About Eartheart Ecotherapy
“We have a vital opportunity now to shape new Western psychology that acknowledges humanity as, first and foremost, natural, of nature - not separate from it. Its time to rewild psychology, with ideas and methods rooted in the rhythms, patterns, principles, and other-than-human encounters of greater nature.”
Eartheart Ecotherapy online study since 2018
“I believe the integrity of these crafted courses of study, emerging from and grounded in, many years working with Nature and Community, will speak for themselves. Throughout my life and career, I have learned to lean into Nature’s presence as intelligent, relational, healing, and creative. I have witnessed, again and again, the power of this healing presence, with groups. I have mentored many student placements in Nature-based and Creative Therapeutic work. As the need and opportunities for holistic healing work that includes Nature and connects us to our Ecological/Eco-selves. grows, I offer these courses, to support the emergence of Ecotherapy, and to encourage and nurture those who feel called to it.”
Ecotherapy is emerging as the applied theory of Ecopsychology grounds itself into the therapeutic community. Ecotherapy is gaining recognition as the research on how Nature is good for humans is increases. Like other complimentary /non-talk-based therapies such as Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Ecotherapy is developing closer to being recognized as a modality. Ecotherapy is not currently a regulated modality in Australia, or around the world.
An Ecotherapy Code of Ethics & Childsafe Compliance Policy
As a collective learning communitas, we have produced a Eartheart Ecotherapy Ethos as a Code of Ethics. We have also formulated a Childsafe compliance Policy in accordance with National Standards in Australia and Internationally.
Professional insurance for Ecotherapy
Student membership with the International Institute of Complimentary Therapies recognize the Modality of Ecotherapy, and grant you access to both Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurances.
“Your work as an ecotherapist must be based on your own experience of yourself as an ecological being - your own self as part of the rest of nature. For me, a lifetime of professional practice is only possible with one of personal practice. The work is fundamentally embodied and to practice it, the facilitator or therapist must embody it too.”
Ecotherapy is emerging
A growing number of professional organizations recognize the benefits of Nature-based practice, and are moving ahead to support the growth of Ecotherapy across the world.
Some of these are:
Outdoor Health that seeks to connect and support evidence informed Nature based health services in Australia.
Soul Advisor which is a global collective of qualified complementary health practitioners who recognise Nature-based therapies and Ecotherapy as a modality for consciousness raising and healing work.
International Institute of Complimentary Therapies ( IICT) who have approved both the Certificate of Ecotherapy and the Advanced Certificate in Ecotherapy Groupwork. They offer professional membership and insurances, for Complimentary Therapies. They also approve Training Courses in a variety of modalities, ensuring Ethical, Professional Practice.
Study Ecotherapy with Us
At Eartheart Online Ecotherapy study, there are currently 45 students studying across 7 countries. 8 have graduated from the Advanced Certificate and 15 from the Certificate of Ecotherapy.
“I like the balance between structured and independent learning. I feel like each module provides a framework and a direction but then I am free to follow my curiosity and go as deeply as I want or need to. I appreciate the flexibility RE time frames and the extensive and supportive feedback I have received. I think this course is incredible value! I also appreciate the pay-per-module option.”
Meet the Eartheart Facilitation Team:
Kerryn Coombs-Valeontis
Founder Kerryn Coombs-Valeontis is a Group Eco-therapist and Eco/Art Therapist with many years’ experience working in a variety of community and mental health settings, inviting people into meaningful experiences in Nature. She has been a teacher of vocational Education for over 15 years, in Community Services. She is currently a Sessional Lecturer at Nan Tien Institute, on the Master of Health and Wellbeing program. She has developed courses and teaches Art Therapy and Mindful Nature Connection there. She is the founder and facilitator of the Eartheart Ecotherapy since 2018. Kerryn also shares her experiences working with Nature as co-therapist, as co-author of the book Nature Heals; An Introduction to Nature-Based Therapies in Australia and New Zealand. She has independently published a collection of poetry ( in parentheses) in 2021 and has studied poetry therapy. She has a Master of Social Ecology, a Bachelor of Education, and Diploma of Transpersonal Art Therapy.
Kelly Jarvis
Kelly Jarvis is a Co-facilitator on residentials in Aotearoa /New Zealand.
Kelly has been working in the family Violence and Health & Wellbeing sector for the last 15 years. Over this time, she has developed a Nature Based Therapy Practice; Puāwai. Puāwai is an intuitive and creative approach to therapy that is grounded in the concept of hononga; exploring the intrinsic relationships between people, Wairua, and Te Taiao; the magic and interconnectedness of everything around us in the natural world, and beyond. Kelly facilitates healing through the weaving of nature, Rongoa Māori, creativity, and storytelling.
Karen Gray
Karen Gray is a Module Tutor on the Certificate/Advanced Certificate of Ecotherapy
Karen shares her passion for plants and people in creative engagement with over 30 years experience in Botanic Gardens, community gardens, private gardens and as a horticultural therapist in mental health, aged care and the disability sector. She feels strongly that gardens and access to nature is available for all in health care having witnessed beautiful transformations for participants. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management & Tourism, Certificates in Disability Support, Horticulture, Bush Regeneration Supervision, Techniques for Horticultural Therapy and is co-author of Nature Heals An Introduction to Nature-based therapy in Australia and New Zealand.