After centuries, even millennia of distancing ourselves from nature, modern society now yearns for re-connection with the animals, lands, and waters with whom we share the planet. The Kerulos Center's Biophilium is an initiative dedicated to this reunion and renewal of human spirit, health, and community.
The Biophilium Experience
The Biophilium is both a place of sanctuary and a state of mind. It is inspired by ecologist E.O. Wilson's concept of biophilia, humanity's affinity and care for nature, and the new field of ecopsychology that recognizes the powerful influence of the environment on human psychological wellbeing. This conceptual arch frames our nature-based education and therapeutic programs that teach self-directed practices for psychological wellbeing.
In addition to seminars and workshops,The Biophilium program offers restorative nature-based therapies that focus on all relationships, including those with the natural world of plants and animals. We offer individual and group retreats, educational workshops, and seminars.
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Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn. |
| -- John Muir |
The Biophilium is psychoeducational and experiential, integrating preventive and restorative strategies to address trauma and chronic stress, including burnout, compassion fatigue, and other stress-related symptoms.
Our ecotherapeutic approach draws from three core themes: Silence and Solitude, Friendship and Community, and Listening and Reflection. The curriculum includes self-care skills training such as mindfulness, visualization, meditation, yoga, appropriate self-talk, and group debriefing. Our programs and courses serve people who are, or have been engaged in professions characterized by trauma and chronic secondary stress.
Faculty member Jeff Borchers, MS, PhD, LPC is the principle provider for The Biophilium. Jeff is a licensed professional counselor with extensive training and experience in group facilitation, coaching, and psychotherapy. Additional contributions will come from Kerulos faculty members with expertise in mind-body skills, group transformation, and ecosystem ecology.
Contact The Kerulos Center for more information about The Biophilium.
Sources
[1] Wilson, E,O. (1984) Biophilia. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
[2] Borchers, J. G., and Bradshaw, G. A. (2008). How green is my valley—and mind. Ecotherapy and the greening of psychology. Counseling Today, December, pp. 38-41.
[3] Wicks, R. J. (2005). Overcoming secondary stress in medical and nursing practice: A guide to professional resilience and personal well-being. New York: Oxford University Press.
photo credits
"Hummingbird" courtesy David Lavigne. "Crab Apple" courtesy of Jeff Borchers.
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"Science in service to animals"
