Using the process model of eco-anxiety in group work

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Group Therapy
• Somatic Experiencing

Background:

• Eco-anxiety and ecological grief are significant challenges.
• Group work offers a promising avenue for emotional processing.
• Existing methods may not fully address the complexities of eco-emotions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel facilitated group work method for eco-anxiety and ecological grief.
• To integrate elements of timeline, social learning, spectrum line, and somatic methods.
• To explore the balance between action, distancing, and grieving in response to ecological distress.

Main Methods:

• A facilitated group work method based on a process model of eco-anxiety and ecological grief.
• Incorporation of timeline exercises, social learning, spectrum line, and somatic methods.
• Pilot workshop with participant exploration of eco-anxiety journeys, spatial movement, somatic practices, and creative co-thinking.

Main Results:

• The developed method was found useful by pilot workshop participants.
• Participants engaged with their eco-anxiety journeys through spatial and somatic exploration.
• The method facilitated exploration of the balance between action, distancing, and grieving.

Conclusions:

• The new facilitated group work method shows promise for addressing eco-anxiety and ecological grief.
• Further research is needed to evaluate its efficacy with diverse populations.
• The method is adaptable for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic settings with skilled facilitators.