4-Step Approach
The goal is not to fix, but to facilitate healing.
01
Grounding
As human beings, we are part of Earth's ecosystem. By grounding into our bodies and recalling our connection with the wider web of nature, we begin to discover true belonging and love. While this is the first step towards resilience, it is ongoing and must be revisited on a regular basis.
03
Processing
Anger, sadness, frustration, fear, guilt, despair, and grief are all normal emotions that may emerge in the face of environmental destruction. Our hearts ache with the love we have for what is being lost. When we don't make space to process our feelings, they become repressed, misdirected, and can arise as projections onto other situations or people. Joy, hope, serenity, and gratitude are also waiting as we transform ourselves and awaken to greater wisdom.
02
Acceptance
Denial, overwhelm, and bargaining are normal parts of coming to grips with the magnitude of the climate crisis. Denial can also look like focusing solely on solutions without being with things as they are. We must find the courage, together, to accept difficult truths and understand the climate science.
04
Resilience
The future is uncertain. It holds both challenges and the courage to overcome them. While we cannot return to how things once were, it could be even better than we imagine. Facing this truth with strength, curiosity, humility, and love will help us to navigate whatever comes while understanding the limits of what we can control. Coming together as a community of support helps remind us that who we are is enough.
About
Rachael Coccia, MA Psychology, MA Marine Conservation
Rachael's expertise in the fields of environmental activism and mental health have merged to make her uniquely qualified to support organizations, businesses, universities, governments, and individuals in advancing ecopsychology goals. Drawing from her experience as a communicator, therapist, and activist, Rachael delivers an empathetic, grounded, and empowering approach to facing the starkness of reality while emerging with an increased capacity for gratitude and love.
