Jeffrey Rink | EcoPsychology Africa

Ecopsychology is a developing field in psychology recognising that human health cannot be separated from the health of the whole and must include mutually enhancing relationships between humans and the non-human world.  Ecopsychology attempts to bridge the gap between humanity and the earth, between ecology and psychology, to appreciate that human needs and the needs of the planet are interrelated and interdependent. Ecopsychology is about psychologists using wilderness in a therapeutic way- finding healing in nature. The healing qualities of nature are not however to be taken for granted- nature is not necessarily comfortable or welcoming. It is for the psychologist to acquire an understanding and insight into ecological processes, and an understanding of the transpersonal, the spiritual aspects of wilderness, and integrate this understanding to provide participants with a meaningful, healing interaction with nature.