**THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY SUBSCRIBED. PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE HERE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF A FUTURE COURSE.**

New language is being invented to describe the unprecedented psychological landscape of our times: eco-anxiety, climate grief, solastalgia*. These are terms used by climate psychologists to describe the emotional impacts of climate change which are finally starting to be recognised in Europe, the USA and other wealthy economies, yet are still seldom discussed.

The most recent International Panel on Climate Change report clearly stated that just 11 years remain for governments and industry to act to prevent runaway climate change – but rather than witnessing rapid and radical change, the social norm seems to be one of business as usual. Perfectly sane responses to this situation such as outrage, terror, grief and despair are often left unspoken and this can lead to hopelessness and helplessness. Some people are able to respond by engaging in activism, only to find themselves burnt out by the attendant emotions and sense of urgency.

In times of loss, we need to grieve. Loss of ecosystems, species extinctions, current and future extremes of human suffering, eco-genocides and uncertainty about the future are the most existential of all losses. In order to witness them while continuing to contribute to a culture of regeneration, new social norms are needed.

The Good Grief Network has developed a 10-step programme for psycho-social resilience in these chaotic times, with the aim of collectively processing participants’ climate-change related grief and anxiety while building community connections. We will form a closed group to explore the ten steps in a supportive group facilitated by eco-psychologist and educator, Jane Glenzinska. We will meet for 10 consecutive weeks on Monday evenings from 7 – 9pm at ONCA Barge, Brighton Marina. There will be a maximum of 12 people in the group. ‘Good grievers’ need to be open to honest conversation, have a deep respect for all life on earth and a willingness to tend to our own and each other’s strong emotions.

The programme runs weekly from Monday 13 January to Monday 16 March.

For more information on the Good Grief Network see https://www.goodgriefgroup.org/about/

“Grief is necessary to the vitality of the soul. Contrary to our fears, grief is suffused with life-force” – Francis Weller

*term coined by Glenn Albrecht

Testimonials

“I heartily recommend this course to anyone who wants to get to grips with the state of the world. The group ground rules and Jane’s skilful and gentle facilitation helped create a safe and nurturing space for open-hearted and mutually supportive exploration of the big issues – which for me previously felt too overwhelming and terrifying to properly look at. Through the relationships developed and the sharing of resources, I now feel plugged into local and global networks of inspiration, encouragement and empowerment. It’s been life changing.” – RIVER

“I think for most of us it was the opportunity to “offload” once a week about how we feel and to strengthen each other through our life’s journeys which gave the group its value – It is hard to put it in words but it kind of restored my faith in humanity and in my ability to be part of a community and that is really wonderful.” – OSHIK

“The space Jane held has been so important for me in understanding my feelings towards the climate crisis we are facing. I’ve learnt that feeling anxious and upset about this doesn’t have to be a negative thing, that addressing these emotions can help me move forward and channel my emotions into positive actions in my day to day life.” – HATTIE

“The 10 week course was a powerful and deep journey of enquiry. The way the group was invited to think about and to feel into something that can feel so big and overwhelming somehow managed to contain it for me in a way that feels ongoing beyond the end of our sessions together. I think the magical chemistry of a much needed and broadly well thought through course, the presence, heart and knowledge of our mighty facilitator Jane, and the wonderful souls who made up the journey created a magical place of some healing and a level of coming to terms with things, that was exactly what I was looking for.” – SARAH

“I did this course in early summer. Don’t ask me what happened but it was transformative. So lovingly held by Jane it became a safe space to share our fears, our anxieties and allowed a genuine connection among the group which still – months later – is alive and feels so supportive in my day to day. This work is grounding, important and so much needed. Thank you Jane!”- IRENE

About the facilitator

Jane Glenzinska is an ecopsychologist and environmental educator and group facilitator. She holds a post-graduate diploma in Counselling Psychology and a Masters degree in Human Ecology. She has developed and delivered holistic and experiential Ecopsychology courses for the Centre for Human Ecology and the Centre for Ecotherapy. She has trained with Joanna Macy in the Work that Reconnects, Rosemary Randall in Carbon Conversations, and has studied Non-Violent Communication and collective grieving practices.

Ten Steps Towards Personal Resilience and Empowerment in a Chaotic Climate