What is ecopsychology? By the name of the field, the definition may appear obvious: ecology plus psychology equals ecopsychology. In some ways, that definition accurately portrays this emerging field. However, it’s not quite that simple.
Going Beyond Ecology Plus Psychology
Ecopsychology is difficult to define for two main reasons:
- As a field, general society is just beginning to hear about ecopsychology.
- Even therapists, counselors, and researchers practicing in the field often approach ecopsychology from vastly different perspectives.
Some of those perspectives are eco-friendly (focusing on the planet and the environment), while others deal with the physical and mental health issues of the human being.
This duality leads one to wonder: Does ecopsychology consider a person’s effect on the environment (being ecologically responsible or “living green”), or does ecopsychology analyze how nature and the environment affects people (health, moods, attitudes, spirituality)? In other words, is the focus of ecopsychology on healing the environment or on healing the person?
Experts appear to agree that both of these seemingly polar opposite perspectives accurately define ecopsychology. Ecopsychology does, indeed, deal with both the environment (ecology) and the mind (psychology).
In this way, ecopsychology not only involves studying both of these perspectives, including their interconnection, but the practice of ecopsychology also benefits both of these areas simultaneously:
- The environment (helping people become more environmentally friendly)
- The human psyche (connecting to nature to improve mental health)
Analyzing and treating these dual issues makes up the core of most ecopsychology therapy practices and/or research studies.
The Environment and the Mind/Body/Spirit: Definitions of Ecopsychology
Various experts define ecopsychology in slightly different and startlingly similar ways.
For example, the International Community for Ecopsychology claims that, "…there is a synergistic relation between planetary and personal well being; that the needs of the one are relevant to the other," while John Davis, Ph.D., a professor of transpersonal psychology and a wilderness retreat guide, agrees that ecopsychology "... draws from ecology, psychology, and philosophy, as well as other fields. It is based on the intimate connection between humans and nature, the implications of that connection, and applications for realizing that connection."
Ecopsychology deals with the connection between humans and nature - from both sides. A person studying or practicing ecopsychology could focus on how people can be more environmentally conscious (going "green" or becoming eco-friendly). Conversely, a person studying or practicing ecopsychology could focus on how spending time in nature provides a healing effect to human beings - mind, body, and soul.
In fact, the two are intertwined - and some experts study and practice in both sides of this multi-layered coin of ecopsychology.
Emphasizing this dual nature, Professor Davis says that common, deep psychological questions are rooted in humanity’s relationship with the natural world, while, at the same time, society’s overriding environmental questions are rooted in the psyche. "Ecopsychology integrates ecology and psychology in responding to both sets of questions… A specifically ecopsychological approach would include both the psychological and the environmental in such reconnection."
Perhaps it is this interconnectedness between the environment and the mind that makes ecopsychology so difficult to define. Perhaps it is also what makes ecopsychology so alluring to experts and laypersons from multiple disciplines and what enables the ecopsychology field to contribute to other fields of study.
Ecopsychology Contributes to Other Scientific, Psychological, and Environmental Disciplines
The peer-reviewed online journal Ecopsychology "explores the relationship between environmental issues and mental health and well-being." This journal brings together experts from various disciplines - including psychotherapists, social scientists, researchers, and other environmental experts - to examine "the psychological, spiritual, and therapeutic aspects of human-nature relationships, concern about environmental issues, and responsibility for protecting natural places and other species."
This collaboration highlights that ecopsychology and other fields benefit mutually from research into ecological and/or psychological and related issues.
Merging Eco-Friendliness and Psychology: Becoming Environmentally Conscious While Healing the Mind, Body, and Soul
Every human being lives on the planet earth, interacting with one another and with the surrounding natural world. Is this interaction positive or negative, and how does that affect both sides (the environment and the person)? Ecopsychology strives to answer these questions, combining two sides of the same coin, dealing with topics that may at first seem to be completely unrelated.
In this way, ecopsychology merges environmental awareness and concern with the health of the people living in this world. One cannot exist without the other: humans need nature, and the natural world needs human beings. Human beings are part of the world’s ecosystem.
Ecopsychology therapists and researchers study this concept and work to improve both sides of the equation. Hence, the human/nature connection heals both the environment and the human being, reconnecting two parts of the puzzle of life and balancing the natural order.
References:
Davis, John, Ph.D. (2009). Ecopsychology website. Accessed March 30, 2010.
Greenwood, Harriet (2004). The International Community for Ecopsychology website. Accessed March 30, 2010.
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Publishers. Ecopsychology online journal. Accessed March 30, 2010.
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