Meet Steve
PhD in Ecopsychology & Environmental Education
I address Nature-Defecit Disorder​:
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The idea that human beings, especially children, are spending less time outdoors, and the belief that this change results in a wide range of mental health and behavioral problems.
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By working on the interface between science and art using technology that people are familiar with. Combined with direct nature experience, my programs inspire learning and cultivate connection.
The programs increase Ecological Literacy:
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The ability to understand the natural systems that make life on earth possible. To be ecoliterate means understanding the principles of organization of ecological communities and using those principles for creating regenerative human communities.
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And foster an Ecological Identity:
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Ecological identity describes human identity as being interconnected and interdependent with nature and all life-forms. This paradigm is in stark contrast with the dominant Western paradigm of identity that still essentially sees human beings as separate from Earth and exploiting Earth’s resources.
I build an experiential relationship to nature and foster attitude and positive environmental behaviour change through a Cognitive-Affective-Behavioral (CAB) methodology grounded in Ecopsychology.
I combine outdoor experiential education with these programs:
Programs
Photoelicitation
Audioelicitation & Soundscape Ecology
Terrestrial & Underwater Photoelicitation
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“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
~Albert Einstein
Photoelicitation is an educational technique that involves participants using mobile phone cameras to capture their experiences in nature and subsequent interviews and group work with the photographs taken.
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The programs are designed to focus on increasing ecologic literacy through a cognitive lens (finding, photographing and identifying various species) and an emotional lens through artistic expression and a sense of connection to the ecosystem and the subjects.
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Audioelicitation & Soundscape Ecology
“The earth has music for those who listen.”
~ William Shakespeare
Audioelicitation is an experiential nature connection process that involves exploring ecosystems through the auditory lens. We use Zoom HN1 recording micophones combined with high quality headphones to help participants listen more deeply. The process of augmenting ones hearing heightens the nature connection experience and they can hear with 'new' more sensitive ears.
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Multiple studies have shown that people who listen to natural sounds have better focus, mental clarity and less anxiety. Natural soundscapes are also a great way to identify species present in an ecosystem as well as overall ecosystem health.
Using new emergent audio/visual technologies we offer high quality immersive environmental educational content to environmental education centers, councils, university and school programs, and various online educational portals.
Especially important during the stressful times of lockdowns and disconnection from nature, we also offer immersive nature-based soundscapes that are combined with calming instrumental music for meditation, yoga, mental health and wellbeing.