Wild Therapy (second edition): Rewilding our inner and outer worlds

In today's Western, industrialized society, "wild" is often associated with danger, savagery, and chaos. This book celebrates wildness, both in global ecosystems and in the human psyche, and argues that embracing unpredictability and boundlessness is essential for our well-being and the survival of humans and other-than-humans. It draws on various disciplines to explore the links between domesticated civilization and the destruction of ecosystems, and suggests how psychotherapy could contribute to the creation of a wild civilization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: PCCS Books

In the modern Western, industrialized society, the term "wild" has acquired a negative connotation, associating it with danger, savagery, madness, and chaos. However, this book seeks to reclaim and celebrate the concept of wildness, encompassing both the natural world and the human psyche. Author Totton argues that embracing unpredictability and boundlessness is essential for our well-being and the survival of both humans and other-than-human species in the face of the ongoing environmental crisis.

Drawing on a wide range of disciplines, including psychotherapy, philosophy, ecology, anthropology, futuristic fiction, and more, Totton explores the profound connections between domesticated civilization and the destruction of the natural balance of ecosystems. He demonstrates how the pursuit of stability and control has led to the erosion of human relationships and psyches, and how reconnecting with the wildness within ourselves and our surroundings can restore balance and vitality.

The second edition of this book builds upon the first by proposing what a wild civilization might look like and exploring how psychotherapy can contribute to its creation. Totton suggests that by embracing our innate wildness, we can develop greater resilience, creativity, and empathy, which are essential for navigating the complex challenges of our time. He also offers practical strategies for incorporating more wildness into our daily lives, such as spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness and meditation, and engaging in creative activities that allow us to express our authentic selves.

In conclusion, this book offers a compelling vision for a more sustainable and fulfilling future, one that recognizes the inherent value of wildness and seeks to reconnect with it in both our personal and collective lives. By embracing the unpredictable and boundless nature of the world, we can cultivate a deeper sense of harmony and balance with the natural world, and create a more resilient and thriving society for ourselves and future generations.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910919941
Edition number: 2 Revised edition