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...................................................................... Master of Science in Applied Ecopsychology Akamai University Updated: 28 February 2011 Oh,
what a catastrophe, what a maiming of love when it was made personal,
merely personal feeling. This is what is the matter with us: we are
bleeding at the roots because we are cut off from the earth and sun and
stars. Love has become a grinning mockery because, poor blossom, we
plucked it from its stem on the Tree of Life and expected it to keep on
blooming in our civilized vase on the table.
D. H. Lawrence A true to life 'Pandora-Na'vi' relationship-strengthening process; it helps our well-being improve through sensory contact with nature's restorative balance and beauty. Michael J. Cohen Applied Ecopsychology reverses our disconnectedness by utilizing proven medical procedures. For example, good medical thinking and research have created surgical techniques that reattach an amputated arm back to the body. If reconnected properly, the arm will, in time, function normally. Part of this art is the surgical technology our clear thinking has devised to bring the arm back in proper contact with the body. The remainder of the procedure is trusting that once this reconnection is made, nature itself has the wisdom to heal the rupture and rejoin the arm and body as one integrated organism. We don't know how to do that healing, however nature does it continuously via its natural attraction ecological processes at sub-atomic and global levels, for that is its way. Good medical thinking respects that nature has this extraordinary regenerative power. It taps into it. It surgically provides the proper environment and time for nature to heal, as only nature can. Applied Ecopsychology activities do the same thing with respect to our extremely nature-separated psyche and thinking process and the disorders they create. The field of Applied Ecopsychology researches and initiates practical self-guiding methods and materials. These tools enable the prospective applied ecopsychologist to learn, use, and teach the nature-reconnecting process in the personal, professional and educational environments. This degree program offers vital information, expertise and support through mentorship, distance learning courses, interactive workshops, academic readings, Internet presentations, and independent study and projects. Discover how our excessive separation from nature stresses our sentient inner nature and causes our most challenging problems. Learn to reverse this destructive process. Master thoughtful nature reconnecting activities that dissolve stress by satisfying our deepest natural loves, wants and spirit. This course teaches hands-on education, counseling and mental health skills that interlace our thoughts and feelings with the "higher power" wisdom of nature's creation process. Its unique natural attraction methods and materials let nature nurture self-esteem, friendships and responsibility. Applied Ecopsychology increases wellness and creativity and helps us build rewarding, sustainable relationships. Learn and teach this process to increase personal, social and environmental well-being. Michael J. Cohen, Ph.D. Program Director Applied Ecopsychology Program Audience Applied Ecopsychology participants have successfully applied nature-connected education and healing to a wide array of career fields, entrepreneurial and professional activities. While not an exhaustive list of fields from which our program has prepared successful practitioners, the following will provide a perspective for the interested applicant for application of the program. o Self-help, stress management,
personal growth, motivational neuro-linguistic programming, creative
writing, home schooling, hypnotherapy, aromatherapy, Reiki. energy
medicine, and art therapy. o Life coaching, personal coaching, success coaching, and relationship coaching, leadership skills, consulting, memory training, nutrition. men's and women's issues, and action assertiveness o Teaching, mentoring and facilitating disorder and prevention remedies: eating, sleep, anxiety, post traumatic stress (PTSD), attention deficit, addiction, dependency, burnout, autism, self-confidence, mid-life crisis, and self-worth dysfunctions. o Counseling: pastoral, therapy, recovery, family, marriage and spiritual counseling, massage therapy and biofeedback. o Shamanism, spirituality retreat centers, self-esteem, Yoga, civil rights, therapist, retreat center training. o Course instruction, workshop presentations, social work, conservation strategies, outdoor leadership, sociology, environmental education, and mental health. o Meditation, complementary and alternative medicine, naturopathic medicine, parenting, relaxation, and intimacy. o Founding or directing stress and healing programs, or creative writing courses for training or degree programs. o Increasing training, administration, personal and professional benefits. improved conferences, progressive human services, independent contracting, child care, addressing global warming, retreats. MS Degree Incorporates Cooperative Learning Community Process As described on our Community Process Page, Project NatureConnect students earn their Applied Ecopsychology degrees by participating in online cooperative learning relationships that are rooted in the self-correcting ways that nature works. Their success is equivalent to, and automatically fulfills, all the course and degree requirements for the MS Degree at Akamai University or for PNC Certification Level 2. This includes
Entry Requirements As prerequisites for acceptance to the Master's degree, applicants should have completed the equivalent of a recognized baccalaureate degree in an appropriate field of study and have several years of meaningful career experience. Applicants are expected to be proficient in collegiate English language skills. Second language English applicants should submit records of TOEFL examination with scores of 550 minimum or its equivalence. All applicants are expected to have access to a computer, email and the Internet, and verify access to academic library resources for the full extent of your program. Degree Requirements Participants in the Master of Science program in Applied Ecopsychology complete a minimum of 40 credits above the baccalaureate degree or its equivalence, including a thesis and summary reviews or their equivalence. The coursework requirements include the core elements of the academic major, a major concentration within the major field and research preparation coursework or its equivalence. Participants also complete a comprehensive examination at the conclusion of their academic coursework, and if they chose the final thesis option, prepare a formal thesis proposal, complete the thesis project, and prepare the manuscript for physical and oral review by the faculty committee. Completed courses, exams and papers, along with their grades, are conveyed to Akamai University by an official transcript that is approved by the Project NatureConnect IGE/Akamai Cooperative Learning Community Program Director, Michael J. Cohen, Ph.D. or his designated assignee. Credit Requirements Core Elements of Academic Major (Required: 19 credits minimum) Major Concentration (Required: 9 credits minimum) Comprehensive Examination (Required: 2 credits via 2 exams) Completion Options: Options 1)Thesis Equivalence Courses, Exams and Projects (11 credits) or 2)Thesis For the Thesis : Thesis/Project Research Preparation (Required: 3 credits minimum) Thesis/Project Proposal (Required: 2 credits) Thesis/Project (Required: 4 credits) Thesis/Project Oral Review (Required: 2 credits) Core Elements of the Academic Major Participants complete core elements of the academic major comprised of 18 credits of mandated studies, as outlined below: Required: Each of the following modules for a total of 19 credits (Organic Psychology Track) NOTE: you may also view 2012 MS program for additional information. All MS program information (not Ph.D.) and course descriptions below are correct and applicable for 2011 and later. (PhD material, far below, includes update links) Strongly Suggested: The courses, listed in the yellow box, below, are best integrated and make most sense by viewing them in the sequence and prerequisite structure that students are required to take them in. Presentation in this sequence, with links to additional information is most effective and highly recommended. SELECT HERE
Completion Options: To view in program sequence, SELECT HERE 1. EXPERIENTIAL: Approved Thesis-Equivalence Courses, Exams and Projects (11 credits) using the same process as described for producing challenge exams for the 700 courses. See http://www.ecopsych.com/eco700.html or 2) Thesis (11 credits) a. Thesis: Research Preparation Master's students must pursue studies providing advanced research knowledge necessary for success in their final projects (thesis). At least three semester credits of research preparation coursework is required and this might focus upon quantitative and qualitative methods or participatory action research techniques including subject selection, research design, and statistical analysis, as appropriate to each student's proposed project. Through this requirement, students learn to effectively define applied problems or theoretical issues and articulate the rationale for the study. They should learn to present an effective scholarly review of the academic literature and implement quantitative, qualitative or participatory action methods for evaluating academic issues. Required for students completing 2) Thesis (not required for students completing the Thesis-Equivalence Courses, Exams and Projects): Minimum of three credits selected from among the following: o ECO 541 Participatory Action Research in Applied Ecopsychology (3 credits) OR o Another research preparation course module, as determined in communication with the student's primary faculty advisor (Committee Chair) Required: EXM 880: Comprehensive Examination (Required: 2 credits) Once students have completed the coursework elements of their degree, they will be asked to schedule the Comprehensive Examination. The primary mentor and a faculty member representing the secondary academic area conduct both the written and oral components of the examination. The written portion is open book style with selected essay questions requiring creative responses that reach for the higher levels of cognition. Your answers are expected to draw from both the primary and secondary competencies of your program with proper referencing of the scholarly literature. The oral component of the examination is normally completed by telephone conference and is intended to allow detailed investigation of your written responses. Required: RES 885: Thesis Proposal (Required: 2 credits) You are expected to prepare a formal proposal related to your concept for research under the direction of your primary faculty advisor and according to University expectations. At a minimum, your research proposal should clarify the thesis statement and methodology (including the data gathering instruments and data analysis techniques) and provide an effective overview of the scholarly literature that sets the foundation for the thesis. Your research proposal should also include a brief manuscript outline that demonstrates how you will present in written form the various elements of the research project. Required: RES 890: Thesis Project (Required: 4 credits) Following approval of your thesis proposal, you will begin your research project. Your thesis may take the form of a traditional research project or it may be a major scholarly project of the type appropriate to the discipline. Whichever approach to the thesis is chosen, the resulting project must demonstrate mastery of a body of knowledge in the major field of study, be your original work and represent a meaningful contribution to the betterment of the human condition or an improvement to the professional field. Your thesis research may be conducted via quantitative, qualitative, or participatory action research. The body of your thesis manuscript, structured according to a set of approved manuscript guidelines, should exceed 75 double spaced, typewritten pages. If your thesis takes the form of a scholarly project, it must follow the guidelines provided by the University for such projects. Required: EXM 895: Oral Review of Thesis (Required: 2 credits) Once you have prepared the thesis manuscript, you will be asked to schedule the formal review process. Your primary faculty advisor and a faculty member representing the secondary academic area will conduct both the formal physical review of the thesis manuscript and the oral review of thesis. The physical review of the thesis manuscript usually takes the review committee four to six weeks. Each reviewer will prepare questions and commentary relative to your underlying review of the literature, the thesis methodology, the mechanics of your project, and your presentation of the findings, conclusions and recommendations. The Oral Review of Thesis is conducted under the direction of your primary faculty advisor with the assistance of one qualified member of the faculty. The examination is carried out by telephone conference call and is designed to allow detailed investigation of your thesis. The faculty reviewers explore with you issues related to your thesis including methodology, review of literature and interpretation of the findings. One outcome of the thesis review process is a set of final expectations directing you through the remaining tasks for completing the thesis manuscript. Once your final manuscript is approved, you will submit the formal document to an approved bindery and later ship the bound thesis to the University for permanent archival storage. The Thesis Committee Formation of Thesis Committee Master's students have a Thesis Committee of two qualified graduate faculty appointed to oversee and govern the student's program structure, progress of studies, comprehensive examinations and thesis project Responsibilities of Thesis Committee The responsibilities of the Thesis Committee, under the leadership of the Committee Chair, are as follows: o Directing the preparation and approval of the student's plan for study, clarifying the timeline for study and the assignment of faculty to provide instruction and to assist with the functions of the Thesis Committee. o Providing direction regarding the student's foundational studies, core studies, specialization, and research preparation coursework. o Providing leadership by integrating appropriate research preparation coursework or assignments within the plan for study, distributing the coursework to appropriate faculty for instruction and advisement. o Providing leadership for the written and oral components of the student's comprehensive final examination, in unity with the other Committee members o Providing oversight, direction, and mentorship during the conduct of the student's research project and manuscript preparation, in unity with the other Committee members o Providing leadership for the physical and oral reviews of the research manuscript, in unity with the other Committee members. o Assist the student in making formal changes in the plan study and timeline for completion, by written addendum, as needed to assure effective progress throughout the program of study. o Providing final approval for the student's Thesis and overall degree program and cooperate fully in building the appropriate archival records for the University of record. Master's Committee Appointment Schedule o The Committee Chair is appointed immediately following the Master's student's registration and continues in charge of the student's program until final completion is recorded at the school of record. While the secondary and tertiary members of the Thesis Committee are identified and confirmed at the onset of the program, and listed in the plan of study, they become active later, just prior to the activities for which they are asked to participate. o In lieu of the Thesis Committee Chair being appointed at the onset of the program, when appropriate, a primary faculty advisor will be appointed, in lieu of the Thesis Committee Chair, to guide the development of the Master's student's plan for study. Under this situation, the Chair will be appointed later, one month prior to the commencing of the written component of the Master's student's Final Comprehensive Examination and shall continue with governance of the student's program until final completion is recorded at the school of record. o The Secondary Committee Member becomes active one month prior to the commencing of the written component of the Master's student's Final Comprehensive Examination and continues with the student's program until final completion is recorded at the school of record. Building the Student's Plan for Study Immediately following registration, Master's students begin work with their assigned Committee Chair in structuring their formal plan for study. The process determines and formalizes the elements of the student's Master's program and the timeline for completion. The plan for study includes the following essential elements: o The designation of the degree major for the Study Plan o The identification of the school contacts and contact information for the schools participating in the delivery of the Master's program. o Identification of the required array of coursework for each element of the program. o Identification of the secondary and tertiary members of the Thesis Committee. o Appointment and notification of the course module instructors o Acceptance of transfer courses for the student's program. o The timeline for completion of the degree program. These activities require active participation in program planning by the student and may take considerable time to complete the dialogue and exchange of information. Students are strongly advised to discuss in detail the elements in the plan for study including the coursework, the examinations, and elements of research including the manuscript guidelines. Once all of the decisions have been made concerning the plan for study, the student and Committee Chair sign the formal document. Copies of the document are sent to the University headquarters for entry to the permanent student record. The plan for study is then distributed to the participating schools and becomes the document that determines effective progress toward the degree. When the expectations laid out in the plan for study have been successfully accomplished, the student is recommended for the degree by the Committee Chair. Students are alerted that the University can make no commitment to inclusion of course modules and assignment of instructors to a student program until after the plan for study has been fully processed and approved. Program Faculty: Michael J. Cohen, Ph.D., Program Director. Theresa Sweeney, Ph.D. Marie McLean, Ph.D. Sarah Edwards Ph.D. Revalyn Sach Ph.D. Course Descriptions o ECO 500: Organic Psychology of Global Citizenship (Required: 2 credit) This entrance level, online, sensory-ecology course in practical, nature-connected education, counseling and healing enables you, backyard or backcountry, to master and teach the established therapeutic science of Applied Ecopsychology. Increase personal, social and environmental well-being by enabling individual to create beneficial moments that let Earth teach. This restorative thinking skill helps their 53 natural senses reasonably embrace their nurturing origins in the balanced, self-correcting and renewing ways of natural systems within and around us. Visit http://www.ecopsych.com/coursespsu.html for details. (Instructor: Dr. Michael J. Cohen) o ECO 501: Educating and Counseling with Nature I: Student Teaching and Research (Required: 3 credits) Learn to promote social and environmental responsibility by adapting unique nature-reconnecting methods and materials for your personal or professional use. Tangible sensory reconnections with nature through 27 activities and 53 natural senses satisfy deep natural wants: when unsatisfied, these wants disrupt global balance, and inner peace by fueling runaway disorders. (Instructor: Dr. Michael Cohen) o ECO 502A: Educating and Counseling with Nature II: Student Teaching and Research (Required: 5 credits) Discover how our society's prejudice against nature, in and around us, stresses us and reduces person, social and environmental well-being. Learn to reverse this destructive process. Master thoughtful nature reconnecting activities that help us renew our deepest natural loves, wants and spirit. This course teaches hands-on education, counseling and mental health skills that feelingly tap the grace of nature's self-correcting balance and beauty. Its nature-centered email and telephone correspondence nurture warm interpersonal relationships, wellness and responsibility. (Instructor: Dr. Michael Cohen) o ECO 502B: Educating and Counseling with Nature II: Student Teaching and Research (Required: 4 credits) quired: 2 credits -includes the Bachelor's level Comprehensive Exam, 1 credit.) Discover how our separation from nature stresses our sentient inner nature and creates our many problems. Learn to reverse this destructive process. Master thoughtful nature reconnecting activities that dissolve stress by satisfying our deepest natural loves, wants and spirit. This course teaches hands-on education, counseling and mental health skills that feelingly tap the wisdom of nature's creation process. Its email and telephone correspondence let nature nurture warm interpersonal relationships, wellness and responsibility. (Instructor: Dr. Michael Cohen) o ECO 508: Natural Attractions, Intelligence and Sanity (Required: 1 credit) Discover how to prevent contemporary society's nature-separated thinking from deteriorating personal growth and responsible relationships. Encounter and consider how to meet the challenges of the socializing process of Industrial Society that reduces our sensitivity and sensibility by excessively separating us from the self-correcting grace, balance and renewing powers of nature in and around us. Increase your marketability, effectiveness and global citizenship by educating and counseling with a readily accessible natural systems thinking process. (Instructor: Dr. Michael Cohen) Plus minimum three of the four courses 752, 753, 791, 792, below or equivalent electives. o ECO 752: Advanced Field Studies in Applied Ecopsychology (3 credits) This course explores present or past field studies that make, or would have made, the way nature works become an ally to increase well-being if organic psychology had been included as part of them. The application of Ecopsychology, as practiced in the discipline of "natural attraction ecology" and organic psychology, helps humanity address the crises that result from our estrangement from nature as nature's flow manifests itself as our our living planet, Earth.Our nature-disconnected cultural environment envelopes us from birth. This socializes and molds us into being good citizens of our excessively indoor and unbalanced way of life in Industrial Society.We are seldom educated to think and act as contributing citizens of global life community, of its plant, animal and mineral kingdoms and their self-organized ways to support the flow of nature's non-polluting perfection, in and around us. Rather, we learn to conquer or exploit nature's flow, often for profit. This produces our most challenging problems, for nature is the essence that nurtures and restores life in purity, balance and well-being. As part of nature, we are born with nature's renewing abilities. However, our thinking learns to bury them out of our sight and consciousness. The purpose of this course is to explore field studies from our past and present life experiences and training and identify how the application of organic psychology and natural attraction ecology may release and strengthen nature's self-correcting powers in us so that they can help us address the heart of our troubles. In this way, students demonstrate that they have mastered, designed or implemented nature-connection techniques that will help us reverse many personal, social and environmental problems. Students prepare an academic paper or project report as a minimum written assessment in this course. o ECO 753: Case Studies in Education and Counseling with Nature (3 credits) This course explores present or past case studies, which make, or would have made, the way nature works become an ally to increase well-being if organic psychology had been included as part of them. The application of Ecopsychology, as practiced in the discipline of natural attraction ecology and organic psychology, helps humanity address the crises that result from our estrangement from nature as nature's flow manifests itself as our our living planet, Earth. Students prepare an academic paper or project report as a minimum written assessment in this course. o ECO 791: Special Projects in Applied Ecopsychology (3 credits) This course explores present or past special projects that make, or would have made, the way nature works become an ally to increase well-being if organic psychology had been included as part of them. The application of Ecopsychology, as practiced in the discipline of natural attraction ecology and organic psychology, helps humanity address the crises that result from our estrangement from nature as nature's flow manifests itself as our our living planet, Earth. Students prepare an academic paper or project report as a minimum written assessment in this course. o ECO 792: Advanced Readings in Applied Ecopsychology (3 credits) This course explores books, journal articles, and other learning materials that make, or would have made, the way nature works become an ally to increase well-being if organic psychology had been included as part of them. The application of ecopsychology, as practiced in the discipline of natural attraction ecology and organic psychology, helps humanity address the crises that result from our estrangement from nature as nature's flow manifests itself as our our living planet, Earth. Students prepare an academic paper or project report as a minimum written assessment in this course. ELECTIVES with approval of the staff: ECO 541 Participatory Action Research in Applied Ecopsychology (3 credits) Students will investigate the available literature on participatory research techniques. This may include readings in the literature pertaining to implementing system-transforming innovations (Bushe and Shani), participatory action research in the workplace (Whyte), reflection in action (Schon), reframing organizational culture (Frost, et. al.) and self-reliant initiative (Fals-Borda), as well as other qualitative and action science methodologies. Students will identify an appropriate mini-study, apply techniques from their readings, complete the study and prepare a technical paper of at least ten double-spaced typewritten pages referencing the literature and describing the value of participatory research techniques to the field of Applied Ecopsychology. o ECO 509: Global History of the Senses (3 credits) our 53 natural senses individually, in this course students gain additional insights into the natural origins, existence and cultural applications of each of the natural senses. Students establish and identify a class of up to four students with whom they work online and/or onsite. Students keep a reflective journal of their experiences or a database of their online activity postings. They commit to doing nature-guided, independent study of at least two senses per week in order to finish the class within a six month time frame. At the completion of the course, students will prepare a scholarly summary paper (at least 15 typewritten pages) reflecting their_experiences and what they gained by exploring the senses individually. o ECO 503: Exploratory Readings in Applied Ecopsychology (3 credits) While they are teaching and researching sensory ecology, students will seek, read and critique methods and materials from their own library research. Students carefully explore the literature and prepare an annotated bibliography. As the principal course assignment, participants will prepare a scholarly paper of at least 15 typewritten double-spaced pages discussing problems and solutions to important issues and practice of Applied Ecopsychology/. o ECO 504: Researching Sensory Knowing and Culture (3 credits) Students will investigate a library of recent references related to their particular career field or interests that reflect upon the issues relevant to sensory ecology. Students will read and discuss the literature with Dr.Cohen and other professionals. Students will gather a bibliography of literature in their professional field or interest that supports work in Integrated Ecology and prepare an annotated bibliography. Students will prepare a reflective paper of at least 15 typewritten double-spaced pages discussing how the literature has informed their understanding of the opportunities for integration of Applied Ecopsychology concepts within their career field. o ECO 522: Public Relations and Marketing (3 credits) Students survey the field of Public Relations and Marketing to determine the most significant means to promote, implement and produce support for their involvement in the natural systems thinking process. They identify what that makes each technique and strategy worthwhile, select those that make the most sense to them, defend them, and apply them in areas that add to the field of nature connected psychology and their personal interests. The student writes a three page progress report that documents their work and learning in this area and that would assist others who read it. PREREQUISITES Students must complete ECO 501 or its equivalent. o ECO 530: SPECIAL Exploring Art Attraction Expression (3 credits) Reconnecting With Nature through Art. Like Nature, art can reveal subconscious thoughts and wisdom, bringing them to light for personal growth and healing. Through a series of fun, creative activities, discover how making art can strengthen your ability to let the Earth teach. Learn ways that the therapeutic powers of art and nature-connecting can be combined to enhance the benefits of both. No previous formal experience of art making is required. Pre-req: ECO 501 o ECO 751: Field Studies in Educating and Counseling with Nature (Required: 2 credits) Students experience in theory and practice how Western Civilization separates the "human" from the "natural" and destructively estranges us from nature's integrity, love, and spirit, in and around us. _Students master, design and implement public education techniques that help reverse this dilemma and catalyze responsible relationships for "reconnecting with nature in people and places." o ECO 752: Advanced Field Studies in Applied Ecopsychology (3 credits) Students experience in advanced theory and practice how Western Civilization separates the "human" from the "natural" and estranges us from nature's integrity, love, and spirit, in and around us. Students master, design and implement conscientious techniques which reverse this dilemma and catalyze responsible relationships for "reconnecting with nature in people and places" through negotiating a field experience placement within their career field which supports a practical observation of Integrated Ecology. This field experience will represent a minimum of 90 hours in one or more monitored placements. In them, students apply the syllabus of ECO 501 and ECO 602 as a perceptual filter, maintain a weekly log reflecting upon their experiences and prepare a scholarly paper (at least 15 typewritten double-spaced pages) discussing how the field placement experience has built their understanding of overcoming barriers to successful integration of Integrated Ecology concepts within their career field. [Prerequisite: ECO 601: Educating and Counseling with Nature I]. . o ECO 753: Case Studies in Education and Counseling with Nature (3 credits) Students experience in theory and practice how Western Civilization separates the "human" from the "natural" and estranges us from nature's integrity, love, and spirit, in and around us. Students complete field research and prepare case studies describing and validating the growth and development of at least eight individuals who are using nature-reconnecting techniques and prepare a scholarly paper (at least 15 double-spaced typewritten pages) discussing all aspects of the research project and the findings. o ECO 791: Special Projects in Applied Ecopsychology (3 credits) Validation of participation in public education, social networking and cooperative community. This course provides credit for demonstrating the student has met the requirements of the cooperative self-organization, growth and economics of the Project NatureConnect Institute of Global Education program at the Akamai Applied Ecopsychology Institute. These requirements are described in the Student Webstring Cooperative Contract and are part of the ECO 751 course. The course includes taking a certificate or degree level comprehensive exam and submitting a short petition that documents the student's fulfillment of the requirements of academic program challenge exams and Student Cooperative Contract o ECO 792: Advanced Readings in Applied Ecopsychology (3 credits) This course explores books, journal articles, and other learning materials that make, or would have made, the way nature works become an ally to increase well-being if organic psychology had been included as part of them. The application of ecopsychology, as practiced in the discipline of natural attraction ecology and organic psychology, helps humanity address the crises that result from our estrangement from nature as nature's flow manifests itself as our our living planet, Earth. Students prepare an academic paper or project report as a minimum written assessment in this course. o ECO 800bb: Principles of Organic Psychology: Educating, Counseling and Healing With Nature (1-3 credits) This free course evaluates empirical methods and materials for holistic Educating Counseling and Healing With Nature (ECHN), a sensory, applied science for increasing human and environmental well-being. To complete this course you 1) select and copy 125 key ECHN statements from assigned ECHN topics that are located on the Internet and 2) create a unique, personalized "true-false" test that includes how you value your selected organic psychology statements personally and professionally. The Doctoral Program Courses (2009) The procedures for the PhD program are similar to those of the MS program, except the work in the courses is accomplished on a post MS, doctoral level of study and maturity. This is indicated by the doctoral courses having 600 series course numbers instead of 500, as above, for the MS Doctoral Coursework: NAE Ph.D. Training Courses: Organic Psychology Track NOTE: Go to 2011 Update of these courses and credit assignments http://projectnatureconnect.org/phd NOT YET UPDATED ECO 600 Psychological Elements of Global Citizenship WLI 2 credits, (Start ECO 622) ECO 622 Public Relations and Marketing 3 credits, (Social Networking and Public Education + Eco 751) ECO 608 Natural Attractions, Intelligences and Sanity EW (included as part of Eco 792) ECO 601 Student teaching Educating/Counseling with Nature RWN, 4 credits (Prerequsite ECO 500. This course includes co-facilitating an ECO 501 course online, Eco 611) ECO 602 Student teaching Educating/Counseling with Nature parts I and II WMWE 5 credits. (Prereq ECO 501 This course includes co-facilitating an ECO 502 course online Eco 612). ECO 791 (Eco 608 + Eco 800) Special Projects in Applied Ecopsychology: EW + ECHN, 3 credits ECO 611 student teaching ECO 501 (Eco 601) ECO 612 student teaching ECO 502 (Eco 602) plus three of the four courses ECO 752, 753, 791 (required), 792, listed above ECO 800 Certification and Comprehensive Examination, 2 credits Core courses are accredited as part of Portland State University Extended Studies and may be used for CEU or Professional Training credits or clock hours. To explore the course learning process at IGE and the Akamai Institute for Applied Ecopsychology visit communityprocess.html TESTIMONIALS Below, are some examples and results of the Natural Attraction Ecology as it embraces people, places and things. Each testimonial is an experience, a fact and a cause for hope. Each makes a sensible contribution to NAE. To our loss, we are conditioned to follow leaders who are usually the most benighted and desensitized in NAE. Simply look at the deteriorating state of the world and its people that our leadership funds and guides us to create. NAE is important because it empowers us to create moments that let earth teach. It enables us to teach this skill to others, too. It helps us grow, think and feel like nature's purity and balanced perfection works. The quotes that are included, below, are from the field study journals of participants in Project NatureConnect's online NAE courses and degree programs. These are sponsored in part by Akamai University's Institute of Applied Ecopsychology, Portland State University Extended Education courses, and the Institute of Global Education. The quotes come from students who are learning how to apply and teach the alternative integral ecology of educating, counseling and healing with nature. "The
investment my degree(s) is definitely an enormous benefit not only in
the incalculable personal knowledge and growth it provided but
professionally as well. Now that I have an active psychotherapy
practice it has become an enormous professional advantage. 1 – I am much better equipped to help my clients by using NSTP principles and the primary underpinning for my work. 2 – I am more confident and assured as a therapist so I enjoy my work now immensely. I always look forward to seeing my clients. Clearly these first two are directly related. 3. – The world is infinitely more receptive to me as a PhD psychologist. Even though I am not a “licensed” psychologist, and never claim to be, just the word and the three little letters open doors and provide credibility that my ability alone can never attain. This is perhaps not at is should be per se, but it is certainly a marvelous asset." - S.G.E. ^^^ "In choosing to develop and refine our natural senses (beyond the standard five that are taught in most Western schools), my study group members and I have steadily reported an increase in our mental, physical and professional well-being. One participant, moved into a new house during the course and wrote about starting to build a relationship with the new area based on our work: 'I
walked the four corners of the yard. I appreciated every
step. I thanked the earth, thanked the rocks, thanked the trees,
thanked the plants, thanked the rock walls. I just felt so
grateful. This yard will be my home and the home of my spirit and
mothering for the foreseeable future. What wealth, what
gifts. A piece of ground to stand upon, gentle, love...
Home. This is what the earth gives me every day.
Home. Thank you.' " ^^^ "I
think I never fully knew what was missing in my life, I never fully
realized the void until I was introduced and given a new screen of
consciousness. A new screen that is placed there by nature, through
nature, and with nature. All of a sudden one is conscious of the void
and conscious that before a deep understanding of one’s connection with
nature is expressed, life seems a lot more duller and unfulfilled. For
me it was like I new that I wanted to get from point A (my lack of
presence, fulfillment, and completeness) to point B (a state of peace,
joy, love, and total presence with the eternal now). Reading books,
having conversations, journaling, watching specific movies all inspired
me but nothing gave me a specific avenue, a gateway to link these two
points until my moments with nature in this course. It was as if a link
that was severed is being repaired and that link was my lifeline to
myself and a more holistic understanding of the world around me. Like a
spider web that was torn and is being put back together link by link,
slowly awakening me to parts of myself I never fully tapped." ^^^ "After 45 minutes, it was time to stop doing this connection activity in this natural area. Reluctantly, I said my good-byes to Great Mother and my new family. I departed exhilarated. Sliding into my car's front seat, I was happier than I'd been in weeks. My stress had lessened. My sense of heaviness was significantly lighter. What had caused this improvement? Have others felt this sense of connection to Mother Earth as a living being? By interacting with redwoods, had I experienced something verifiably stress-relieving? Had spending time ambling through a forest-style park listening to the sounds of a gurgling brook truly improved my sense of well being? Can others (or are others already) reducing stress, sadness, and grief via communing with nature? This final paper asserts that Earth--Gaia--lives. It also presents verifiable support to my claim that my sense of well being was improved through my commune with nature, in general, and Gaia, in particular." ^^^ "I have been transformed through my contact with nature. Through deliberate sensory restoring activities I have relearned what I knew as a child: Nature is the ultimate guide and teacher. By opening my senses to the wonders of the natural world, nature is now showing me the way to greater physical and mental wellness. It is time to let nature teach us how to restore the balance of a world so drastically out of balance." ^^^ "I apologize for taking so much time to respond to your final paper. While I have a lot of excuses, I have just been distracted by all the other stuff in my life. It was exciting to hear of your article being picked up by the magazine. It would also be wonderful to get access to the ESL curriculum. Based on the experiences you have shared with the group over the past year and the quotes you provided in your paper it is obvious that it works and has helped these kids to be more in touch. Reading what you have learned and your experiences was like reliving our year together. It is obvious that you have put into practice what you have learned and are making a difference in the lives of many. Thank you for sharing and for helping me see more clearly our connection to each other, to nature and to all life." ^^^ "The Natural Systems Thinking Process is a practical tool that anyone can be taught for the purpose of re-uniting with nature, thereby helping to minimize environmental destruction and bringing further awareness and peace to those who engage in the NST process. 'Process' is an apt description! Throughout the training, the activities lead each person on their own journey through the landscape of perception, clearing away false notions of nature and our relationship with nature created by a dis-connected society. Giving the web-of-life name 'webstrings' to the infinite interconnectedness of the universe makes these experiences and entities more concrete, giving value and validity the nature of existence itself. Often times, our society negates or devalues the existence of webstrings. This course brings them to light and gives them a rightful recognition. Being in nature and doing these activities continues to feed my soul." Read Additional Student Reports Explore your attractive self. Benefit from your natural attractions, strengthen your personal and professional well-being and save time and money. 1. Read some of the student reports, above, and discover if you find them attractive. If so: 2. Do this fun and easy natural attraction activity. If it makes sense and is attractive to you, you are eligible to take our Organic Psychology Track for a degree or certification in the organic application of ecopsychology. This track saves you the costs and time of 16 credits of graduate work, or two years of undergraduate work. 3. Call or email nature@interisland.net for an application 360-378-6313. We accept USA invitations from you to call you. SUGGESTION:
Save time and be complete. Call us. Tell us about yourself and what you
are looking for or seek to accomplish. We will help you find the
quickest and
least expensive means to achieve your goals. 360-378-6313 Act
now. Master
Organic Psychology by doing it. http://www.ecopsych.comAchieve a Degree or Certificate to strengthen your professional interests, or your hobbies or pastimes, by connecting them with nature. Implement your strongest hopes as you increase personal and global well being. Topics, subjects or leisure pursuits can include those listed below or other areas of interest: |
... |
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"Scientific
research is based on the idea that everything that takes place is
determined by laws of nature, and therefore this holds for the action
of people." "Truth
is what stands the
test of experience." - Albert Einstein ....................................... |
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INSTITUTE OF GLOBAL EDUCATION Special NGO consultant United Nations Economic and Social Council
PROJECT NATURECONNECT
SUBSIDIZED CONTINUING EDUCATION, COUNSELING AND HEALING WITH NATURE Project NatureConnect offers accredited CEU Courses, Certification, Grants and Degree Programs online to sustain the well-being of person, planet and spirit. Prior training and life experience is incorporated into all programs.
Successful completion of a CEU course makes you automatically eligible for the Project NatureConnect program.
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ORGANIC APPLIED ECOPSYCHOLOGY IN ACTION
The Natural Systems Thinking Process
Dr. Michael J. Cohen, Director
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All programs start with the Orientation Course contained in the book
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