A new interdiscipline examining the interface between ecology and psychology. Our constantly changing society, its new technologies and timescales, underscore our daily lives. How can psychology help us understand environmental crises? What links psychology with ecology? 

Delving into the interdependence of our wellbeing with that of the earth, the course considers: Why have we become alienated from nature? What are the ecological, psychological and spiritual repercussions of such a ‘separation’? How might it be healed? Certificate of Professional Development offered through a partnership between CHE and the Dept of Geography & Sociology, University of Strathclyde.

Why Ecopsychology?

The interface between the disciplines of ecology and psychology is a rich source of inspiration and ideas to explore and gain deeper understanding of the crucial interdependence of our wellbeing with that of the Earth. By applying the tools and skills of psychology and psychotherapy in making sense of human behaviour, ecopsychology will be of value to practitioners and activists in the fields of psychology, ecology and environmental education, and to others who are concerned in their personal or professional lives with these issues. 

The course is based around a four day residential workshop which includes theoretical orientation, and experiential, nature-centred group activities in a psychologically-affecting environmental setting. Participants will be also carry out significant guided reading and participate in group telephone or personal tutorials before and after the residential workshop. Participants will, by the end of the course, be able to:

• Critically evaluate the scope and limitations of ecopsychology as a new interdisciplinary field.
• Understand the main tenets of evolutionary and ecological psychology, and be able to relate theory to real situations.
  
• Creatively reflect upon awareness of their own relationship with nature both through philosophical enquiry and experiential learning.
• Contribute to debates within the field of ecopsychology, with analysis of the themes and arguments, drawing on empirical research where relevant.

Course Content

Human being as co-creation: The concept of the full human being as a co-creation: not just of genes with experience of other humans, but also of an interaction with the wider living and (arguably) more-than-living environment.

Relationship: How the more-than-human world affects our psyches, and conversely in how our psyche influences our beliefs, attitudes and behaviour towards nature, from the personal to the global level.

Experiencing Connectedness: How do we experience our 'connectedness' with other living beings, and how have we (arguably) come to be disconnected or alienated, from ourselves, each other and the earth, both on an individual and collective level?

Tools and techniques: Including ecotherapy, wilderness therapy, wilderness adventure therapy, nature-based therapy, horticultural therapy, shamanism and insights from differing contemporary and indigenous spiritual traditions.

The self/nature relationship: The interdependence between our health and wellbeing as a human species and that of the earth, over a variety of time scales.

Project: You will write an essay exploring aspects of ecopsychology of particular interest to you, and a write reflective review of the learning process.

Course Leaders

David Key, is a Fellow of CHE, and Director of Footprint Consulting, a human ecology consultancy. His specialist field is the transformative power of wild places in encouraging sustainable lifestyles. For more information about David, go to: http://www.footprintconsulting.org/

Mary-Jayne Rust is a practising Jungian Analyst and Ecopsychologist. Her many years experience in the field of eating problems informs her wider interests in consumerism and the impact of industrial growth society on the psyche.
 

Course details

Award: Successful completion of the course leads to the award of a Certificate of Professional Development by the University of Strathclyde.

Dates: The course runs from 25th March to 12th May 2010.  The course starts with a residential workshop from 25th - 29th March 2010.

Location: The residential workshop will be at a rural location in Scotland.

Fee: The course fee is £625. This covers the cost of participation and bunk-house accommodation. Travel to the residential workshop is not included, and participants are expected to contribute towards the costs of shared meals.

How to apply: Write a brief letter, outlining your background and highlighting what you hope to gain from the course; please include an email address and telephone number. Enclose a deposit of £100 (cheque made payable to University of Strathclyde). Once accepted on the course, deposits can only be refunded if you cancel at least six weeks before the course start date. Your place can not be held for you without a deposit.

Send your application to:

Ecopsychology CPD,

Dept of Geography & Sociology,

University of Strathclyde,

Graham Hills Building,

50 Richmond Street,

Glasgow G1 1XN

Further information: If you have specific questions about the application process, call 0141 410 1100 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it If you have questions about the content of the course, contact David Key on 01872 530105 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .