Participation Type
Workshop
Session Title
Healing Ourselves & the Earth: Ecotherapy as Practice
Session Abstract or Summary
Connection with the Earth and its systems are at the core of ecotherapy. Many practitioners who practice ecotherapy believe that the Earth has a self-righting capacity which operates through complex systems of integrated balance, and that if people can harmonize with these systems, they may experience improved mental health. Personal well-being and planetary well-being are not separate from each other; social and environmental justice are interconnected in this framework. People’s lives are therefore seen as part of a greater system of interaction. Since ecotherapy is an umbrella term for nature-based approaches to healing, the types of interventions used are many but usually include a component of mindfulness. Some activities take place with the guidance of a licensed clinician t while others are carried out individually. Some interventions are done in groups while others require a one-on-one setting. Additionally, while some ecotherapy sessions take place within the confines of an office, an effort is often made to conduct sessions in natural settings whenever possible. This workshop is experiential in nature and participants will have the opportunity to experience several types of indoor and outdoor ecotherapy practices which they can then use in their daily work in the community. This type of practice is particularly powerful and healing for communities experiencing both environmental and social justice issues.
Presentation #1 Title
Healing Ourselves & the Earth: Ecotherapy as Practice
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Connection with the Earth and its systems are at the core of ecotherapy. Many practitioners who practice ecotherapy believe that the Earth has a self-righting capacity which operates through complex systems of integrated balance, and that if people can harmonize with these systems, they may experience improved mental health. Personal well-being and planetary well-being are not separate from each other; social and environmental justice are interconnected in this framework. People’s lives are therefore seen as part of a greater system of interaction. Since ecotherapy is an umbrella term for nature-based approaches to healing, the types of interventions used are many but usually include a component of mindfulness. Some activities take place with the guidance of a licensed clinician t while others are carried out individually. Some interventions are done in groups while others require a one-on-one setting. Additionally, while some ecotherapy sessions take place within the confines of an office, an effort is often made to conduct sessions in natural settings whenever possible. This workshop is experiential in nature and participants will have the opportunity to experience several types of indoor and outdoor ecotherapy practices which they can then use in their daily work in the community. This type of practice is particularly powerful and healing for communities experiencing both environmental and social justice issues.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Valerie Radu, PhD, LCSW has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Tennessee since 1996. Dr. Radu has nearly 20 years of experience as a practitioner, community leader, faculty member and administrator in a variety of settings. She uses collaboration, experiential learning, and other innovative techniques to both teach and lead. She has a special interest and commitment to the principles of social justice, peace, and reconciliation on personal, community, and global levels. Since 1996 she has been a frequent presenter on aging issues, ethics, diversity/cultural competence, and leadership development in the southeastern United States for a variety of professional organizations and groups. She is an avid hiker and camper and has led a hiking/outdoor group for women in Chattanooga for the last 4 years. Dr. Radu is currently completing a clinical certification program to become an Ecotherapist.
Conference Subthemes
Environmental Sustainability
Healing Ourselves & the Earth: Ecotherapy as Practice
Connection with the Earth and its systems are at the core of ecotherapy. Many practitioners who practice ecotherapy believe that the Earth has a self-righting capacity which operates through complex systems of integrated balance, and that if people can harmonize with these systems, they may experience improved mental health. Personal well-being and planetary well-being are not separate from each other; social and environmental justice are interconnected in this framework. People’s lives are therefore seen as part of a greater system of interaction. Since ecotherapy is an umbrella term for nature-based approaches to healing, the types of interventions used are many but usually include a component of mindfulness. Some activities take place with the guidance of a licensed clinician t while others are carried out individually. Some interventions are done in groups while others require a one-on-one setting. Additionally, while some ecotherapy sessions take place within the confines of an office, an effort is often made to conduct sessions in natural settings whenever possible. This workshop is experiential in nature and participants will have the opportunity to experience several types of indoor and outdoor ecotherapy practices which they can then use in their daily work in the community. This type of practice is particularly powerful and healing for communities experiencing both environmental and social justice issues.
