Publication Announcement by Elizabeth Allured (USA)

Allured, E. & Easterlin, B. (2024). Therapists’ perspectives: Psychotherapeutic techniques with applicability to climate distress. In E. Haase & K. Hudson (Eds.), Climate change and youth mental health: Multidisciplinary perspectives. Cambridge University Press.

This chapter discusses the theory and practice of climate-informed therapy with children and adolescents. It covers the importance of the therapist understanding their own defenses against climate distress, and discusses both psychodynamic/psychoanalytic and cognitive behavioral models for therapy. A case vignette from each of the two schools of therapy is included. The chapter includes a table covering developmental tasks and differing implications for treatment at various ages of childhood. The authors stress the importance of considering intergenerational differences in experiencing this threat, as well as intersectional factors related to race, culture, sexuality, and geography. Encouraging the conscious development of a relationship with nature, and advising climate action are discussed as components of treatment for climate distress. Additionally, the importance of the therapist being a role model in taking the climate crisis seriously is discussed.

Elizabeth Allured, Psy.D.
New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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