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Submission information
Submission Number: 33
Submission ID: 779
Submission UUID: e40e20ce-94dc-4016-9a6b-059ccea2bca5
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Thu, 04/10/2025 - 10:55
Completed: Thu, 04/10/2025 - 11:28
Changed: Sun, 08/03/2025 - 13:21
Remote IP address: 196.254.105.49
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
| Title | Dr. |
|---|---|
| Lastname | Van wyk |
| Firstname | Carel |
| vanwykcj@ufs.ac.za | |
| Mobile | 0845594119 |
| Institution | University of the free state |
| Biosketch | Dr Carel van Wyk is a social work educator and registered professional (SACSSP, HPCSA) with a PhD in Social Work and an Honours in Psychology. His experience includes twelve years at a Child Guidance Clinic, specialising in therapeutic services for children. Since 2006, he has lectured at the University of the Free State, teaching various social work courses and supervising postgraduate research. As Programme Director for the Department of Social Work, his scholarly activities include conference presentations, publications, and senior editor for The Qualitative Report. His research interests encompass exploring phenomena from a classical Jungian perspective and applying descriptive phenomenology. |
| Is there a Second Presenter? | No |
| Title of Presentatation | A Jungian Exploration of the Ecological Self and Ecotherapy |
| Theme Selection | THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises |
| Subtheme ONE Selection | SUB 1.3 How social workers support resilience, adaptation, and recovery in affected communities. |
| Select your Presentation Type | Oral Presentation |
| Abstract | My paper explores Jungian thought and ecotherapy within the context of green social work and climate resilience. The paper theorises that the Jungian concept of the ecological self, which describes a deep interconnectedness between the individual psyche and the natural world, provides a very important theoretical foundation for green social work practices. Ecotherapy is presented as a practical approach to support this ecological self and support a sense of oneness with life (the Unus Mundus principle), potentially shifting individuals from ego-centric suffering towards identification with a larger, more meaningful reality. The exploration investigates the significance of relationships with natural elements, such as animals, plants, stone, and water, highlighting Jung's personal connection with stone as a grounding aspect of the self. The paper also examines the phenomenon of synchronicity, often observed in nature, as moments that reveal the interconnectedness of all things within a unified reality, a concept Jung termed the Unus Mundus. These experiences of synchronicity can offer profound insights into the holistic nature of existence. Furthermore, the paper stresses Jung's early recognition of the harmful psychological consequences of humanity's detachment from the natural world, reasoning that this dissociation underlies the current ecological and social crises. By developing a deeper connection with the ecological self through ecotherapeutic practices informed by Jungian principles, the paper suggests a pathway towards enhanced well-being, resilience, and a more responsible relationship with the environment. Rust, M. 2020. Towards an Ecopsychotherapy. London: Confer Books. Kindle Edition. |
| Title | |
| Firstname | |
| Lastname | |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | |
| Status | Pending Review |
| Title | Mr |
| Firstname | Jean-Paul |
| Lastname | Pophaim |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Empirical Research |
| Status | Accepted |