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Integrating eco-therapy into coaching psychology: A dual case study of grounding, meaning-making, and emergent agency.

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Title: Integrating eco-therapy into coaching psychology: A dual case study of grounding, meaning-making, and emergent agency.
Authors: Canessa-Pollard, Valentina (AUTHOR)
Source: International Coaching Psychology Review. Spring2026, Vol. 21 Issue 1, p55-69. 15p.
Subjects: Coaching psychology, Environmental psychology, Autonomy (Philosophy), Emotion regulation, Psychological distress, Narration, Climate change
Abstract: Introduction: Climate change is increasingly recognised not only as an environmental crisis but also as a source of psychological distress. Eco-therapy and coaching psychology offer promising, complementary approaches – but little research has explored their integration. This dual-case study examines the impact of eco-therapy-informed coaching on individuals experiencing climate-related emotional distress. Methods: Two participants each engaged in a single coaching session – one outdoors and one online – designed to address eco-emotional challenges. Both sessions incorporated nature-based and somatic practices, followed by a semi-structured interview. Results: Reflexive thematic analysis identified four key themes: (1) from disconnection to grounded presence, including embodied reconnection and emotional regulation; (2) meaning-making and personal agency through metaphor and imagery; (3) integration beyond the session, as participants adapted eco-therapeutic practices into daily life; and (4) constraints and complexities, including the need for emotional containment and psychologically safe engagement with climate-related emotions. Discussion: The sessions facilitated shifts from emotional overwhelm to grounded clarity, helping participants reconnect with their bodies, reflect on their values, and develop sustainable practices. Nature-based metaphors and embodied experiences served as powerful tools for insight and agency, though emotional intensity and the scale of climate distress remained key challenges. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the integration of eco-therapy and coaching psychology. While limited by a small, self-selecting sample, the findings suggest potential for wider application and highlight the need for trauma-informed practice and further research across diverse populations and contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of International Coaching Psychology Review is the property of British Psychological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
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  Data: Integrating eco-therapy into coaching psychology: A dual case study of grounding, meaning-making, and emergent agency.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Canessa-Pollard%2C+Valentina%22">Canessa-Pollard, Valentina</searchLink> (AUTHOR)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22International+Coaching+Psychology+Review%22">International Coaching Psychology Review</searchLink>. Spring2026, Vol. 21 Issue 1, p55-69. 15p.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Coaching+psychology%22">Coaching psychology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Environmental+psychology%22">Environmental psychology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Autonomy+%28Philosophy%29%22">Autonomy (Philosophy)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Emotion+regulation%22">Emotion regulation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Psychological+distress%22">Psychological distress</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Narration%22">Narration</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Climate+change%22">Climate change</searchLink>
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  Data: Introduction: Climate change is increasingly recognised not only as an environmental crisis but also as a source of psychological distress. Eco-therapy and coaching psychology offer promising, complementary approaches – but little research has explored their integration. This dual-case study examines the impact of eco-therapy-informed coaching on individuals experiencing climate-related emotional distress. Methods: Two participants each engaged in a single coaching session – one outdoors and one online – designed to address eco-emotional challenges. Both sessions incorporated nature-based and somatic practices, followed by a semi-structured interview. Results: Reflexive thematic analysis identified four key themes: (1) from disconnection to grounded presence, including embodied reconnection and emotional regulation; (2) meaning-making and personal agency through metaphor and imagery; (3) integration beyond the session, as participants adapted eco-therapeutic practices into daily life; and (4) constraints and complexities, including the need for emotional containment and psychologically safe engagement with climate-related emotions. Discussion: The sessions facilitated shifts from emotional overwhelm to grounded clarity, helping participants reconnect with their bodies, reflect on their values, and develop sustainable practices. Nature-based metaphors and embodied experiences served as powerful tools for insight and agency, though emotional intensity and the scale of climate distress remained key challenges. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the integration of eco-therapy and coaching psychology. While limited by a small, self-selecting sample, the findings suggest potential for wider application and highlight the need for trauma-informed practice and further research across diverse populations and contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of International Coaching Psychology Review is the property of British Psychological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.53841/bpsicpr.2026.21.1.55
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        Text: English
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              Text: Spring2026
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