Climate Cafes

I will be offering online (via Zoom), monthly climate cafes for anyone interested in spending some time sharing their thoughts and emotions about the climate crisis. Importantly, this is NOT a form of therapy, and does not count as therapy or counselling. Rather, these are supportive groups where people can feel comfortable talking about their feelings without judgment, and to gain some social connection with others around an issue that affects us all.

I also offer climate cafe facilitation trainings if you are interested in learning how to host your own climate cafes.

These are best if done in small groups of 4-6 people. If you are interested in a training, please contact me at info@thomascounselling.com

Currently there is no fee charged for this training.

New York Times Article on Climate Cafes

Just out is an article by The New York Times on climate cafes as a way to approach being with climate distress. A great read!

Here's the article link if you can access it: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/20/climate/climate-change-anxiety-fear.html?unlocked_article_code=1.eE0.IWZu.wwQ4MfK2zWJp&smid=url-share

What is a climate cafe?

Thoughts and Feelings

We have our own thoughts and feelings about climate change that can, at times, feel distressing, worrying or overwhelming. It can also be challenging to find space to talk about them that is nonjudgmental and compassionate. This is a space for your thoughts and feelings to be expressed.

No fixing or solutions

Although very important, these events are NOT about action, or plans, or activism. While you might find inspiration or motivation for action as a result of attending, this space is for sharing, feeling and witnessing your own thoughts and feelings and those of others.

Connection, and not therapy

Therapy can be helpful for supporting you, and these events, while supportive, are not the same as therapy. Climate-aware therapy is available as a separate offering, or by accessing other climate-aware therapists found on the CPA directory. As such, you cannot claim these events on insurance as a therapy or counselling expense.

Mindful Spaces

These events are intended to provide a space that is aware of and respectful towards our differences, whatever they may be, The intention is that these events will be brave and safe spaces for everyone who attends.

Details

If you are interested in attending, please register by emailing me at: info@thomascounselling.com

No fee required at this time. I will send out a Zoom invitation a day or two in advance of the online cafe. Please also check out my main page for workshops or other related offerings.

Maximum participants will be limited to 12 people.

DATES and TIMES

Starting Tuesday, January 30th, 2024 at 7 pm ONLINE and every last Tuesday of the month. If you are interested in attending, please email me at info@thomascounselling.com to register.

Resources on Climate Anxiety and emotions

I'll be adding to these resources regularly, so please check back for updates!

Links:

Climate Psychology Alliance North America: https://www.climatepsychology.us/get-started-with-cpana

Mental Health and Climate Change Alliance: https://mhcca.ca/

Books:

Davenport, Leslie. (2017). Emotional resiliency in the era of climate change: A clinician’s guide. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Buhner, Stephen Harrod. (2022). Earth grief: The journey into and through ecological loss. Raven Press.

Klein Salamon, M. and Gage, M. (2020). Facing the climate emergency: How to transform yourself with climate truth. New Society Publishers.

Wray, B. (2022). Generation dread: Finding purpose in an age of climate crisis. Vintage Canada.

Macy, J. (2014). Coming back to life: The updated guide to the work that reconnects. New Society Publishers.

Macy, J. and Johnstone, C. (2022). Active hope: How to face the mess we’re in with unexpected resilience and creative power. New World Library.

Jaquette Ray, S. (2020). A field guide to climate anxiety: How to keep your cool on a warming planet. University of California Press.

Kennedy-Woodard, M. and Kennedy-Williams, P. (2022). Turn the tide on climate anxiety: Sustainable action for your mental health and the plant. (Jessica Kingsley Publishers).

Grose, A. (2020). A guide to eco-anxiety: How to protect the planet and your mental health. Watkins Publishing.

Kelsey, E. (2020). Hope matters: Why changing the way we think is critical to solving the environmental crisis. Greystone Books.

Turner, C. (2022). How to be a climate optimist: Blueprints for a better world. Random House Canada.

Johnson, A. E. and Wilkinson, K. K. (2021) (Eds). All we can save: Truth, courage and solutions for the climate crisis. One World.