What Is Ecological Psychology (Ecopsychology)?
WHAT IS ECOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (Ecopsychology)?
If one understands the workings of the world, one can understand the workings of humankind. – Paracelsus
What is Ecological Psychology?
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. A changing climate is the most poignant example.
Problems communities face today, from climate disasters, ecological and social justice conflicts, lack of access to education, physical and mental health, and economic fairness, to the destruction caused by ecocide, culturecide, and genocide, are not new.
These interrelated problems stem from human narratives and their practices – from our psychology.
Therefore, Viridis Graduate Institute has designed unique graduate programs that develop ecological literacy and psychological capacities necessary for reconfiguring detrimental narratives and practices underpinning our communal and planetary problems.
Defining Ecological Psychology
Ecological psychology (ecopsychology) is an educative approach to understanding that humans are ecological lifeforms; the same ecological processes that affect complex narratives and behaviors of Earth affect the complexity of human narratives and behavior.
The study of ecological psychology explores how ecological processes of energy exchange, diversity, change, decay & renewal, and relationship work psychologically and how they underpin every human narrative and behavior.
Consequently, the narratives we use to story the world matter. Therefore, by changing the narrative, one changes the behavior and, therefore the practices toward the planet and each other.
Humans Are Ecological - We Are of Nature
Naturehumans participate in the planet’s symbiotic and sympoietic processes. Ecological psychology transforms our sense of belonging – being a part of the nature we seek to understand but are also destroying.
Additionally, nudging along different narratives affects the sustainability and flourishing of our organizations, institutions, and communities.
A Career Changing Education
Most professions and industries recognize that policies and practices must include ecological literacy and psychological skills in working across multiple organizational landscapes and complex issues.
Therefore, highly sought-after skills, which include critical and ethical thinking, innovative strategies and collaboration, imagination, communication confidence, ecological knowledge, psychological capacities, and matured sensibilities in problem-solving leadership, are taught within the curriculum.
Google Reviews
Andra *****
My experience with Viridis Graduate Institute has been the most fulfilling educational experience of my life thus far! I was seeking a program that would support my understanding of humans as ecological creatures, and the school’s approach delivers on that and beyond. VGI successfully combines the convenience of online education with a level of regard for each student and faculty that engenders a deep sense of community.
John *****
What Viridis offers is so unique and very needed in education. I loved my time as a student with them. The curriculum is truly on the leading edge of educational evolution towards participation with all life. Don’t hesitate to join if you are looking for an affordable degree with a quality curriculum.
