Ecopsychologists' Vital Importance in the Time of Climate Crises

<p>Ecopsychology is a systems-based philosophy that expands the therapeutic lens to include client</p><p>interactions with and perceptions of the natural environment as an integral element of well-being</p><p>or pathology. Ecopsychology known forward as EP also looks at the pathology of our culture</p><p>and what kind of diagnoses lead to practices that put our planet at risk. In recent decades the</p><p>field has amassed a substantial amount of empirical evidence supporting its effectiveness but</p><p>remains largely underutilized. First generation EP suggested a cultural reordering shifting away</p><p>from consumer culture and reordering our way of life. Second generation posits working within</p><p>the current structure is sufficient. They seek to green psychology meaning utilizing nature as a</p><p>healing medium and gather empirical evidence to bring credibility to the field. Most researchers</p><p>and practitioners agree a new perspective is needed to challenge the dominant social paradigm</p><p>which views nature and the earth as expendable and separate from human health. As the current</p><p>political climate becomes more central there is need for green psychologists who are prepared</p><p>to handle climate refugees climate change and mass extinction. By interviewing experts this</p><p>phenomenological study seeks to demystify EP while exploring future directions as well as</p><p>obstacles to making it a legitimized field. This research also lends support to ecopsychology</p><p>and its applied practice known as ecotherapy as a viable and necessary treatment approach to a</p><p>range of psychopathologies including anxiety depression and ADHD.</p>