The Natural Self: Applied Ecopsychology at Natural Academy

Over the past 17 years, we at Natural Academy have been developing and deepening the clinical, educational, and experiential foundations of Applied Ecopsychology, shaping evidence-based models of practice that are both effective and accessible. Rooted in the emerging sciences, in ecological connections and psychological awareness, our work responds to the urgent call to reclaim a relational, whole and embodied way of being — one that reconnects us with the truth of our Natural Self.

Our three core models — NatureWell, Natural Self Eco-Therapy (NSET), and Deeper Nature — form a progressive pathway of personal healing, ecological belonging, and depth integration. Each of these offers a distinct but interwoven approach to addressing psychological distress, trauma, and disconnection through reciprocal relationship with the living world. Our Deeper nature model then takes us into the terriorties of evlolutionary pscyhology and the eco depths of the trans personal.

At the heart of our approach is the understanding that we are nature — not metaphorically, but literally and ontologically. When we remember and return to this truth, we begin to heal from the profound fragmentation that results from personal, ancestral, and cultural wounds. These disconnections give rise to what we call the Self A-Part — a version of the self shaped in response to trauma, marked by survival adaptations, performance-based identity, materialistic addictions and separation from deeper belonging.

Our ecopsychological models guide a movement from the Self A-Part back toward the Natural Self — the whole, interconnected self that knows its place within the wider field of life. This is not just individual therapy, but a reweaving of the psyche with the wider ecosystem. We see this as the Great Work of our time: the recovery of essence, health, and wholeness through reconnection with nature, community, and the true ground of being.

Our work is grounded in a trauma-informed, integrative framework that combines depth psychology, ecosystemic thinking, somatic awareness, and nature-based therapeutic practice. We offer clinical training, public programmes, research pathways, and community services that embody this integrated ecopsychological approach.

If you're interested in learning more, exploring training pathways, or connecting with this work, we warmly invite you to get in touch. and come along to this talk with Michéal and Rhonda the co founders of Natural Academy.