Ecotherapy for Students and Practitioners: Reimagining the Field of International Education

For Diversity Abroad's 2022 Global Inclusion Conference, I proposed a session entitled Ecotherapy in Education Abroad.  This discussion was designed to introduce ecotherapy to international education practitioners, quite possibly for the first time. Unfortunately, the session was not accepted, likely due to the newness of the topic, especially within the context of study abroad and DEIJ, I was also the only presenter, and there were undoubtedly tons of other more current/relevant topics proposed simultaneously (a couple that I was also part a part of).  Timing is Everything and nevertheless, I continued understanding how a nature-centered mindset and approach to teaching, learning, and healing is an invaluable resource not just for student development/support and professional well-being, but the restoration and good stewardship of the entire planet.

Taking a step back, my awareness of the term "ecotherapy" and how it is a professional practice began in 2000. Sheltering in my DC apartment during the pandemic led me to take up "joyful jogging" outdoors as a hobby. During a solo camping adventure with my dog, Sage, in Shenandoah National Park, a 12 mile jog was made to feel effortless as I was enveloped by a podcast episode that later expanded my world.   Session #173, "Repairing Our Relationship to Nature", of the Therapy for Black Girls podcast featured J. Phoenix Smith, MSW, founder of the Alliance for Ecotherapy & Social Justice. Phoenix's passionate and insightful responses to the host's, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, questions perfectly illuminated the positive influence nature can have on the lives of everyone who allows a connection to be built, especially BIPOC, queer, and women. This message spoke directly to my spirit in a transformative way. 

Inspired by Phoenix, a fellow Howard University alum, I reached out to connect. I was excited to understand what it would take for me to authentically/appropriately integrate the practice of nature therapy into the already highly student-development-centered study abroad process I designed for Howard students. My September 2020 email to Phoenix was titled "Liberation Ecotherapy & the StudyAbroadSoBlack Movement."

From there, my pursuit of ecotherapy knowledge continued through formal learning and practice. I actively engaged in what was offered by the Alliance for Ecotherapy & Social Justice, founded by Phoenix. I also learned of The EarthBody Institute, led by Ariana Candell, and its one-of-a-kind virtual Level I Ecotherapy certification program with a section dedicated to holding space for BIPOC practitioners (beautifully facilitated by Niralli D'Costa and co-designed by Musenge Luchembe Hayslett).

Phoenix Smith Virtual Presentation on 12/12/20

Discovering education abroad as a career path during a Google search in Ghana in 2011 was a turning point, much like finding this new community of like-minded educators, counselors, and healers. In April 2021, I enrolled in EBI/Niralli's first virtual Level I Ecotherapy certification course, seeking to deepen my personal and professional growth as the world navigated its own challenges.

My lifelong connection to the natural world and ancestral wisdom deeply influences my approach to education abroad, even if only through self-expression.  Finding the language to professionalize (and validate) the values and feelings I have has been helpful in my practice of striving to be a thought leader, or more modestly, an example of embodied authenticity, within the field. 

Pioneering Ecotherapy Workshops with College Students: My passion for ecotherapy led me to host the first "official" workshop for study abroad ambassadors in the Ralph Bunche International Affairs Center. Facilitated at the National Arboretum, a cherished space for me in Washington DC, this COVID-safe event sought to reconnect students with the university and each other. I'm particularly grateful to the three student ambassadors who remained in DC during the pandemic lockdowns. Their trust and willingness to embrace this new approach to personal and community development through an nature-conscious lens was inspiring, especially amidst challenging circumstances. 

LinkedIn post three years ago related to the experience.

After relocating to Oregon in 2021, to be closer to nature and the flow of new energy in a very different part of the country, I began working at  the University of Portland toward actualizing a vision for new Study Abroad Office that offered safe, meaningful, and inclusive study abroad programming as a first time study abroad office director. In April 2022, we led our first group of study abroad students on an experience that incorporated a region specific Land and Labor Acknowledgement and discussion and reflection prompts designed through the lens of ecotherapy about their past and upcoming study abroad experiences. This prolonged conversation about culture shock, health and wellness, navigating cultural differences, and the feelings of safety and belonging took place throughout the approximately 4 mile hike alongside (and under) the most majestic waterfalls I had ever seen on the South Falls Historic Trail. 

The @UPStudyAbroad Instagram post celebrating the experience.

This is now my fourth year of working to deliver (or inspire others to facilitate) ecotherapeutic practices with students and professionals. I am still honing this craft and reminding myself not to overthink things. This said, today, I received a surprising invitation from my dear sister, friend, and colleague, Noelle Baldwin, to introduce the ecotherapy to fellow education abroad administrators invited to attend the 2nd annual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Antiracism (DEIA) workshop hosted abroad by her division within IES Abroad (!!). The opportunity to provide an introduction and closing reflection for this group of peers, especially within the context of processing heavy topics related to inequity, discrimination, and racism, reinforces my initial understanding of the importance of offering ecotherapy programming to educators and students worldwide. Noelle's invitation also underscores my gratitude for having found "my professional tribe" and feeling accepted and seen within the field of international education. 

 

Sending the readers of this gratitude & the peaceful energy and cool spring breeze of Aspen, Colorado.