Eco-anxiety
“I can’t stand to see another news report of wildfires, floods, or hurricanes destroying lives and habitats.”
“My heart breaks when I hear about species going extinct.”
“I lie in bed worrying about the future of this planet.”
“I talk about my climate-anxiety to others, but sometimes I feel so alone in this.”
“I want to have children but I’m overwhelmed with guilt at the idea of the future they would have.”
What is eco-Anxiety
Eco-anxiety describes the distress, worry, fear or sense of helplessness that can arise from awareness of climate change and the ecological crisis. Many people feel deeply affected by the damage happening to the human and natural world, whether through direct experiences or through the constant flow of information in the news and media.
Eco-anxiety: a natural response
Feeling anxious, sad, angry or afraid in response to climate change does not mean that something is wrong with you. These emotions can be a natural and understandable response to recognising a real and collective challenge.
Eco-anxiety often reflects something deeply human: our ability to care, to feel connected, and to understand that our lives are intertwined with the health of the planet.
when to seek help for eco-anxiety
While these emotions can be meaningful, they can also become difficult to carry. Some people feel trapped in worry, guilt or fear about the future. Others experience hopelessness, difficulty taking action, or a sense that no one around them understands what they are going through.
Therapy can offer a space to explore these feelings and find ways to relate to them differently.
addressing Climate emotions
Fortunately, more and more people (including therapists) are coming together to work on the tools we need to develop awareness, strength and resilience. We are learning that the powerful emotions triggered by climate change can be channeled into transformative processes and positive action.
When it comes to emotions regarding the Earth, a mental-health professional can help you:
Share what you are going through with an understanding and empathetic other
Manage the overwhelm so you can channel your ‘emotional energy’ into positive actions
Overcome feelings of helplessness and guilt, finding ways to give back to the world you inhabit
Deepen your sense of connection and belonging to the more-than-human world
Transform eco-grief and eco-anxiety into a learning experience that you can share with others.
climate-aware therapy
Climate-aware therapy recognises that the climate crisis can affect our mental and emotional wellbeing. It creates space to talk openly about fears, uncertainty, grief and anger related to the future of our planet.
As a climate-aware therapist, I understand that these emotions are not simply personal worries, but responses to a wider social and ecological reality.
ecopsychology & Ecotherapy
Ecopsychology recognises that we are not separate from nature. Our sense of belonging, identity and wellbeing are influenced by our relationship with the living world around us.
Ecotherapy brings the principles of ecopsychology into therapeutic practice. It integrates awareness of nature and our connection with the environment into psychotherapy.
Ecotherapy can include exploring eco-emotions, reconnecting with nature, working with the body and senses, or bringing parts of therapy outdoors.
Nature as a relationship, not just a resource
In ecotherapy, nature is not simply seen as a tool to help us relax. Instead, it is understood as part of a wider relationship that can support reflection, healing and a deeper sense of belonging. Ecotherapy encourages us to remember that taking care of ourselves and taking care of the planet are deeply connected.
From overwhelm to action
The goal is not to stop caring or to eliminate difficult emotions. Instead, therapy can help us understand and work with these feelings so they become a source of awareness, resilience and connection.
When we learn to hold these emotions, they can support us in finding ways to care, participate and act according to our values.
In session I can help you make sense of what you are experiencing, find spaces of meaningful action, and develop strategies to cope with overwhelming thoughts and feelings. We may do this through more traditional “talk therapy”, or we may choose to take Walk&Talk Therapy sessions.
Find Out More
If you’d like to find out more about climate aware therapy and eco-anxiety, please get in touch, or follow me on Instagram and Linkedin.
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