A lot of attention is paid to the environmental impact of living in a global economy and consumer-centric culture but the psychological impact of a consumer-driven culture is often ignored.
To combat these unhealthy trends, psychologists are discovering the benefits of connecting people to nature to treat depression, stress and addictions, as well as attention deficit disorder in children. Interacting with nature not only benefits people, but also creates stronger connections to our environment, which can lead to a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle.
Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling is serving as a catalyst for the burgeoning field known as ecopsychology, developing new eco-based therapies that promote mental health and strengthening the field by teaching and training practitioners.
In this video, Adjunct Faculty Member Thomas Doherty and his students discuss the effects ecopsychology can have on the human psyche and the healing powers of nature.