This training introduces counsellors, psychologists and other mental health professionals to the emerging field of eco-psychotherapy.
Introduction to Eco-Psychotherapy
7-Day IN-PERSON Intensive Workshop
OR
9-WEEK ONLINE Workshop
with
Sean O'Carroll, Caroline Dale & Jen Thompson
Next Delivery: 7-DAY INTENSIVE NOVEMBER 2024 (VIC)
What is it?
This training introduces counsellors, psychologists and other mental health professionals to the emerging field of eco-psychotherapy.
This 7-day training includes online sessions, solo experiential exercises, reading, writing and reflection, a 5-day residential, and an online “practice day”.
The training is equal parts theoretical, experiential and practical.
TESTIMONIALS
“One of the most profound Healing retreats I’ve done.”
Birdy O’Sheedy, Clinical Psychologist
*
“This was a transformative course that not only provided the opportunity to learn about eco psychotherapy but to experience the transformative power of nature as co-therapist. It was a time to discover deep truths about oneself and the environment we inhabit, highly recommend.”
Jen Thompson, Gestalt Psychotherapist
*
“The intro to eco psychotherapy training gave me permission to move into this work. With a good mix of experiential practice and connection with colleagues, I feel like a giant door has opened in front of me. I'm looking forward to continuing to integrate eco-psychotherapy with my client work and see where this path might take me.
Ellen, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
*
“What a wonderful experience, not only for my clients but also as a great gift to myself.”
Daisy Grodzki, Social Worker/Adventure Therapist
*
Past blog posts relating to eco-psychotherapy:
Introduction to Eco-Psychotherapy
COURSE CONTENT
___
PART I - BEING IN NATURE
PART II - BEING WITH NATURE
PART III - ENGAGING WITH NATURE
PART IV - NATURE AS Therapeutic Ally
PART V - Nature-based Interventions
PART VI - Eco-psychotherapy in Practice
It is assumed that all participants have a solid grasp of basic psychotherapeutic practice and theory. As such, the focus of the training is on how to integrate nature-connection (our own and that of our clients) with a therapeutic practice.
Working as an eco-psychotherapist requires us to bring together two quite distinct capacities:
Our psychotherapeutic skills developed through training and practice.
Our own ongoing and well-developed relationship with the natural world.
“Other therapies seek to heal the alienation between person and person, person and family, person and society. Eco-psychology seeks to heal the more fundamental alienation between the person and the natural environment.”
What will you learn?
Combining psychotherapeutic skills and nature connection in service to our clients and the wider earth community throws up significant opportunities and challenges. At the completion of this introductory course you will have:
re-examined and deepened your own relationship to the natural world.
gained a basic understanding of the philosophical and historical underpinnings of eco-psychology.
experienced working outdoors as a therapist, helping your “client” to deepen and explore their relationship with the natural world.
gained an understanding of the many ways in which the natural world can inform a therapeutic practice.
explored a number of therapeutic interventions that you may wish to employ with clients.
explored the ways in which the realities of climate change and environmental degradation invite us to re-examine the goals and values that underpin therapeutic practice.
connected with a number of like-minded practitioners similarly seeking ways to work with nature
What IS NOT COVERED?
I have opted not to try to cover the bureaucratic/paperwork aspect of eco-psychotherapy, such as various insurance issues, relevant regulations, use of public spaces, and how to run a business etc. This is based on past experience and the variability in practitioner’s personal disposition, contexts and professional associations. I am however happy to share about my personal experiences in relation to these questions.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the course - including submission of a written case study - you will be issued with a certificate: Introduction to Eco-Psychotherapy from the Wild Mind Institute.
Who is running the training?
Sean O’Carroll - Lead Trainer
Sean is an academic and psychotherapist in private practice. He lectures in psychotherapy and eco-psychotherapy, and is currently leading the psychotherapeutic teams in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy at both Monash University and Swinburne University. His ongoing research interests include eco-psychotherapy, psychedelic psychotherapy, and embodiment practices. You can learn more about Sean and his background in eco-psychotherapy at www.wild-mind.com.
Caroline Dale - Assistant Trainer
Caroline works in private practice in the Blue Mountains of NSW and . Caroline is a clinical psychologist with over a decade’s experience working with people individually and in groups. She has recently begun to take her work outdoors as a way to offer her clients the opportunity to come into relationship with the natural world and the peace and wisdom it has to offer.
She comes from a foundation in mindfulness, attachment based therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy, and takes a psychoanalytic approach to understanding personality development in the context of early attachment relationships. She has worked in hospital and in-patient settings as well as with community groups and in long-term individual therapy. Caroline’s other therapeutic interests include using movement, the voice and somatic work to access knowledge that the cognitions can’t easily reach. Caroline is also a study therapist on the upcoming psilocybin assisted therapy trials at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney
BAANYA BIAMI means Camp of Great Spirit. Located in a tranquil valley adjacent to the Brisbane Ranges National Park (In VICTORIA!), Baanya Biami is 150 acres of bushland with Reilleys Creek flowing though. The accommodation and facilities are unique in their design with their construction over the decades honouring the environment around them. Bridges over the creek lead people on a gentle meander further into the bush where creek flats, bush spurs and the extraordinary gentleness of the bush awaits to be discovered. Longer hikes into the Brisbane Ranges are possible from Baanya Biami. Baanya Biami has a gentleness which is felt by all those who visit. It is a place to disconnect from the fast pace of life and technology. It is a place to reconnect with our Earth, the bush, each other and ourselves.
Costs
IN-PERSON Intensive Delivery
(6 Day Residential Training + 6 Hours Online)
2 x 3 hour Introductory Evening Sessions (ONLINE)
6 Day Residential (VIC)
Including All Meals & Accomodation
Cost: TBC
Accommodation Types & Cost
Camping (BYO Gear): INCLUDED
3-Person Small Dorm Bunk-Room: INCLUDED
Upgrade to Twin Share: +$400 (Total) - Available
Upgrade to Own Room: +$800 (Total) - Available
How to Apply?
Applications are considered on an individual basis. A minimum requirement is that you have trained in mental health (counselling, art-therapy, psychotherapy or similar), and have experience in working with clients individually. If you are interested in participating in an upcoming training, please get in touch.
NOTE: We have not opened applications for NOVEMBER 2024. Please REGISTER YOUR INTEREST AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE AND subscribe to the mailing list as we will announce applications in a newsletter shortly.
BOOKING & Cancellation Policy (For NOV ‘24 Training)
Booking fees are taken in full.
If you contract COVID-19 and cannot attend, you will receive a 100% refund.
If we cancel the retreat for any reason, you will receive a 100% refund.
If you have any questions regarding payment, payment plans, or cancellation policy, please get in touch.