“Ecopsychology is a re-enchantment of psychology, recognizing that our psychological health is deeply intertwined with the health of the Earth.”
- Dr, Andy Fisher, psychotherapist & author of Radical Ecopsychology
Ecopsychology at The Gaia Center for Embodied Healing
Ecopsychology is an emerging field that explores the relationship between humans and the natural world, emphasizing that our psychological health is deeply connected to the health of our Earth and the more-than-human beings we share her with.
This approach integrates ecological and psychological principles to address both personal and environmental issues.It extends beyond a plant-based diet to include clothing, entertainment, and other aspects of life, promoting a world where animals are seen as individuals and treated with respect and dignity.
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Ecopsychology has its roots in the environmental movement and the work of deep ecologists like Arne Naess, who emphasized the intrinsic value of all living beings (read more here on therapy for ethical vegans). Deep ecology promotes a holistic view of the world, recognizing the interdependence of all life forms and advocating for sustainable living.
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Ecopsychology is helpful for addressing a variety of issues, including climate anxiety, existential depression, grief for the planet, and a sense of disconnection from self and nature. Goals include fostering a deeper connection to the natural world, promoting environmental stewardship, and integrating ecological consciousness into personal wellbeing.
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Climate anxiety is a growing concern for many individuals who are deeply worried about the future of our planet. Unfortunately, many therapists still minimize or invalidate these concerns by suggesting the intensity of the concern must indicate that it is really a projection of other anxieties. (“Are you sure this isn’t really about your relationship with your father?”) 🙄
At The Gaia Center, we validate the very real and pressing nature of climate anxiety as well as humanitarian crises, supporting our clients in navigating their emotions and finding constructive ways to engage with these heavy realities.
Why Our Name is “The Gaia Center”
As is evident both in our name and in our motto (“Grow within, heal together”), an ecopsychological lens is core to our therapeutic philosophy at The Gaia Center. The word “Gaia” refers to the ancient Greek goddess representing Earth and all life. Gaia theory, proposed by James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis, posits that the Earth functions as a self-regulating, interconnected system. This holistic perspective aligns with our belief in the interdependence of all living beings and the importance of maintaining harmony within this system.
We believe that understanding psychological and emotional distress requires recognizing our inherent connection (and disconnection) to the planet. Climate change, pollution, overconsumption, and overpopulation are not just environmental issues—they are deeply linked to our mental and emotional well-being, because the Earth is our larger body.
Does this mean we get to do therapy outside?!
If you want to! We offer Walk-and-Talk Therapy at our office in West Nashville, and we’re very fortunate that our building backs up against a beautiful residential neighborhood that’s delightful to walk in (at least when it’s not during the scorching heat of Nashville summer 🥵). Still, rich ecopsychological work can also happen indoors, integrating topics, themes, and experiential exploration into our sessions right in the therapy office.
Additionally, we curated our therapy offices using principles of Biophilic design (incorporating natural elements into built environments), which promotes a sense of connection to the natural world. This design approach has been shown to reduce stress, enhance mood, and boost overall wellbeing. Each of our office spaces is themed and named after different spaces in nature, like The Forest, The River, and The Meadow. 🌳⛰️🌻🏞️
We also hope to host daylong and even multi-day retreats in the future, which would include outside portions to do healing work while in deeper connection with the natural world. (Make sure you’re on our email list and following us on Instagram to stay in the loop about our upcoming offerings!)
Illustration credit: Dori Midnight
The Work That Reconnects
Developed by deep ecologist Joanna Macy in the 1970s, The Work That Reconnects (WTR) is a transformative process that helps individuals and groups address ecological and social challenges and the valid distress that arises from them. It is structured around three key “stories”:
Business as Usual: This story focuses on the current trajectory of industrial growth, characterized by consumerism, exploitation, and unsustainable practices (essentially, the “well it is what it is” mentality)
The Great Unraveling: This narrative acknowledges the ecological, social, and economic breakdowns resulting from the Business as Usual model, leading to environmental degradation and social injustice (essentially, the “we’re already f*cked, so why bother?” mentality)
The Great Turning: This story envisions a transition to a life-sustaining society, emphasizing sustainable living, ecological consciousness, and social justice (a mindset of “I know my part may be small, but staying engaged and playing a role in creating the world I want to live in is important to me.”)
“The Spiral,” a central concept within WTR, guides participants through Beginning in Gratitude, Honoring Our Pain for the World, Seeing with New & Ancient Eyes, and Going Forth. Through exercises that connect participants with each part of the spiral, we can start to envision how we might play a role in The Great Turning. The Gaia Center’s founder Valerie Martin, is a Certified Facilitator of The Work that Reconnects.
Connect with Ecopsychology in Nashville
If you’re interested in doing your healing work through a lens that centers ecopsychology, contact The Gaia Center for Embodied Healing. Our experienced therapists are here to guide you through this transformative approach. Reach out today to learn more and schedule your appointment. Let us help you reconnect with yourself and the natural world for a more holistic sense of wellbeing.