Ecotherapy in Practice A Buddhist Model

Ecotherapy in Practice reflects the growing interest and research in this field. Drawing on a diversity of experience from the counselling and psychotherapy professions, but also from practitioners in community work, mental health and education, this book explores the exciting and innovative possibilities involved in practising outdoors.

Caroline Brazier brings to bear her experience and knowledge as a psychotherapist, group worker and trainer over several decades to think about therapeutic work outdoors in all its forms. The book presents a model of ecotherapy based on principles drawn from Buddhist psychology and Western psychotherapy which focuses particularly on the relationship between person and environment at three levels, moving from the personal level of individual history to cultural influences, then finally to global circumstances, all of which condition mind-states and psychological wellbeing.

Ecotherapy in Practice will provide refreshing and valuable reading for psychotherapists and counsellors in the field, those interested in Buddhism, and other mental health and health professionals working outdoors

Section One: The Therapeutic Container

Chapter One: Conditions for Change

Chapter Two: Embodied Presence

Chapter Three: Sacred Space

Section Two: The Theoretical Base

Chapter Four: Concepts, Models and Practicalities

Chapter Five: Object-Related Identity

Chapter Six: Triangular Relationship

Section Three: Personal Process

Chapter Seven: The Personal Frame

Chapter Eight: Conditioned View

Chapter Nine: Encounter

Section Four: Collective and Cultural Frames

Chapter Ten: Collective Process, Myth and Ritual

Chapter Eleven: Working with Myth and Story

Chapter Twelve: Creativity

Section Five: Global Context and Wider Horizons

Chapter Thirteen: Environmentally-based Therapy in Context

Chapter Fourteen: Vibrancy

Chapter Fifteen: Embedded Living

Caroline Brazier is a psychotherapist in independent practice and course leader of the Tariki training programmes in psychotherapy and ecotherapy. A practising Buddhist, she is author of six previous books on Buddhism and psychotherapy. Having loved the outdoors since childhood, she has worked with groups and individuals in many different therapeutic, educational and community settings over the years.