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

Table of Contents:
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

About the Author :
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.

Review :
"The Ten Directions approach, as described in Caroline Brazier’s very helpful book Ecotherapy in Practice: A Buddhist Model, provides a useful framework for working in many different styles of outdoor healing, social or educational endeavors. This guide is a marvelous contribution to our field." Linda Buzzell, Co-editor, "Ecotherapy: Healing with Nature in Mind" (Sierra Club Books) "In her book, Ecotherapy in Practice: A Buddhist Model, Brazier offers a new conceptual model for ecotherapy practice. This is intelligently woven together using ideas from Buddhism and the field of psychotherapy. Interspersed throughout the book is clear guidance for anyone wishing to work therapeutically outdoors. Brazier shows how Buddhism offers a natural home for ecotherapy with its teachings on mindfulness, presence, interconnectedness, reciprocity and the nature of change. This is a much needed practice as we head into climate change and global social unrest." Mary-Jayne Rust, Ecopsychologist, Jungian Analyst, Art Therapist "The Ten Directions approach, as described in Caroline Brazier’s very helpful book Ecotherapy in Practice: A Buddhist Model, provides a useful framework for working in many different styles of outdoor healing, social or educational endeavors. This guide is a marvelous contribution to our field." Linda Buzzell, Co-editor, "Ecotherapy: Healing with Nature in Mind" (Sierra Club Books) "In her book, Ecotherapy in Practice: A Buddhist Model, Brazier offers a new conceptual model for ecotherapy practice. This is intelligently woven together using ideas from Buddhism and the field of psychotherapy. Interspersed throughout the book is clear guidance for anyone wishing to work therapeutically outdoors. Brazier shows how Buddhism offers a natural home for ecotherapy with its teachings on mindfulness, presence, interconnectedness, reciprocity and the nature of change. This is a much needed practice as we head into climate change and global social unrest." Mary-Jayne Rust, Ecopsychologist, Jungian Analyst, Art Therapist "Caroline Brazier proves to be a wise and accomplished guide for practitioners wishing to navigate the vibrant territory of nature-based therapy. Written in an engaging readable style, the book traverses a wide range of current ecotherapeutic thinking, the way illuminated by her extensive clinical experience. This is all woven seamlessly into a coherent theoretical framework alongside extensive practical guidance. With this rich landscape, she provides practitioners of all modalities with much needed support for an ethical mindful approach to outdoor therapy in its many different guises. " Hayley Marshall, UKCP Reg Psychotherapist; Clinical Director, The Centre for Natural Reflection, UK "Ecotherapy in Practice is a fabulous wide-ranging tool-box for those who are both new to ecotherapy, as well as more seasoned practitioners, and I know I shall be dipping into it again in the months and years to come. It is an invaluable contribution to the body of ecotherapy and ecopsychology books already available." Transformations, The Journal for Psychotherapists and Counsellors for Social Responsibility (Autumn 2018)