Applications are now being accepted.
The course will comprise of three taught weekends:
27/28/29th April,
23/24th June
15/16th September 2012. More below.
What is Ecopsychology?
Fundamentally, ecopsychology is about the reciprocal interdependence of human life and the rest of the natural world, sometimes referred to as the non-human or more-than-human world. However, ecopsychology can also been seen as a location for articulation of a number of hopes and fears about the state of the planet and the ecological crisis in which we currently find ourselves. Ecopsychology argues that this crisis is not just about consumerism, capitalism, ecological denigration, species extinction and over population, to name but a few concerns, it is a crisis of thought and feeling in relation to how we understand our place in the complex ecological web of interdependence that goes to make up our existence.
Ecopsychology is not just for psychologists, it is for all of those who feel driven to address these issues and see the importance of the links between mind, nature and society. It can be seen as a depth psychology as it is concerned not just with thought and behaviour, but much deeper spiritual and existential questions that call out to be addressed at this time in our history. Its premise is that we need to understand our egocentric way of being in order to move forward to a much more holistic and interdependent ecocentric way of being. In so doing understanding that we must hold the planet and all who live in it with care, compassion, respect and love.
Ecopsychology course outline
The course is based on a co-operative inquiry model and as such aims to become a relational and participative on-going spiritual practice for those who attend. Through a holistic experiential learning approach including individual learning contracts, the use of peer groups and peer and self assessment, the course aims to honour individual differences, encourage student-led learning, facilitate transformative experiences and build a lasting community of inquiry, support and practice.
The course consists of three weekends of attendance with the first being held on a residential basis in order to facilitate a culture of trust in the formation of the group.
Who is it for?
This course is aimed at anyone who questions the wisdom of modern day customs and culture, who seeks to explore the relationship between the human and more than human worlds or who yearns for a holistic engagement in questioning what it is to be both human and humane. It is designed to facilitate a personal transformation from an ego-centric towards an eco-centric self and to allow for engagement to take place through experience, creativity, critical thinking and practical application.
Course dates and venues
The course will be held over three weekends spanning six months in venues that are held in stunning natural surroundings. The weekends are spaced to allow ample time in between for personal exploration and peer group inquiries which are rooted in the place where everyday life is lived rather than in some remote location inaccessible to daily living.
April 28/29th 2012 - The first weekend will be a residential camping adventure in order to give the group time and space for getting to know one another and fostering a feeling of trust and group cohesion. The venue is set in the ancient splendour of Powder Mill Wood near Battle in East Sussex and includes indoor spaces in a green roofed roundhouse and a spacious and peaceful yurt and outdoor spaces around a large fire pit or in a secluded labyrinth. Participants will be required to provide their own tents and equipment though some will be available to borrow with lengthy advanced notice. (click images to enlarge)
23/24th June and 15/16th September 2012- The second and third weekends will be held between the hours of 10am and 6pm in the award winning eco-building, Earthship Brighton which is set in the 200 hectares of Stanmer Park and surrounded by 17 acres of organic farm land and the South Downs National Park. These are non residential weekends and participants will be expected to find their own accomodation if required. Further details on directions and provisions will be provided upon registration for the course.
Cost
The cost for the course is £600 including workshops and fees. Food is included on the first residential weekend as we will be living and cooking together. The subsequent weekends will work on a bring food to share for lunch basis but will include tea/ coffee and biscuits for breaks. Terms and methods of payment will be made available upon registration for the course.
Application Process
In order to register for the course, a short application will need to be made. We would like you to write a personal statement (no more than 1000 words) that addresses these questions:
* Why are you interested in ecopsychology?
* How might you apply what you learn about ecopsychology on this course to your everyday life?
* What life experience do you feel you bring to this course?
Please send your application and/or any questions to info@che.ac.uk
Applications will be accepted on a first come first served basis and there will be a minimum number of participants for the course to be run. The maximum number of participants is 12.
CHE Accreditation
The course is accredited by the Centre for Human Ecology which has been providing post graduate education in subjects concerned with the relationship between human beings and the natural environment for the past 40 years. If you are an accredited psychotherapist or other professional in need of Continuing Professional Development hours, this course counts for up to 40 hours of CPD.
Facilitators
The course will be facilitated by Jane Glenzinska and Martin Jordan. For more information click here.
