From the perspective of a psychotherapist deeply affected by the climate crisis, this chapter questions why patients rarely directly verbalise concerns about climate change in sessions. Drawing on Henry Rey's concept of dying inner objects that people wait for help to repair, and on the work of Sally Weintrobe and George Marshall, the chapter suggests that, despite overt climate silence, a process of mourning damaged inner objects can facilitate facing the greatest threat to humanity we have known.
Climate Silence in the Consulting Room: Waiting for Help to Come
2024
From the perspective of a psychotherapist deeply affected by the climate crisis, this chapter questions why patients rarely directly verbalise concerns about climate change in sessions. Drawing on Henry Rey's concept of dying inner objects that people wait for help to repair, and on the work of Sally Weintrobe and George Marshall, the chapter suggests that, despite overt climate silence, a process of mourning damaged inner objects can facilitate facing the greatest threat to humanity we have known.
Related resources
Therapeutic perspectives Reading List
The sources on this list relate to therapeutic perspectives. They are not freely accessible online - most require a library subscription, institutional access, or purchase.
Denial & avoidance Reading List
The sources on this list relate to denial & avoidance. They are not freely accessible online - most require a library subscription, institutional access, or purchase.
Climate and ecological emotions Reading List
The sources on this list relate to climate and ecological emotions. They are not freely accessible online - most require a library subscription, institutional access, or purchase.
Explore more resources
Browse the full Research and Resources library, more articles, papers, podcasts, and reading lists.
Browse the library
Join the community
CPA is built collaboratively, by members for members. If this work resonates, come and join us.
Find out about membership
