What Has Deep Ecology Got To Do With Psychotherapy?

"The self is not something that one finds. It is something that one creates" (Naess, 2005, p. 174)

The field of psychotherapy is grounded in the concept of understanding and healing the self. The prefix "psycho" in psychology or psychotherapy refers to the soul or self that one studies (logos ‘the word or understanding’) or attempts to heal (therapeuein ‘minister to, treat medically). Therefore, an adequate ontology of the self is necessary to attempt to work with a self. Unfortunately, most contemporary psychologists have limited themselves to poor mechanistic understandings of the self (Suzuki, McConnel & Mason, 2008) or abandoned the endeavour entirely (Siegel, 1999). To transcend reductive models of the self, other disciplines, including the deep ecology movement, have begun to conceive broader philosophical concepts of self-organization (Naess, 2005). In this article, I explore the relationship between deep ecology and psychotherapy and how incorporating the deep ecology framework of the ecological self can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the self and promote healing. What is Deep Ecology? Deep ecology is a philosophical framework that promotes an interconnectedness of all life forms, emphasising the intrinsic value of non-human life and ecosystems. It goes beyond traditional environmentalism, which typically focuses on anthropocentric concerns, to include a broader systemic awareness and identification as a crucial step in self-development. The founder of deep ecology, Arne Naess, believed that "to not consider the ecological stage of development is a vast underestimation of a true ontology of mind" (Naess, 2005). Deep ecologist Joanna Macy further describes this concept by stating, "as open, self-organizing systems, our very breathing, acting, and thinking arise in interaction with our shared world through the currents of matter, energy, and information that move through us and sustain us" (Macy, 2013, p. 150). In other words, the ecological self is the idea that the self emerges from and is in constant relationship with the vast and intricate systems of which it is a part of. What is the Relationship Between Deep Ecology and Psychotherapy? Most psychological models view maturation as a process of growth from an individualized ego toward a more social and moral self. However, the deep ecology movement goes beyond this to include a broader, systemic awareness and identification as a crucial step in self-development. The incorporation of the deep ecology framework of the ecological self in psychotherapy can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the self and promote healing. As David Rennie and Roger Bretherton (2020) explain, "Psychotherapy can serve as an ecological path to help clients re-connect with the larger community of life and find meaningful ways of being within it" (p. 130). Incorporating the deep ecology framework in psychotherapy can also promote environmental awareness and sustainability. As Jonica Newby (2018) explains, "Deep ecology believes that if we can all deeply connect with the natural world, our behaviour will naturally shift towards protecting it. This connection with the natural world and our ecological selves is vital for both the health of the planet and our own mental health." Practical Application in Psychotherapy Incorporating the deep ecology framework in psychotherapy can take on many forms, depending on the client's needs and the therapist's approach. One approach is ecotherapy, which involves using nature and the outdoors as a therapeutic tool. As David Rennie and Roger Bretherton (2020) explain, "ecotherapy brings the wisdom of natural systems, organic processes and non-verbal communication into the therapeutic relationship" (p. 132). Ecotherapy can take many forms, including outdoor group therapy, horticultural therapy, and adventure therapy. By incorporating the natural world into therapy, clients can begin to develop a deeper understanding of their place in the world, and how their actions impact the planet. Moreover, the ecological self can help clients overcome feelings of isolation and disconnection. As Macy (2013) notes, "the reconnection with the living world means that we experience ourselves as participants in the web of life, rather than as isolated, separate egos" (p. 5). This shift in perspective can be especially powerful for those struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues that may be exacerbated by a sense of disconnection from others and the world. Ultimately, incorporating the principles of deep ecology into psychotherapy can lead to a more comprehensive and holistic approach to healing. By recognizing the interdependence of all living things, clients can develop a deeper understanding of their place in the world and how their actions impact the planet. This can lead to a greater sense of purpose, a stronger connection to the natural world, and a greater sense of inner peace. In conclusion, the principles of deep ecology can have a profound impact on psychotherapy. By acknowledging the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of systemic awareness and identification, we can help clients develop a more comprehensive understanding of themselves and their relationship to the world around them. To quote the poet Wendell Berry: "The earth is what we all have in common." By recognizing our shared connection to the natural world, we can help clients develop a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. In doing so, we can help create a brighter, more sustainable future for all. If you would like to explore therapy services that are informed by deep ecology, please feel free to reach out to schedule an appointment or to learn more about my services.