Welcome to our first monthly Ecotherapy update, currently somewhere between a newsletter and overview of relevant headlines (with some basics mixed in). Feedback is welcome, so if you want to see something here (or would like to contribute) please contact us: admin(at)eco-therapy-uk.com

Eco-neurosis is a term used more often in relation to Eco-overload where humans feel the increasing strain of the environment on their system. The effects of global warming are all around us and according to latest reports these worries attack our nervous system, creating some form of Eco-neurosis. While Ecotherapy makes its way more and more into the offices of traditional practices, humans are only slowly coming to terms with this whole new concept.

The two levels of Ecotherapy

The purpose of Ecotherapy is to break down the barriers between our modern lifestyle and nature, helping us to heal and nurture our soul. In practice, Ecotherapy is most often done through direct, guided experience within nature, by a qualified Ecotherapist.

First Eco-therapy level: This level is designed to create awareness within, by becoming more earth bound and earth centred. We learn how to live sustainable without feeling at a loss about our guilt, anxiety and despair toward nature.

Second Eco-therapy level: On this level we learn the processes to focus on providing benefits to us as individuals. This level is therefore more person centered. In our contact with mother earth we become more spiritually grounded, which provides the ideal grounds for reflection and restoration.

The beauty of Ecotherapy is that it normally leads to a consciousness that recognises that a healthy planet and a healthy individual are part of the same process. Something our ancestors knew only too well.

Ecotherapy news snippets

If you are after soul centric Eco-psychology of human maturation, you might be enthused by Bill Plotkin’s “Nature And The Human Soul” book. The book introduces an innovative developmental psychology that shows us how fully and creatively we can mature when we allow soul and wild nature to guide us.

At the first Eco-Olympics held in May 2008 in Miami, Florida, volunteers managed to raise $3,000 for autism. The day was spent mountain biking, running and canoe racing to participate in the true spirit of Ecotherapy. The day was a lot of fun for all involved and organisers are looking forward to the future.

Eco-psychology was coined by Theodore Roszak in 1992 in his book “The Voice of the Earth“. Known as environmental psychology or green therapy, Eco-psychology is also known as nature therapy. Of course that is why we always feel so refreshed after a stint into nature.

Enviro-angst is seeing more patients than ever seeking help with their apprehension over environmental issues. Dr. Cheryl Carmin, director of the Stress and Anxiety Disorders Clinic at University of Illinois at Chicago said, “Typically what we see is a form of worry. It becomes particularly problematic when there may be things like hand washing or cleaning rituals, or a fear of tossing anything out”.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 40 million adults in the U.S. have got some type of anxiety disorder.

Eco-anxiety goes so far with certain people that they flee their life in the city for greener pastures because they can’t deal with the pressures of going green anymore. While some speak up against the practice of Eco-psychology and Ecotherapy, the very practice is actually taught in colleges and universities across the USA, including Harvard Medical School.

Joseph Farah posted an interesting and thought provoking article where he claims that people who seek the help of an Eco-psychology practitioner are in fact environmental psychotics and they need help, but not from the obvious. He blames the government about the global issues and claims that we are not providing a solution as long as the cause of the problem is still there. (Thus we need significant change politically and economically toward sustainability.)

Cavallo Point Hotel in San Francisco is set to open its doors on June 1st. 2008. The Eco-sensitive resort will include elements such as farmed bamboo cabinetry, structural insulation made from recycled local denim, a local botanicals infused Spa and plenty of local bounty in the two star Michelin guided kitchen.

Feel free to indulge your knowledge into these interesting links. Next month we will continue to bring you more information from the field of Ecotherapy, incorporating information on exercise, mental health, psychology, depression, counselling and health.

Ecotherapy UK News: thoughts from the editor

Judging by all the news reports that appear more and more in newspapers, magazines and blogs, Ecotherapy and all that is enveloped by it will experience a major surge within the next years.

As humans become more and more aware about the state of the earth and the role we play, our awareness changes and we are looking for answers to help contribute.

One such part will be played by Eco-tourism. As we crave to be in touch with nature, tourism operators who are prepared for this next wave of “seeker” will find themselves in the midst of a massive boom (although Eco-tourism is nothing new, and has had a mixed press). One side to this is the commercial influence - in the case of eco-tourism the question may be how much environmental damage is acceptable in order to provide income from tourists to local people (and others involved)? Much of eco-tourism is a positive force, but there is also an argument that it’s not great for areas of special environmental interest to have tourists trapsing through them! A balance to be found then.. but big business and governments are getting in on the ‘eco movement’ left right and centre (almost every big company now seems to have some ‘green’ claim - even the worst offenders!). This brings us to the issue of trust and confidence in eco products and services and their genuine value and impact in helping the environment, particularly as the issue has become so political.

So could the ‘eco brand’ be muddied by association or exploitation by companies and governments (or political parties & special interest groups), who on the one hand tout their eco credentials and their commitment to the environment, yet who constitute a major barrier to progress? A sort of ‘bandwagon blues’ like we get from certain stories or media messages which drag on or just seem to get too much coverage - to the point you change the channel. Afterall, when everyone seems to be on at us about something, or when a particular issue seems all pervading - often that’s the thing we (therefore) least want to hear about.

More interesting tidbits about Ecotherapy

• Sources to find practitioners of Eco-psychology in 23 countries and counting.
• Eco-Anxiety: Blog of Sarah Anne Edwards, PhD, LCSW, an Eco-psychologist and author.

Loosely related:

• Scottish proposal for a “£10m fund to ensure every adolescent in Scotland gets a week of outdoor adventure before the end of their schooling” - 25th May, Times Online article.