Although the environmental and physical effects of climate change have long been recognised, little attention has been given to the profound negative impact on mental health. Leslie Davenport presents comprehensive theory, strategies and resources for addressing key clinical themes specific to the psychological impact of climate change.
She explores the psychological underpinnings that have contributed to the current global crisis, and offers robust therapeutic interventions for dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma and other clinical mental health conditions resulting from environmental damage and disaster. She emphasizes the importance of developing resilience and shows how to utilise the many benefits of guided imagery and mindful presence techniques, and carry out interventions that draw on expert research into ecopsychology, wisdom traditions, earth-based indigenous practices and positive psychology. The strategies in this book will cultivate transformative, person-centred ways of being, resulting in regenerative lifestyles that benefit both the individual and the planet.
Foreword. Lise Van Susteren, M.D. Acknowledgement. Introduction. Part One: Clinical Themes in the Era of Climate Change. 1. The Psychology of Climate Denial. 2. Climate Change Grief. 3. An Overview of Clinical Themes Involving Climate Change. 4. Mindful Disaster Response: Perspectives from Ground Zero. 5. Long-Term and Complex Clinical Themes. 6. Resiliency Stories. Part Two: Twelve Body, Heart/Mind, and World Wise Practices for an Ecoharmonious Life. 1. The (Really) Big Picture. 2. Kindness. 3. Grounding. 4. Humor. 5. Love. 6. The Pulse of Life. 7. Garden State. 8. Who's Driving the Bus? 9. The Stretch Zone. 10. Seeing Clearly. 11. One Body. 12. Gratitude.
'For way too long the global discussion on how to deal with climate change had lead us nowhere because we were blaming others or were feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problem. Over the past few years we have learned to go beyond blame to the recognition of self-responsibility, to go beyond overwhelm to constructing possibility step by step. Climate change is undoubtedly a global challenge, but in addressing it we are learning about ourselves as individual members of society. We are learning about our still only partially unleashed potential for good. In her unique style, Leslie Davenport takes us through this remarkable journey of self and planet.'
- Christiana Figueres, Former Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Climate Change
'Leslie Davenport has created an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to address climate change effectively and wisely. This book shines a light on the psychological underpinnings that thwart climate progress, and provides tools for meaningful conversations and creative solutions. She reconnects us to the essence of our humanity as part of the diverse web of life. There are a wealth of practices that support an eco-harmonious lifestyle and courageous resiliency for promoting change from personal to policy levels. This book is a hopeful light and a practical asset for navigating the challenges of climate work.' - Lynne Twist, Co-founder of Pachamama Alliance
