Ecopsychology Intensive Course

To be effective at making long-term changes in ecological, social, family, economic and political systems one needs an ecological psychology education.

About

Today, and in the centuries to come, decisions, practices, programs, products, services, and ethical alignments will be made based on ecological literacy (basic knowledge of how the planet works) and developed psychological capabilities that enable you to wisely lead others through challenging times.

Ecological psychology recognizes that we live with a complex and responsive planet that acts upon us (all life forms) as much as we act upon the planet.

We know the Ecopsychology Intensive course is an investment of your time, energy, and resources. Therefore, we take a deep dive into educating and training you in understanding that the same ecological processes that affect complex narratives and behaviors of Earth – affect the complexity of narratives and behaviors of humans, organizations, communities, corporations, and institutions.

Problems we face from climate disasters, ecological and social injustice, to the despoliation of air, water, and soil, are not new.

These intra-related problems stem from human narratives and their practices – from our psychology.

At Viridis, we approach ecological, social, family, economic and political systems as sympoietic ecosystems, complex symbiotic environments with circulating narratives that underpin every behavior and practice.

Human narratives have an efficacy of their own: they can poison and enliven, destroy and innovate, close and open possibilities.

The aim of this course is to teach how to detect, question, and understand challenging narratives and how to completely reconfigure them, thereby changing behavior and practices.

How we accomplish this is through the examination of five overarching ecological and psychological processes:

Energy Exchange
Diversity/multiplicity
Decay & Renewal
Change
Relationality

Course Schedule

Fall qtr – Ecopsychology I. September 11 – November 13, 2023
Winter qtr – Ecopsychology II. January 8 – March 11, 2024
Spring qtr – Ecopsychology III. April 1 – June 3
Fall qtr – Ecopsychology IV. September 3 – November 5
Winter qtr – Ecopsychology V. January 7 – March 11

Classes meet via zoom once each week (Monday 4-6 pm, Pacific Time).

What Participants Say:

My journey with VGI was fascinating not only because of the depth of the course but also because of the new horizons which have opened up for me by studying ecological psychology. The journey into the principles of psychology in connection with ecological parallels has given me ideas and images I am able to hold on to for a very long time and develop new ones for myself. These principles have never failed me. The ReWilding trip to Denali, Alaska, was truly a trip to the end of the world for me, which has opened up new images and spaces in my vision and mind. I am forever thankful for all that I have learned with Lori and my cohort – this was a life-changing experience for me. – Angela, Germany.

Wanting to find deeper meaning in my life and work, I had been looking for an ecopsychological community with a heart for removing barriers of communication within and between the individual and the soul of the world. I found that through the Intensive Program at Viridis, I learned and practiced a profound, creative, and empathic way of seeing my interconnectedness with all of life. I also appreciated the live online video classroom because it too was a conscious effort to remove barriers of communication among the students and with the professor. The course is a relevant and evolutionary program that has empowered me to change, grow, and lead with confidence. -Lynn, USA.

Thank you so much for the Ecopsychology Intensive! It was beyond what I ever expected. I particularly appreciated what we learned about diversity and energy within the context of ecopsychology. You are a dedicated educator with a commitment and talent to move thought and provide paradigms to help heal the world. Thank you! – Bridget, USA

Course Fee

$3,450

Participants may pay in full ($3450) or per course ($690).

To Register

To register or if you have questions, please Contact Viridis Graduate Institute

Continuing Education

Many professionals, including educators, are required to earn continuing education units annually. Viridis Graduate Institute offers continuing education units for professional development courses.

Ecopsychology Intensive Course – 11 CEUs

As defined by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), “[o]ne (1) Continuing Education Unit (CEU) equals ten (10) contact hours of learner interaction with the content of the learning activity, which includes classroom, self-paced instruction, pre/post assignments, and/or homework in support of a learning outcome.” For more information about CEUs, visit the IACET website.

Viridis Graduate Institute is a DEAC accredited institution. Continuing education offerings are outside the scope of accreditation granted by DEAC.

Course Objectives

Educate participants to develop ecological literacy and psychological capacities for assessing and reconfiguring detrimental narratives and practices.
Demonstrate ecological literacy.
Demonstrate psychological capabilities.
Develop leadership qualities linking thought and action in forming creative and collaborative solutions.