In this class, Dr Markie Twist discusses the benefits and contraindications to utilising an eco-informed approach in clinical practice, eco-assessments, eco-informed clinical frameworks, and attention to self-of-the-eco-therapist. In addition, tapping into people’s love of nature will be discussed as a gateway into including eco-informed practices in psychosexual and relationship therapy.
As the growing effects of climate change become more globally common and relatedly undeniable you may have noticed your clients reporting an increase in what some call, “climate anxiety” or “eco-anxiety?” If so, then they are not alone.
Findings from Hickman et al. (2021) from their recent research survey involving ten thousand participants aged 16 to 25 across ten countries revealed that 45% of respondents are worried about the climate negatively affecting their daily lives. Indeed, reports of biophobia, climate fears and guilt, nature deficit disorder, as well as, climate anxiety and depression appear to be growing. Unfortunately, when clients report such concerns, few therapists know how to effectively address them, particularly as there are little to no professional guidelines for how to integrate attention to nature and the environment into practice. Moreover, most therapists do not include climate-related concerns as part of their assessment process.
The effects of this lack of attention to ecologically-informed systemic practices in psychosexual and relationship therapy can leave clients feeling unheard and dismissed when they have these and other related concerns.
Dr Markie Twist makes a link between ecologically-informed systemic practices with psychosexual and relationship therapy practices. It also includes a discussion of: the benefits and contraindications to utilizing an eco-informed approach in clinical practice, eco-assessments, eco-informed clinical frameworks, and attention to self-of-the-eco-therapist. In addition, tapping into people’s love of nature as a resource in eco-informed therapeutic practices, in this course biophilia and ecosexuality practices are also be discussed.
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn how the psychosexual and relationship therapy field and ecological practices are connected
- Review scholarly literature supporting the benefits of including ecological practices in clinical practice.
- Learn of various eco-informed psychosexual and relationship therapy clinical frameworks, assessments, and techniques.
- Discuss self-of-the-eco-therapist considerations and concerns.
About the Trainer
Dr Markie Twist, PhD is an award-winning sexuality educator, sexologist, relationship therapist, author and international speaker.
Dr. Twist regularly consults and presents on sexual, gender, erotic, and relational diversity; couple and family technology practices; and tantric sex. Dr. Twist is also the originator of Sex Speak Sessions, offering participants the opportunity to have their questions about sex and relationships answered in a free and confidential manner.
Dr. Twist is the Program Coordinator of the Graduate Certificate in Sex Therapy Program, and Professor in the Human Development and Family Studies Department and Marriage and Family Therapy Program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Dr. Twist is also a licensed marriage and family therapist and mental health counselor, as well as a clinical fellow and approved supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and certified sexuality educator and supervisor through the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.
Co-author of the books, The Internet Family: Technology in Couple and Family Relationships and Focused Genograms: Intergenerational Assessment of Individuals, Couples, and Families (2nd ed.) they also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Sexual and Relationship Therapy: International Perspectives on Theory, Research and Practice and is co-editor of the book Eco-Informed Practice: Family Therapy in Age of Ecological Peril.
Dr. Twist also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Sexual and Relationship Therapy: International Perspectives on Theory, Research and Practice and is co-editor of the book Eco-Informed Practice: Family Therapy in Age of Ecological Peril. In addition,
Dr. Twist serves as an adjunct faculty member in the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as well as a session instructor at the University of Guelph.
WEBSITE: drmarkie.com
