the ecopsychologist

Another interesting character in the complicated realm of carbon emissions (and, more importantly, what to do with them) is that of the ecopsychologist. In a nutshell, the new and growing branch of ecopsychology deals with existential issues arising out of the human race's separation from nature. As humans' cultural evolution has outpaced that of the natural world, we tend to find ourselves (especially in America) substantially separated from the earth's complex network of ecosystem interactions. Humans suffer from this separation not only because of our loss of a connection with nature, but also because of the moral dilemmas which stem from the cause and effect relationship between our consumption and the destruction of natural resources and biodiversity.

So what sort of cure might be prescribed to a distraught earth inhabitant, reclining in despair on an ecopsychologist's couch? You guessed it-- the Rx of the 21st century is to start chipping away at the old carbon footprint. Of course, this is just one of the ways in which a person ailing from the ethical woes of an over-consumer or global-warming-catalyst can calm their karmic disquietudes, but it is one that is rising in popularity. Take the McLendon family, for example; two days ago this family was covered by the NY Times for their unique response to family therapy sessions. Instead of prozac or continued therapy, this family was advised to retrofit their house to be more green, and to take their kids outside more for play time and community service. The go-to source for those interested in this brave new foray into the ever more complicated American psyche is Ecopsychology.org. Here you can find literature, events, and lists of practitioners- there may be an eco-doc in your hometown, especially for those in (here's a shocker) California.