Education, Meaningful Engagement and Community
Cultivate the connection and depth online we’d ideally be sharing in- person around a fire.
Gather together to engage our heads and hearts around various subjects of ecopsychology.
Develop connections and learn from others in the ecopsychology community.
Learn more about subjects like climate psychology, ecotherapy, leadership, psychological and spiritual biomimicry, etc.
Discuss how we can personally and professionally apply ecopsychological wisdom to transform our inner lives and outer world
My experiences sitting around a fire – whether a wood stove in the winter or bonfire in the fall – often invite me into a more conscious, connected and considerate place. I am more in touch with myself and others, better able to listen, contemplate and share. We hope to do the same with our Fireside Chats and hope you’ll join as we warm our bodies, minds, hearts and spirits.
Our world desperately needs healing and healthy solutions, resilience and regeneration. It also needs more community and connectedness. Ecopsychology can offer all of this. Fireside Chats is a program where we invite people to come together to engage around various subjects of ecopsychology. It’s a chance to learn, listen and share. Subjects will change, and can include ecotherapy, climate psychology, spiritual and psychological biomimicry, amongst many others. The series will be hosted by Dennis, but will invite guest teachers to lead us as well. Though the structure can change, most programs will include some type of presentation along with discussion and reflection. A core focus will be how we can apply apply ecopsychology in cultivate inner and outer transformation.
Fires invite us to gather around and gather close. Bringing people together and providing warmth is part of the catalyst it provides for so many wonderful conversations and reflections. It can nudge us to slow down, becoming more connected and contemplative. Fire is symbolic of transformation, and the experience of being near a fire has often been the context for very poignant and transformative experiences.
In addition to stimulating and informative conversations, we also seek to recreate the meaningful connections that happen around the fire. These Fireside Chats are structured to promote education, meaningful engagement and community. You can expect shorter talks on some areas of ecopsychology, small group conversations, larger discussion, Q& A, and opportunities for sharing.
A monthly, online program offered to the Ecopsychology Initiative community
Upcoming Fireside Chat
“Green Mental Health” on Tuesday, Jan. 31st, at 8:00pm ET
Educational. Engaging. Empowering.
About The Instructor:
Dennis Kiley is the founder of the EcoPsychology Initiative (EPI), where he teaches, consults, and offers trainings. This work is informed by his background as a psychotherapist, mindfulness teacher, outdoor educator, consultant and group facilitator. He finds inspiration from nature to educate and empower thriving for people and the planet. Dennis lives on the coast of Maine with his family, surrounded by the mountains, woods and waters of Acadia National Park. Dennis is one of the founders and ongoing executive committee board member of A Climate To Thrive, an organization committed to making all of Mount Desert Island energy independent by 2030.
“I highly recommend the work of Dennis Kiley and EcoPsychology Initiative! I took a training recently on climate stress and eco-grief, and it was exceptional.” -Pegi Eyers
“Dennis, thanks for an informative, inspiring class. Your facilitation style creates a warm, supportive platform for authentic sharing. Your gifts are honored and appreciated.” -Patty Gomez-Gillard
Fireside Chats FAQs
1. What is “Fireside Chats”?
Fireside Chats is an online, 90 minute program Ecopsychology Initiative is offering to our community. It is a time to connect around some core topic of ecopsychology. This will be a chance for deeper learning and engagement around the many diverse applications and principles of ecopsychology, both individually and communally.
2. What’s the structure and format?
Each Fireside Chat will have a pre-determined subject. For approximately the first 20-30 minutes, Dennis or a guest teacher will offer some type of talk.
These “presentations” are designed to be engaging, educational and empowering. Afterward, there will be time for further conversation with each other and Dennis/co-host. Depending on the size of the group, this may include small groups. This open time is an opportunity for participants to ask questions, and share experiences or ideas.
2. Who is this ideal for?
This program is ideal for two primary groups of people.
1) Those who are interested in ecopsychology and its many practical applications will really enjoy this. Our Fireside Chats dive into how ecopsychology can be both a lens for understanding and map for action on both individual and collective levels. Whether you’re interested in healing and resilience or growth and regeneration, our programming can speak to you.
2) Those who are interested in fostering greater connection and community will enjoy our format. We prioritize shared learning as well as heartfelt, meaningful and in-depth relating with each other.
3. Is there a cost?
To help offset costs and make this program financially sustainable, we ask for a suggested contribution of $11.
Fireside Chats are an offering to our community, fulfilling our desire to share the timeless breadth and depth of ecopsychology while also fostering meaningful connections around this emergent field.
We work on the honor system; we know finances are tight for many and happily encourage free registration for these individuals; however, if you’re able please consider donating some amount to support your participation and those with more limited financial resources at this time.
4. What topics will you cover?
The subject matter and curriculum will continually change. We aim to cover a diverse spectrum of topics, including core EPI content as well as the expertise within our community. We also welcome you to share your requests for particular subject areas you’re interested in, as we are continually seeking to meet your interests and desires.
5. What are the dates/times?
We will try to mix up the times to accommodate people in our global community who are in different time zones.
6. Are Recordings Available?
Yes. Everyone who registers will receive a recording of the program as well accompanying resources, slides and presentation materials.