Authors: Artemis Blatsi
Ecopsychology is a humanistic paradigm that attempts to restore the human- nature relationship. Person-Centred approach (PCA) being a humanistic and relational paradigm could benefit and be benefited by an affiliation with Ecopsychology. The aim of this study was to explore experientially the similarities between PCA and Ecopsychology. A mini Solo Time in Nature (STN) was offered to a group of 7 trainee person-centred counsellors, followed by an open-end interview. Thematic analysis indicated a similarity between PCA and STN on terms of openness, sense of freedom and acceptance. Change occurred in congruence, insight, and nature connectedness. Two additional findings were the perception of mini-solos as an effective tool for therapist’s self-care and the suggestion of using STN as a training activity in PCA. The findings suggest a complementarity between the two paradigms and a potential for PCA to enrich its training and practice by incorporating STN to the benefit of practitioners and clients alike.
