Episode 137 The Professional Counselors' Role With Climate Change & The Importance Of Ecowellness: Interview with Lauren Hawkins
How does climate change impact our mental health? As a counselor, what role do you play in addressing eco-wellness issues with your clients in session?
MEET Lauren Hawkins
Lauren Hawkins is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Texas and Colorado. She works primarily with individuals who have experienced trauma and the LGBTQ+ community. Lauren received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Kentucky, and her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Cincinnati. In 2022, Lauren published a manuscript in the Journal of Counselor Leadership and Advocacy titled “Climate Change and mental health: the counseling professional’s Role.” This article provides an overview of the impacts of climate change on mental health and proposes the argument that professional counselors should be on the frontlines of climate advocacy and leadership. Lauren presented on this topic at the 2023 NBCC Bridging the Gap Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia. She's also spoken on other podcasts about eco-wellness, climate justice, and social justice, and why this is a necessary part of holistic wellness for counselors to pay attention to.
Find out more at JCLA and Psychology Today and connect with Lauren on, LinkedIn
IN THIS PODCAST:
- What is eco-wellness? 4:42
- Where to find resources on climate change 11:47
- How to begin addressing clients with eco-anxiety 13:20
- How to bring nature into therapy 17:50
What Is Eco-Wellness?
- What is eco-anxiety and how does it impact our mental health?
- The importance of connecting with nature
- What is the role of counselors in climate change?
- Who is most impacted by climate change?
Where To Find Resources On Climate Change
- Finding reputable resources on climate change and eco-wellness
- Finding resources within the counseling profession
How To Begin Addressing Clients With Eco Anxiety
- The importance of building a solid relationship with your clients
- How to create a thorough holistic assessment for your clients
- What are the Wheels of Wellness?
- How to recognize mental health issues stemming from eco-anxiety
How To Bring Nature Into Therapy
- Using your 5 senses when creating ways of integrating nature into session
- The importance of finding out how your clients prefer to connect with nature
- How to bring nature indoors
- How to empower our clients when dealing with climate change
Connect With Me
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Resources Mentioned And Useful Links:
Find out more at JCLA and Psychology Today and connect with Lauren on, LinkedIn