An Introduction to Ecopsychology and Treatment for Eco-Anxiety

Presented by Andrea L. Bell, LCSW, SEP on 12-20-2019 at 9 a.m. Pacific (noon Eastern) to 11 a.m. Pacific (2 p.m. Eastern)

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

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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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Meet the Presenter

Andrea L. Bell, LCSW, SEP

Andrea L. Bell, LCSW, SEP

Andrea L. Bell, LCSW, SEP, is a practicing somatic psychotherapist, ecotherapist, and California Naturalist. She is the founder of SomaticWise, a therapy and ecological practice with the mission of supporting life, healing, and regeneration.

Andrea has been a licensed psychotherapist since 2003, and she began practicing somatic psychotherapy in 2009. She also holds a certificate in Therapeutic Touch for Psychotherapists, and a certificate in ecopsychology from Holos Institute. Andrea has served on the Assistant Team of the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute since 2011, supporting Somatic Experiencing trainings in the United States and abroad. She also served as Adjunct Faculty at the California State University, Long Beach, in the Graduate Department of Social Work.

Andrea independently operates her own YouTube channel, SomaticWise, with the purpose of offering public education about self-regulation and biosphere/ecosystem regeneration. Andrea has also been a regular contributor to the GoodTherapy Blog.

Andrea has been passionate about the helping profession ever since high school, when she first learned it was possible to help others heal through relationship and unconditional positive regard. Andrea embraced ecotherapy when she discovered that self-regulation and well-being improve with engagement in nature, for individuals, families, and communities. Her passion for native (indigenous) plants and the wildlife they support has led her to help restore local ecosystems devastated by land use change and habitat loss. She has a special knack for connecting and working with highly intelligent and creative people, and helping them find their particular purpose.

For more information about Andrea and her work, please visit her website at www.somaticwise.net.

Continuing Education Provider Approvals

  • aceGoodTherapy.org is Approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • Logo GoodTherapy.org has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6380. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. GoodTherapy.org is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
  • Logo This course has been approved by GoodTherapy.org, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #135463. GoodTherapy.org is responsible for all aspects of their programming.
  • aceGoodTherapy.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: 03/30/2019 - 03/30/2022.
  • GoodTherapy.org, 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.org, 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.

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