Ecopsychology is the study of human-nature relationships. Much of mental health scholarship focuses on relationships: relationships with family, significant others, friends, society, and culture, as well as relationships with thoughts, feelings, and beliefs within the self.  Ecopsychology explores the concept that a person's relationship with nature is also important to health; both our own health and the health of our communities and ecosystems.  Ecopsychology can be said to explore the ecological dimensions of mental health, as well as the psychological dimensions of modern ecological issues.  From a practical standpoint, ecopsychology explores powerful, nature-based techniques for improving mental health that are free and available.

Suburban Grotto is the Washington, DC area ecopsychology project of Keely Owens, LCPC, MA.  Suburban Grotto offers nature-based mental health services as well as ecopsychology workshops, retreats, and research opportunities.

Treatment Supported Rites of Passage

Mental Health Counseling services offered in the Montgomery and Prince George's County communities.  Counseling is based on the transtheoretical model of change, and incorporates nature-based techniques within an eclectic approach including gestalt, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused strategies to support change.  Special focus is on life transitions, adult depression and dysphoria, attachment disorders, grief, relationship turmoil, identity issues, attention-related issues, and adult neuropsychological diagnoses.  Counseling is provided by Keely Owens, LCPC, MA, and is offered in both an outdoor and an indoor setting.  Suburban Grotto currently accepts both private-pay and Medicaid clients.  Contact Keely or click below for more information.

Workshops and Retreats

 Suburban Grotto also offers therapeutic, educational, and growth-oriented outdoor experiences designed to facilitate both greater health and a greater relationship to the environment.  Programs are offered for adults, children, families, and individuals with developmental disabilities, and range from brief local workshops to weekend destination retreats.  Destination retreats include therapeutic caving workshops and wilderness solos in the Appalachian mountains.  Educational, contemplative, and growth-oriented workshops are also offered in local parks, to illustrate how a relationship with nature can be nurtured even within a heavily developed landscape.  Contact Keely or click below for more information.   

Ecopsychology Research

Finally, Suburban Grotto is a place to learn about ecopsychology - the study of the human-nature relationship - on both a local and a global scale.  Visit "Neck of the Woods" for a free forum about place-bonding, the simple practice of visiting the same place regularly in order to witness how it is changing, and how its changes impact you.  View the blog for general information on ecopsychology, research summaries, interesting events, and other resources.  If you are interested in participating in ecopsychology-related research, please contact Keely for more information about research opportunities.