Since 2006, Transformational EcoPsychology students at SWC have been reconnecting to Mother Earth by going on vision quests, praying in sweat lodges, practicing Andean energy healing techniques, and participating in other indigenous healing ceremonies.
But how have these folks been applying what they learn, once they are out in the professional world of mental health? Here are some inspiring stories….
David is an upper-level manager in a state-wide medical organization in Washington State. He recently graduated from the Ecopsychology certificate program. Within his organization, he inspires co-workers to create healing environments in their medical clinics, and outside of hisregular job he teaches energy healing classes and is currently planning to lead a 9 day vision quest in the Northern Cascade Mountains.
Eliza, also a recent Eco Psych graduate and licensed therapist, is currently a volunteer for Aldo Leopold Charter School in Silver City, NM.This summer she is helping a group of teens learn backpacking and wilderness skills in the Gila Wilderness. Last summer, she worked in anoutdoor program for at-risk youth, introducing kids to nature-based therapeutic activities.
Chris received his M.A. in Counseling and also completed his Eco Psych certificate. His love of earth-based ceremony inspired him to co-lead a vision quest in the San Mateo Mountains of New Mexico. He received a job offer from a wilderness therapy organization in Colorado, based on his combination of therapeutic skills and experience in indigenous rites of passage work.
Patty has participated in many Eco Psych classes and 2 vision quests. She has been taking women into the mountains on day-long therapeutic Medicine Walks as part of their healing process. She also co-led a vision quest with Chris in the San Mateo Mountains.
Lisa led a group of women to a cave in northern New Mexico for a healing day of Medicine Walking and ceremony.
Lorien worked with at-risk youth in an east coast wilderness therapy program for her SWC internship.
Tod teaches clients about the Medicine Wheel as a map for the healing process.
Deb is using earth-based ceremony in her grief support groups. She and Kristine are leading a vision quest as part of their internship experience this summer.
Sami and Shannan involved group therapy clients in a despacho ceremony (Andean healing ceremony) as part of their internship.
Colleen built a labyrinth for the Santa Fe animal shelter as her final project for her Eco Psychology certificate. Volunteers and shelter dogsfrequently walk the labyrinth no matter what the weather!
Vicki has an ongoing women’s support group in which earth-based ceremony is incorporated into every meeting. Sometimes, they travel to local indigenous sacred sites for ceremony and prayers for Mother Earth and for personal healing.
These are just a few of the many stories of our students and graduates from the Eco Psych program…..
About the Moderator
