Ecotherapy Cosmology: Deep Connection and Seasonal Attunement

​Ecotherapy sets itself apart from psychodynamic approaches in several significant ways. One of the primary distinctions is its focus on the expansive perspective of what it means to be human--Homo sapiens—over time and space. The cosmology of Ecotherapy is rooted in concepts of deep time, deep connection, deep ecology, and a profound trust in the intelligence inherent in nature, the world, and the universe. While such a perspective might initially seem distant from the immediate needs of a client facing personal trauma, it is crucial to remember and ground ourselves in those layers of being that remain untouched by wounds.
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Embracing Ecotherapy as a cosmology involves attuning to and actively participating in meaningful and sacred seasonal events. At this point in the cycle of the year, we encounter the Autumn Equinox—a celestial event that significantly influences both our biology and psychology.

The Autumn Equinox: Gateway to Transformation

​The word "Equinox" translates to "equal night," describing the period when the sun appears to rise and set in nearly the same place for several consecutive days. This phenomenon occurs because the Earth's orbit and axial tilt position the sun directly above the equator, creating an equal division between the planet's light and dark halves. Notably, equinoxes are not unique to Earth; every planet in our solar system experiences them (as noted by National Geographic). After September 21st, nights become longer than days until the arrival of the Spring Equinox.

The Equinox marks a transition toward winter, increased darkness, and greater opportunities for rest, retreat, reflection, and regeneration. For many, this moment passes unnoticed amidst artificial lighting, indoor lifestyles, and a relentless pace that prioritizes productivity. Its significance has faded for much of modern society, and sometimes, discussions around these themes are met with skepticism. Nevertheless, these topics remain central in ecotherapy sessions, where inquiries about seasonal cycles, cosmological events, intuition, and clients' spiritual or religious orientations are not impositions but invitations to deeper reflection.
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When given space in ecotherapy to consider their evolutionary and long-term human selves, clients often notice internal and external changes. They become aware of shifting urges, impulses, behaviors, and perceptions throughout the year—an acknowledgment frequently neglected or dismissed by mainstream society.

​Bio-Mantic Cosmology and Ancestral Practices

​Beyond recognizing important seasonal events, a Bio-Mantic cosmology in Ecotherapy incorporates transformative elements that have been part of healing traditions throughout human history. This framework may include ritual, circadian and circannual practices, deep nature attunement, prayer, sound, movement, shapeshifting, soul work, eco-somatics, and ceremony. The term "Bio-mantic" translates to "life-magic," (Azra Bertrand) referring to the inherent magic of our biology’s interdependence with Earth and the expanse of deep time. This is not about ideology; it is about biology. For example, simply increasing sunlight exposure can have profound transformative effects on our physiological and spiritual systems.
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Our ancestors, regardless of origin, honored and synchronized their lives with nature’s cycles and transitions. They understood that our biology operates on circadian and circannual rhythms, and that aligning with these organic cycles brings harmony to cellular and hormonal processes while awakening our energetic and bio-magical fields. By consciously attuning to the natural flow of intelligence and creation, we do more than regulate—we regenerate.

Autumn trails with clients

Sculpture building

​Embracing the Paradigm Shift

From the standpoint of conventional, evidence-based therapy, such ideas may be dismissed as "Woo." In a society dominated by mechanistic and reductionist thinking, integrating poetry or prayer into practice can feel challenging. Yet, the healing professions are experiencing a paradigm shift, inviting exploration of broader perspectives. Psychological and even somatic therapies have their roots in the bio-medical model—a framework that often overlooks soul work and mythological thinking, even though these traditions long predate modern psychotherapy. These ancient perspectives are now re-emerging. It is anticipated that in the coming years, what is now considered "Woo" will be recognized as true. There is no need to wait for this acceptance to begin integrating these elements now.

​Seasonal Descent: Lessons from Autumn

​During autumn, plants draw their vitality from fruit back into their roots. Our biological processes mirror this descent. Fall is a season for acknowledging our year’s harvest and deepening into lower energy centers and gentler rhythms. For therapists and change-makers, this is an opportune time to expand practice from a purely scientific theory toward a more holistic, Bio-mantic (Life-Magic) Ecotherapy cosmology.
Considerations for practice include:

• How do you currently incorporate ancient transformation practices into client work?
• Which of these elements can you begin integrating this fall?
• What hesitations or concerns might arise when introducing prayer, sunlight, lunar cycles, animals, or ceremony into therapy?

​Practical Suggestions for Expanding Practice

• Start sessions this season with a moment of gratitude or prayer.
• Encourage clients to notice synchronies—meaningful coincidences—in their lives.
• Take slow, mindful walks with clients, intentionally observing signs of autumn and the cycles of life and death.
• When facing challenges, guide yourself or clients to connect with deeper, root energy centers, and respond from this wiser place rather than the intellect.
• Reflect personally and with clients on how equinoxes and solstices serve as portals for change and growth. Identify specific ways these circannual events are experienced in the body, mood, behavior, and intentions.
• Collaborate with clients (or assign as homework) to create an outdoor altar or sculpture dedicated to autumn, change, and resilience within transformation.
• Engage in a Nature Divination walk. Pose an open-ended question and invite the Earth to offer guidance, observing responses in your environment as meaningful. This practice enhances observation, intuition, and connection to energetic forces.
• September 21st and 22nd are marked by a rare cosmic alignment—a partial solar eclipse coinciding with the Equinox. Spend time outdoors during these days, focusing on bodily and life alignments. Contemplate what is out of alignment and what is ready to shift, both externally and internally.

Embracing Change in Therapeutic Practice

​Engaging in these practices may feel unconventional in the context of traditional therapy training. It requires dialogue, collaboration, and courage to implement approaches that fall outside established norms. However, recognizing that change is the only constant allows for greater acceptance and grace in navigating the discomforts associated with conscious, beneficial transformation.

Autumn Blessings,
​Kimberly