An Introduction to Ecopsychology and Treatment for Eco-Anxiety

Nearly every aspect of our lives is a gift from our planet’s biosphere. These gifts include the food we eat, the air we breathe, the buildings we inhabit, the materials that form our physical bodies, and the homeostasis that sustains life. A large body of research demonstrates that people’s mood, health, and behavioral outcomes can improve with time spent in nature.  

Scientists across the globe have been warning about environmental harm caused by human practices. Even so, the destruction continues. Because of this, anxiety and despair about our planet’s future is rampant. This anxiety and despair about our individual and collective futures--sometimes referred to as eco-anxiety--can underlie many of the symptoms clients bring into therapy, whether or not they mention it directly. Yet, this topic is not widely discussed in the behavioral health professions. As such, there can be common errors made by clinicians when clients come in with these concerns. Such errors at best render treatment less effective, and at worst drive the problem deeper underground, potentially worsening individual and collective symptoms.  

In this 2-hour continuing education web conference, Andrea Bell, LCSW will discuss the growing field of ecopsychology. Participants will learn about ecotherapeutic history, basic concepts, and different methods of practice. Andrea will discuss healing across multiple levels: individual, family, collectively, and ecosystemically. She will also explore why anti-racism work is a vital ingredient of global healing. 

This introductory instructional level web conference is designed to help clinicians:

1. Define eco-anxiety and summarize how it can be effectively addressed.
2. List five different methods of practice for an ecotherapist.
3. Discuss why racial and cultural inclusion and decolonization is a vital part of ecotherapeutic practice.
4. List three precautions to take before meeting a client outdoors in Nature.
5. List three common errors to avoid when attempting to respond to clients’ eco-anxiety.

Statement of program material's accuracy, utility, and risks: This program is intended as a general informational introduction to the concepts and practice of ecopsychology and ecotherapy. Participants will not be certified or qualified to practice ecopsychology or ecotherapy subsequent to viewing this presentation; however, further resources for continued learning will be suggested. The contents of this program are based upon the following sources: The presenter’s participation and and completion of two certificate programs in ecopsychology and ecotherapy; the presenter’s clinical experience in the practice of ecotherapy; previous and ongoing discussions and interactions with other ecopsychology practitioners; and a review of multiple publications in the field, including essays, textbooks, and applicable published research.  

Contents are also guided by statements from leadership in the field of ecopsychology/ecotherapy. Some interpretation and analysis presented is made by the presenter, in consultation with knowledgeable colleagues and expert consultants. Statements about potential applications to clinical psychotherapy are for the purpose of general information and awareness. Such statements are not intended to be supervisory or clinical instruction, and should not be used as such. These statements are according to this presenter’s understanding of the material at the time of the program. The presenter may not know how to apply all principles discussed to every situation. This program may not be congruent with all applicable state laws. Misapplication of the materials could potentially result in clinical or therapeutic errors. 

Declaration of conflicts of interest and commercial support: None.

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us here.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

2 CE contact hours will be provided by GoodTherapy for attending this web conference in its entirety.

To receive CE credit hours for a recorded event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Recorded CE events are generally considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

GoodTherapy is an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within Counseling Services. 

GoodTherapy is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org, provider #1352, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 3/30/2022 - 3/30/2025. Social workers completing this course receive 2 clinical continuing education credits.

GoodTherapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content. GoodTherapy.org received APA approval in May 2011. Events after 2011 may meet APA requirements for Continuing Education credits.

GoodTherapy, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0395.

GoodTherapy, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0022 and for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0031.

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

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Mental health professionals who are not members can access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

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