Revealed: How Group Therapy is Transforming Lives of Those Battling ‘Eco-Distress’ – A Global Movement with Surprising Results

The Birth of Climate-Support Circles

A decade ago, LaUra Schmidt envisioned peer support groups dedicated to climate concerns while studying at the University of Utah. Her idea aimed to support climate workers overwhelmed by the enormity of global warming.

Her research highlighted that those deeply knowledgeable about climate science often felt isolated and burdened by grief, anxiety, and despair. This revelation laid the groundwork for her future endeavors.

Over time, Schmidt’s efforts culminated in the creation of the Good Grief Network, an international nonprofit offering peer support for those experiencing eco-distress. This organization offers a 10-step program designed to build resilience and empowerment.

Schmidt’s approach diverged from traditional models. While others conducted weekend workshops, she believed that long-term sessions fostered deeper trust and connections among participants.

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Global Outreach and Impact

During a recent training session for new facilitators, participants from various countries connected via Zoom, demonstrating the global reach of the Good Grief Network. This session was exclusively attended by women, ranging from college students to retirees.

Each participant shared personal updates, revealing the diverse concerns that eco-distress brings. The session then focused on the second step of the 10-step process: “Be with uncertainty.”

For the next hour, attendees exchanged thoughts on the potential outcomes of exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius in global warming. Discussions included:

• Apocalyptic scenarios if temperatures rise significantly.
• Personal fears and hopes for the future.
• Strategies to cope with climate anxiety.

One participant found a surprising comfort in uncertainty, transforming a lifelong dread into a newfound perspective.

Art and Climate Emotions

Mor Keshet, an integrative art therapist from Long Island, New York, has seen a rise in people seeking help for climate distress. Many still seek traditional therapy, but climate emotions are becoming more prominent.

Keshet’s practice in Huntington, a wealthy community, allows her to cater to those who can afford therapy. However, she’s committed to bringing climate cafes to underserved areas in New York City and beyond.

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In July, Keshet co-facilitated a climate cafe at the Climate Imaginarium on Governer’s Island. Participants used art supplies to create mandalas, expressing their emotions about climate change through art.

Keshet believes that art therapy can help people articulate emotions that are difficult to express verbally. Collaborating with other organizations, she aims to expand this project, hoping it will become a valuable resource for processing climate emotions.

The Psychological Toll of Climate Knowledge

A scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency, who preferred to remain anonymous, struggled to manage the emotional impact of her work. Despite her extensive knowledge, she hadn’t addressed the psychological consequences of climate change.

Her experience supports Schmidt’s theory that greater awareness of the climate crisis often leads to feelings of isolation and distress. She recalled an emotional event where she couldn’t stop crying, realizing the depth of her grief.

She sought support within her community but found that many colleagues didn’t connect their personal lives to climate change. This isolation was one of the hardest aspects for her to cope with.

Through the Good Grief Network and other support groups, she discovered that those who fully confronted their climate fears were the ones taking the most significant actions. These groups provided the understanding and solidarity she needed to continue her work.

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