Only too well I remember the first time I sought help and support from a psychotherapist. I recall sitting in a bland room looking down at a carpet the colour of pale shite whilst plastic and chrome furniture reflected the unforgiving whiteness of a two bar fluorescent ceiling light. In my frightened and vulnerable state I did not feel that this was a place of healing – I wanted to leave immediately.
Hardly surprising then given my early experience that it became important for me to explore the ‘spaces and places’ in which we are so often expected to both provide and receive counselling psychotherapy. I asked myself, how effective are some of these ‘spaces and places’ for mind-healing? Do they add or take away from the healing process? And as somebody who was born and reared in the wild, wonderful west of Ireland, but now living and working as I do in Dublin’s inner city, I reflected on the relative absence of nature and ‘wild places’ in our towns and cities and how this absence affects our everyday lives.
Indeed many people living in rural Ireland are often equally exhausted from modern living. It’s a challenge to find refuge from our demanding phones, social media and our vast array of other intrusive technologies.
Disappointingly, in today’s world we are exposed to so much ‘second-hand stale life’ through our various screens.
Technology is of course here to stay and the irony that you are reading this through a screen is not lost on me. And although Temple Bar or Camden Street on any weekend night could well be described as ‘wild places’, my self-exploration led me to the even wilder world of ecotherapy and ecopsychology.
Simply put, Ecopsychology is a fusion between ecology and psychology – an idea developed in the 1990’s by Theodore Roszak. The term Ecotherapy is often used to cover quite a wide variety of ‘wellness activities’ which are undertaken outdoors, for example when you and your mates go for a walk – ‘that’s a form of ecotherapy’.
In effect, through Walk Inniú – I offer counselling psychotherapy outdoors usually in spaces such as Marlay, Phoenix and St. Anne’s Park.
The Benefits:
Although still maintaining an indoor practice, I have found that many people prefer the freedom of working outdoors. Clients often report that not having to attend their sessions behind a ‘closed door’ helps them to overcome the sadly still prevalent stigma associated with ‘looking for support’. Everybody has walked and talked in a park, it is a common everyday occurrence and this helps to ‘democratise’ and ‘de–mystify’ peoples experience of therapy.
Nature is the oldest form of healing. Westernised living has left us somewhat removed from the natural world and we almost forget that nature is not just some ‘thing or stuff’ out there somewhere. We are nature. Remember the last time you took a walk in the mountains, in a forest or by the sea? Recall when finally your racing thoughts slowed down to allow you to re-connect with your ‘real self’. You become ‘more yourself’ outdoors in nature as you increase your resilience and reconnect with peaceful feelings and wellness.
Naming and accessing what we are feeling in traditional counselling psychotherapy is often quite challenging. Nature however, is filled with precious metaphors which often guide us in making sense of our lives. Simple everyday natural phenomena such as a falling leaf, a branch blowing in the wind or a blue sky can inspire, encourage, hold and support you as you work through your particular issues.
Imagine yourself pounding out any frustration step by step as you walk, kicking piles of leaves as you go and venting as you see fit. These are simple yet effective techniques – all of which help you to ‘ground’ and ‘earth’ yourself.
Or you may prefer to quietly consider your life as you mindfully notice a wild flower.
Whatever approach you choose whilst working with me at Walk Inniú – natural healing material is always at hand. The endorphins in your brain will begin to flow and this generally helps you to feel better.
But the benefits don’t end there:
Ecopsychology incorporates best-practice effective counselling psychotherapy, is mindful of the latest scientific knowledge in relation to caring for our planet, whilst simultaneously respecting the deep wisdom of indigenous peoples and culture.
That means that you not alone find the wellness and healing that you need as an individual, but you become a more caring and aware citizen of both your local and global community.
Where do you begin?
You begin your journey towards a more healthier and courageous you –
by taking a step,
any step,
anywhere.
Don’t over-think it – Just walk.
It will cost you nothing.
If you enjoy walking with others or indeed want to build your confidence as you meet new people whilst learning more about ecotherapy we would be delighted to welcome you to our fortnightly ‘Winter Walk and Talks’ (all details at walkinniu.ie).
And if you ever feel in need of support, compassion and kindness – just ask for the help you deserve.
As Alan Watts reminds us,
‘You didn’t come into this world.
You came out of it, like a wave from the ocean.
You are not a stranger here.
Support Our Campaign
We rely on the generosity of the public to fund our work and so far together we have achieved great things! Please do continue to support us so we can provide future generations in Ireland with the resources to recognise and talk about their emotions, and equip them to navigate the ever-changing world around them as they grow
