Humanistic Psychology Lecture Series

William James College is excited about this lecture series that focuses on the current role of Humanistic Psychology in the context of the continually changing dynamics within the field of psychology and mental health practice. While evidence based treatments and behavioral protocols have come to prominence in recent years, humanistic psychology remains at the core of the human transaction and process that is psychotherapy. This lecture series aims to bring esteemed colleagues from around the country whose primary focus is on the humanistic perspective in psychotherapy to help articulate why this perspective remains so vital and necessary in contemporary clinical practice.

Addressing the Challenges of Climate Change:

The Contributions and Perspectives of Humanistic Psychology

Wednesday, January 20, 2016 from 7:00- 8:30 pm

at William James College, Newton

The impact of climate change on our planet is introducing instabilities that are unknown to the human species. There is a dawning realization of the potential of climate change to alter our lives as we know it and at the same time an impulse to look away. This lecture will offer a humanistic perspective on the psychological attitudes and issues that make it such a difficult subject to fully grasp and process. Humanistic psychology strives to provide solace in times of tremendous difficulty and through this lens we will focus on the hope and possibilities in this transitional moment.

Learning objectives:

• Discuss the psychological issues that underlie the struggle to confront climate change

• Describe what humanistic psychology offers in terms of creating a bigger context of understanding the psychological issues related to dealing with climate change.

• Examine what can help turn this crises into a transitional moment to help facilitate and create a more sustainable relationship with our environment.

• Explore the humanistic and ecopsychology literature and research has to offer in creating an understanding of the psychological issues related to climate change.

• Discuss the human psychological impact of climate change and the types of psychological crises that will arise as issues for therapists.

HP02| 1.5 CE Credits | $30

No CE Credits | FREE | Pre-Registration REQUIRED

Robert Childs, PsyD, teaches courses in the Clinical Psychology program, specializing in the areas of Humanistic and Existential Psychology, Spirituality and Jungian Psychology, as well as Clinical Supervision. Dr. Childs has extensive Humanistic training, starting with his training in Phenomenology and Buddhism and including years of training in Existential Psychotherapy, as well as in Jungian Psychology. Having worked out in private practice in the greater Boston area for many years, his clinical specialties include the Psychology of Adoption, working with artists in various mediums on creativity and the psychological process, as well as working with the Psychology of Twinship. While not practicing psychology Dr Childs has dedicated himself to educating the public about the necessity of confronting climate change.