Climate Conversations offered by SLO CCE

The climate crisis is upon us. What happens when we don’t process our emotional response to this existential threat? Burnout, substance abuse, anxiety and depression are just a few symptoms of how people are being psychologically affected. Research supports the idea of community cohesiveness to foster optimal mental health during such a time. That’s where our program of Climate Conversations comes in.

Climate Conversations is a free public service program of SLO County Citizens’ Climate Education. It works with citizens, environmental organizations, schools, faith communities and other groups to provide a safe, communal space in which to process feelings about climate change and build community connection. Sharing and engaging with others is a proven antidote to the vulnerability that comes with climate fears. Participants have said that gathering to talk openly about their feelings provides lightness and mutual support.

Deborah Barber, Ph.D., facilitates our Climate Conversation sessions. She’s been a licensed clinical psychologist for over 25 years and received specialized facilitation training in eco psychology by the Climate Psychology Alliance-North America.

This is not a therapy group. Anyone who is experiencing climate distress is invited to come and participate. Attendees with strong feelings will be assisted in emotional regulation but generally the group is capable of containing shared experience and common distress.

Here are some more things to know about Climate Conversations:

• Our sessions are held in person and are approximately an hour to an hour and a half long.
• The optimal number of attendees is 8-10.
• A quiet room to hold the session is needed. The program is not held in coffee shops.

Interested local organizations can send a request for a Climate Conversation to slococce@gmail.com to schedule a day and time for a session.