressors make it difficult to explore more meaningful aspects of life, and also impacts our ability to learn. By increasing a greater sense of calm and awareness, a creative, curious, and playful side of self is able to emerge, giving individuals the opportunity to see life challenges from new perspectives and undercover means for maintaining a greater sense of equanimity. By helping individuals identify avenues through which to integrate and apply their insights, the ecotherapist helps reinforce these realizations. Experiencing the rituals and practices that bring meaning often makes it easier to cope with the demands of daily living, and by prioritizing these practices are able to move more deeply into balance and alignment with one’s ever-evolving developmental needs.

My approach to ecotherapy typically involves walking and talking with folks on local trails here in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico. In the many years I have been hiking and backpacking with friends, family, and clients, I have found walking to be highly generative, offering individuals access to thoughts and feelings previously petrified by the responsibilities that come with functioning in a fast paced world. Difficult memories and/or strong emotions can surface while out on the trail, if this occurs, I often encourage a break to sit down, rest, and reflect before proceeding. This encourages the recognition and integration of psychic material that presents itself during session.

I am able to accommodate individuals with physical challenges by offering sessions outdoors that do not require walking or hiking of any kind. These sessions typically look like meeting at a local park, or sitting in the shade at a local trailhead. As a safety measure, I maintain a Wilderness First Aid certification in order to provide care when and if ever needed. Should you have any questions or concerns not addressed here, please feel free to reach out.