Episode 137 The Professional Counselors' Role With Climate Change & The Importance Of Ecowellness: Interview with Lauren Hawkins

<p>How does climate change impact our mental health? As a counselor, what role do you play in addressing eco-wellness issues with your clients in session?&nbsp;</p><p><strong>MEET Lauren Hawkins</strong></p><p>Lauren Hawkins is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Texas and Colorado. She works primarily with individuals who have experienced trauma and the LGBTQ+ community. Lauren received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Kentucky, and her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Cincinnati. In 2022, Lauren published a manuscript in the Journal of Counselor Leadership and Advocacy titled “Climate Change and mental health: the counseling professional’s Role.” This article provides an overview of the impacts of climate change on mental health and proposes the argument that professional counselors should be on the frontlines of climate advocacy and leadership. Lauren presented on this topic at the 2023 NBCC Bridging the Gap Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia. She's also spoken on other podcasts about eco-wellness, climate justice, and social justice, and why this is a necessary part of holistic wellness for counselors to pay attention to.&nbsp;</p><p>Find out more at <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/2326716X.2022.2041505%20Psychology" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">JCLA</a> and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lauren-hawkins-flower-mound-tx/1016387" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Psychology Today</a><strong> </strong>and connect with Lauren on, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-hawkins-ma-lpc-ncc-68137719a/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><strong>IN THIS PODCAST:</strong></p><ul><li>What is eco-wellness? 4:42</li><li>Where to find resources on climate change&nbsp; 11:47</li><li>How to begin addressing clients with eco-anxiety&nbsp; 13:20</li><li>How to bring nature into therapy 17:50</li></ul><br/><h2>What Is Eco-Wellness?</h2><ul><li>What is eco-anxiety and ho