Psychological wellbeing is deeply tied to the environment. Connections to the natural world and relationships with the wilderness inside of us are seeds for the development of meaning, purpose, and spirituality. Humans evolved to coexist with the ecosystems of the planet, although the exploitation of land and marginalized peoples has helped distort this view across centuries. Ecotherapy is a therapeutic modality that explores the interconnectedness of the individual with all beings, both human and nonhuman. Approached through a social justice framework, ecotherapy can highlight the sociopolitical contexts that underlie the current climate and mental health crises.
Climate grief, defined as a profound sense of loss, sadness, and anxiety in response to climate change, is a growing concern in the mental health field. It might be argued that presentations of many kinds of existential concerns (i.e., isolation, meaning, freedom, and death) are intimately rooted within societal impacts of the climate crisis. Understanding the tenets of ecopsychology can provide valuable insights into the underlying causes of mental health issues that may be exacerbated by environmental crises. For example, integrating ecotherapy principles into clinical practice can support clients’ exploration of personal experiences of existential anxieties related to climate grief and the broader socio-ecological contexts in which they occur. Recognizing the intersections of social, environmental, and psychological factors can support a more inclusive and intersectional approach to assessment and treatment.
Ecotherapy and related perspectives (such as ecofeminism) consider social ecosystems to be living organisms that require nourishment through meeting diverse needs. Thus, ecotherapy challenges the ideologies of superiority, domination, and separateness. This model assumes that people, as all living creatures, operate in cyclical and nonlinear phases. Marginalization of self, others, and the environment might arise from structures of colonialism that place value on control and subjugation of parts, people, and nonhuman beings. By embodying the fluidity of natural physiological and psychological rhythms, ecotherapy approaches are poised to support cultural liberation.
Environmental degradation disproportionately impacts marginalized communities (one example of this is represented through the microbiome; read more here). A social justice lens of ecotherapy recognizes how environmental degradation and social injustices intersect, perpetuating cycles of oppression and ecological harm. Addressing structural inequalities that contribute to environmental injustices can affirm experiences and lay a foundation for empowerment and resilience.
One of the key insights of ecotherapy is the recognition of the interrelatedness of all life forms and the inherent value of non-human beings. By challenging anthropocentric perspectives that prioritize human interests above those of other species, ecotherapeutic perspectives invite us to consider the ethical implications of our actions on the planet and its inhabitants. This perspective can be particularly relevant in the context of climate grief, as individuals may experience feelings of guilt, helplessness, or despair in response to ecological destruction. Clients may be supported by fostering a sense of belonging within the natural world, helping to mitigate feelings of alienation. Relationships with nature can also instill personal empowerment and sense of control, contributing to agency in the development of individual or collective purpose.
Ecopsychology orientations to therapy contemplate physiological, mental-emotional, and spiritual impacts of environmental crises. The integration of ecotherapy principles into clinical practice may help holistically address climate-related distress through an environmental and social justice approach.
