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Food Forest Podcast
as guest
Healing Through Food Forest Connections
Thomas Doherty
In this episode of the Food Forest Podcast, host Louis De Jaeger speaks with climate psychologist Thomas Doherty about the deep connection between climate change and mental health. They dive into the role of environmental identity, the rise of eco-anxiety, and how communities can provide strength in navigating these emotions. Thomas highlights the importance of personal sustainability, self-care, and building emotional literacy to better face ecological challenges. The conversation emphasizes resilience, the power of hope, and the healing that comes from connecting with like-minded people who share our values and concerns for the planet.
Key takeaways
- - Climate emotions are real – and acknowledging them is the first step toward healing.
- Our environmental identity shapes how we see and interact with the natural world.
- Eco-anxiety can feel paralyzing, but taking action helps restore agency.
- Community support is a powerful tool for processing climate-related emotions.
- Personal sustainability means balancing activism with self-care and healthy habits.
- Emotional literacy empowers us to understand and navigate our feelings.
- Vulnerable communities carry the heaviest burdens of climate impacts.
- Cultivating hope and resilience is essential in the face of ecological crisis.
- Finding your “climate tribe” provides validation, strength, and belonging.
- Our environmental identities remind us that we are all deeply interconnected.
Useful links
- - Personal Website: thomasdoherty.com
- Book “Surviving Climate Anxiety: A Guide to Coping, Healing, and Thriving”:
1. Surviving Climate Anxiety: A Guide to Coping, Healing, and Thriving – https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/dr-thomas-doherty/surviving-climate-anxiety/9780316572781/
2. Surviving Climate Anxiety UK Site – https://www.quercusbooks.co.uk/titles/thomas-doherty/surviving-climate-anxiety/9781529437669/
- Imagine5: How to care about the climate and thrive: Advice from an eco psychologist – https://imagine5.com/interview/how-to-care-about-the-climate-and-thriveadvice-from-an-eco-psychologist/?srsltid=AfmBOoreD2-yoNmltKP1N0oSRJ9tfb2_yvTactS1SvKJ0Y9jtaURXdrn
- New York Times: Climate change enters the therapy room – https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/06/health/climate-anxiety-therapy.html
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