Kerryn Coombs-Valeontis
About
Kerryn is an Ecotherapist and Eco-art therapist who works with Nature as a co-therapist. Working deeply and intentionally, Kerryn blends the emerging areas of Eco-art therapy and eco-poetry therapy. She loves the joy, surprise and adventure that Nature brings. Her approach to Ecotherapy stimulates the eco-imagination and sense of eco-self, which organically activates a sense of care for nature and self in her participants. Kerryn is particularly interested in working in the area of eco-anxiety,... Kerryn is an Ecotherapist and Eco-art therapist who works with Nature as a co-therapist. Working deeply and intentionally, Kerryn blends the emerging areas of Eco-art therapy and eco-poetry therapy. She loves the joy, surprise and adventure that Nature brings. Her approach to Ecotherapy stimulates the eco-imagination and sense of eco-self, which organically activates a sense of care for nature and self in her participants. Kerryn is particularly interested in working in the area of eco-anxiety, which is currently emerging rapidly with high levels of worry about climate change and is impacting mental health significantly. Kerryn says: “Ecotherapy creates a therapeutic space with and in nature, that promotes and encourages wellbeing and flourishing. Nature/ plant life cycles and ecosystems coincide and interweave with human life cycles. The split between humans and nature begins to heal. We are nature. Indigenous cultures have never forgotten”. Growing up in Aotearoa/NZ, Kerryn started her career as a high school teacher. With a passion for environmental education, she completed post-graduate studies with a Masters in Social Ecology. Kerryn has worked in mental health for over five years and community-based programs for dementia, aged care, mental health, and young people at risk. Kerryn has taught in adult education for over 15 years, including the Diploma of Youth Work, Case Work Community Services and the Bachelor of Human Services. She is currently a sessional lecturer and content developer for the Bachelor/Masters of Health and Wellbeing at the Buddhist Nan Tien Institute in Wollongong. She also served on the management committee of Cultivate (NSW Horticultural Therapy Society. Kerryn is the co-author of “Nature Heals: An Introduction to Nature-Based Therapies in Australia and Aotearoa/NZ” which was published in 2019 and a collection of poetry (in parentheses). Kerryn is the founder and facilitator of Eartheart Ecotherapy online study. Being in Nature is a wonderful way to encourage mindfulness and Kerryn’s participants report feelings of belonging and a sense of place, peace and wellbeing. Read more
Languages
English
Therapies
Education and Training
- 2013 – Diploma of Transpersonal Art Therapy – Phoenix Institute of Australia
- 2002 – Master of Applies Science (Social Ecology) – University of Western Sydney
- 1993 – Bachelor of Education – Avondale College
Working hours (GMT+10:00) Sydney
Kerryn’s studio location
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Reviews
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Services
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Individual session
Discovery call session
A discovery call will provide an opportunity to ask questions and gain an understanding about... A discovery call will provide an opportunity to ask questions and gain an understanding about your current challenges, goals and pain points. This is a key opportunity for us to start building a relationship and understand how I may be able to assist you. You can also learn more about my expertise and knowledge, the success I have had in helping others with similar issues, and consider whether my offerings will be able to meet your needs. Ultimately, a discovery call helps to determine if there is a good fit and we can decide if we would like to take the next steps together. Read more
Online15 minFREE
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Program
Climbing through a hole in the sky - Online eco-poetry for eco-anxiety solastalgia and eco-greif/rage
To open and celebrate World Poetry Month 2023 ( August 1 6 - 8 pm ) this is Poetry therapy... To open and celebrate World Poetry Month 2023 ( August 1 6 - 8 pm ) this is Poetry therapy that takes your Eco-anxiety grief rage and sadness seriously In the last few years, climate change events have impacted us all, or someone we know. The Australian Psychological Association says that Climate Change is the biggest threat to health, in the 21st century. It’s the number one anxiety, reported in young people. A poet I know, says everyone he knows is punchdrunk on the madness of our times. (Tom Hirons) The poets, are often there first. Freud found this to the be the case. Ecoanxiety is an emerging anxiety – this is new territory. When we are in uncharted places, we need maps. Poems can be read as maps, to the emotional terrain of the heart. Map-poems can save your life – the life of the spirit and soul, in such times Together we will explore some poems that address various aspects of Climate Anxiety and will be guided in writing some responses in prose and /or poetry and other creative ways of locating our own unique voice. This will be held in a safe space online, which can be a place where insight and deep emotion can be touched, expressed, and witnessed. As poet Joy Harjo who we will explore, says, ...until I stagger to the earth with grief, i will locate the point of dawning." We will also inquire into how poetry therapy works, a little each week. And don't worry if you did not enjoy poetry at school. Times have changed, this is poetry to save your life. If you have any questions please book a discovery call with Kerryn. Read more
Online2 hr35 AUD
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Individual session
Ecotherapy Group Sessions (minimum of 10 people)
Become more conscious of the healing that nature offers and join Kerryn for group Ecotherapy... Become more conscious of the healing that nature offers and join Kerryn for group Ecotherapy in and with nature. You will connect to your eco-self, remembering that we are nature and allowing nature to speak its wisdom to us. An ecotherapist is an emerging form of healer, skilled in the facilitation and application of ecopsychology with a focus on bringing nature back to people through nature-based immersions and experiences, interventions and invitations. If you have ever known the power of nature to soothe your nerves, balance your perspective in challenging times, or simply feel renewed by a walk in a rainforest or by the ocean - then you know ecotherapy! While the healing offered by nature is not new, it is being harnessed in new ways and settings which Kerryn would love to share with you. Kerryn can tailor these sessions to meet your groups needs. These sessions can be held in the Sydney area, Central Coast, Blue Mountains and Wollongong and Sunshine Coast regions. Additional charges may apply to cover travel costs. Read more
In person2 hr300 AUD
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