- Directed toward licensed, certified, chartered or otherwise credentialed mental health professionals who have established their basic education and practice.
- Practice-based. We discuss, in confidence, actual case studies and examples from the group members’ work. We explore origins and causes of individual’s problems, diagnosis and effective labeling of problems, and treatment strategies.
- Deeply personal. We reflect on our own sense of self, our environmental identity, our values, our ethics, our diversities, our privilege and experience of injustice — all the intersections we inhabit.
- Transdisciplinary and integrative. We employ a variety of psychotherapy and counseling theories and techniques. We also address issues that fall between disciplinary silos.
- Evidence-based, with recognition of the limitations of a human-centric scientific worldview and honoring of multiple ways of knowing including spirituality and holism.
- Provides continuing education. Credit hours are dependent on the participants’ credential and licensing rules.
Do I need to have previous experience in ecotherapy?
Experience in ecotherapy or outdoor therapy is not required. A goal of the group is to adapt the provider’s existing skill set to address the environmental concerns of their clients and patients.
What if I am a licensure candidate or postdoctoral researcher?
Advanced licensure candidates may be appropriate for the consultation group if the experience complements their training requirements. Please contact Dr. Thomas Doherty to discuss.
What if I do not have a mental health degree?
Dr. Doherty recognizes that some individuals may have unique expertise that that provide a basis to use this consultation group effectively. Please contact Dr. Doherty to discuss your participation.
What if I am a student?
Dr. Doherty provides mentoring and guidance for students. Please contact him for times and access.
What if I have experienced natural disasters or nature-based trauma?
Climate change impacts are no longer distant in time or location. Individuals around the world, including those in affluent societies, are experiencing climate-related disasters. So, some experience of disasters is expected. Consultation service is not designed to address untreated trauma or mental health injuries. Please contact Dr. Doherty for avenues of support.
What if I am questioning my suitability for the group, or need accommodations?
Historically, stereotypes and discrimination have been associated with environmental beliefs and leadership. Please contact Dr. Doherty about your fit and comfort with the consultation.
What technology and equipment are required?
The consultation group requires a reliable internet connection, hardware and software to access Zoom-style synchronous video conferencing, and a email / phone connection as back up. Contact Dr. Thomas Doherty if you have technical questions.
What are the environmental impacts of the group?
This is an online service utilizing video conferencing software and possibly other methods such as telephone or chat. The nature of the service mitigates many impacts of travel or in-person conferencing. There are impacts associated with power generation and the industrial processes associated with raw materials and manufacture of computer and telephone technology. Dr. Thomas Doherty uses sustainable business practices and offsets the carbon impacts of his work and travel.