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Season 3, Episode 23: On EcoWellness and Psychedelic Therapy with Ryan Reese

Thomas and Panu spoke with Ryan Reese, a psychologist from Bend, Oregon USA about his work developing eco-wellness theory in counseling and his recent integration of psychedelic therapy and outdoor therapy. Ryan shared his personal journey and how experiences with nature and rivers (including fly fishing for Steelhead trout) played a role in his healing and growth. Ryan, Panu and Thomas highlighted the parallels between eco-therapy and psychedelic therapy, including the importance of creating a safe setting, adopting a mindset of self-transcendence and opening to the process of expanding one's consciousness. Their talk concluded with a recognition of how Thomas and Ryan’s social connection provided needed support during challenging times in Thomas’s earlier career. 

Takeaways

• Nature and the more-than-human-world can have a significant impact on holistic wellness, including stress reduction and restoration of focus and attention.

• Psychedelic therapy and eco-based work share similarities in promoting self-transcendence and expanding one's consciousness.

• Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial in both outdoor facilitation and psychedelic therapy.

• Social connections and shared education are essential in addressing climate-related issues and maintaining positivity, hope, and optimism.

Links

• Ryan Reese (Academic Homepage)

• Eco Wellness Counseling (Practice)

• Ecowellness Background and Resources 

• Reese & Myers (2012) EcoWellness: The Missing Factor in Holistic Wellness Models

• Quest Therapeutics (psilocybin facilitation)

Transcript

[The Climate Change and Happiness Transcript is on holiday.]