Call for papers, special issue of Voices

Please submit papers for a special issue of Voices: The Art and Science of Psychotherapy. This is for the spring 2013 issue, which will be "Ecotherapy: Psychotherapy and the Natural World."

The earth does not belong to us, we belong to the earth. Chief Seattle

Both meanings of belonging—1) possessiveness or 2) intimate relationship—are central in the practice of psychotherapy. Did we belong to our families of origin? Do we still? Do we belong to our spouses? Our friends? To what tribes do we belong? And how have these relationships shaped or mis-shaped us? Are we owned? Do we own? Or are we intimately connected?

The earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth. Chief Seattle

The source of all mothers is the earth. If our relationships with our mothers are templates for our subsequent relationships, then what influence, gauge, or pattern is offered us in our relationship to earth. How does that template inspire connections with brothers and sisters, spouses and children? Does the way in which we care for our mother, the earth, impact our daily lives as therapists?

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. Chief Seattle

How are we, then, with ourselves? Accepting? At peace? Nurturing? Or are we defenseless, aggressive, or rejecting of ourselves? And how do we encourage our clients to be with themselves? How does our relationship with the natural world relate to our sense of health and well-being?

There is no quiet place in white man's cities. No place to hear the unfurling of leaves in the spring, or the rustle of insects' wings. Chief Seattle

How can we encourage exploration of the quiet place within us or within our clients, in this time of continual noise? What aspects of the natural world have helped in the healing work that we do?

In the spring issue of Voices, we hope these questions inspire articles concerning psychotherapy and the natural world. Direct inquiries and submissions to editors Penelope Norton and Kristin Staroba.

Deadline for submission: Jan. 15, 2013

Note: There are many versions of the words of Chief Seattle, Chief of the Suquamish and the Duwamish. The above quotes are from Brother Eagle, Sister Sky with paintings by Susan Jeffers. New York, Dial Books, 1991.

Penelope L. Norton, PhD
Clinical and Child Psychology
Co-editor, Voices
555 W. Granada Blvd., Suite E-3
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
Telephone: (386) 676-5420