Certification FOR PROFESSIONALS

Maternal ecopsychology certification®

Discover the transformative field of maternal ecopsychology, a paradigm that integrates maternal mental health with ecological consciousness. This 6-12 month-long certification offers in-depth training on how to apply ecopsychological principles to support mothers in their journey of growth and connection with the natural world. Whether you’re a counselor, educator, or healthcare provider, this program equips you to enhance your practice with a holistic, ecological approach to maternal well-being.

Mountains behind alpine field

1:1 mentoring

Enhance your Maternal Ecopsychology Certification® with personalized, one-on-one mentoring. This add-on provides tailored guidance to help you integrate the principles of maternal ecopsychology into your unique practice. Receive individualized support, case consultation, and in-depth exploration of the certification content, ensuring a deeper and more impactful learning experience.

Book a free consultation.

  • “Maternal ecopsychology builds on matrescence’s original conceptual framework… to inspire yet another way to understand the experiences of mothers, particularly the unique developmental tasks necessary for their social evolution into ecocentricity.”

    Davis, A., & Athan, A. (2023). Ecopsychological development and maternal ecodistress during matrescence. Ecopsychology, 15(3), 281-293. https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2022.0084

  • “By differentiating between environmental and ecological carework, maternal ecopsychology reveals deeper relational care that fosters mutual thriving for mothers, children, and the earth.”

    Davis, A. (2023). Untangling the double bind of carework in green motherhood: An ecofeminist developmental path forward. Women’s Studies International Forum, 98, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2023.102769

  • “Ecopsychological approaches to maternal mental health emphasize healing through reconnection—reclaiming the body, spirit, and natural world as sacred sites of restoration for mothers impacted by ecospiritual disconnection and societal pressures.”

    Davis, A. (2023). Reclaiming sacred connections in motherhood: Ecopsychological approaches to trauma and healing. Unpublished manuscript.

  • “By integrating nature-based interventions, [maternal ecopsychology] repositions maternal mental health within the broader context of environmental interconnection, fostering resilience and a deeper ecoconsciousness.”

    Davis, A., & Athan, A. (2023). Ecopsychological development and maternal ecodistress during matrescence. Ecopsychology, 15(3), 281-293. https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2022.0084

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Allie Davis
Professional Counselor & Researcher

Dr. Allison Davis is a counselor and researcher specializing in the intersection of motherhood, mental health, and ecological well-being. As the developer of the Mother Tree Method®, her work uniquely blends ecotherapy, spiritual healing, and nature-based interventions to support mothers and professionals alike.

Dr. Davis’ approach to teaching is rooted in deep engagement, reflection, and embodied learning. She fosters an inviting, collaborative environment where students are encouraged to integrate their personal experiences with academic and ecological insights. Her teaching emphasizes relational and experiential learning, combining evidence-based practices with spiritual and nature-based frameworks. Dr. Davis supports her students in cultivating both professional skills and personal growth, empowering them to become transformative leaders in maternal mental health and ecological stewardship.

Student feedback

  • The Maternal Ecopsychology program has been a transformative experience, seamlessly weaving together my diverse passions and work. It has deepened my understanding of eco-resilience and how honoring the lived experiences of mothers and their eco-awakenings can be powerful catalysts for personal and collective healing. Additionally, this program has enriched my work in land regeneration by offering valuable insights into the interconnectedness of human and ecological health. By applying what I am learning, I am better equipped to create spaces that honor both the Earth and the mothers who care for it.

    Ana María Cañas, Columbia

  • Embarking on this Maternal Ecopsychology training has been a profoundly transformative experience. As both an environmental technologist and a postpartum counselor, I have long sought a framework that weaves together ecological awareness, maternal mental health, and deep, systemic change. This training does exactly that—it brings together the personal, the collective, and the planetary in ways that feel both intellectually rigorous and deeply embodied. Allie is an extraordinary teacher. Her academic depth is immense, yet she communicates with such clarity, enthusiasm, and presence that even complex concepts feel tangible and applicable. Even in an online format, her ability to foster connection and engagement is remarkable. I feel truly seen, both by her and by my fellow students, as we co-create an interconnected learning space that mirrors the very principles we study. Maternal Ecopsychology is groundbreaking research, offering a much-needed paradigm shift in how we understand matrescence, caregiving, and sustainability. It recognizes that maternal wellbeing is not separate from ecological and societal wellbeing—it is intricately linked. Being part of this work feels urgent and vital, as we collectively move toward a world where both human and more-than-human life are honored in their interdependence. This training is not just knowledge—it is an invitation into a movement, a deeper way of seeing and being in the world. I am beyond grateful to be part of it.

    Izabella Naomi Pedersen, Denmark

Syllabus

  • • Foundational Theories: Understand the roots of ecofeminist and maternal ecopsychology, exploring how these frameworks redefine motherhood as both a psychological and ecological experience.

    • Matrescence and Identity: Discover matrescence as a transformative stage akin to adolescence, emphasizing its potential to shift a mother’s worldview from anthropocentric to ecocentric. Learn how this transition can support both personal growth and ecological engagement.

    • Nature-Based Practices: Gain practical skills in using nature-based interventions to support maternal mental health. Learn techniques that integrate therapeutic storytelling, ecotherapy, and The Mother Tree Tending Practices to foster ecological identity and reduce eco-anxiety.

    • Narrative Therapy: Explore the use of narrative therapy to help mothers externalize ecodistress, reconstruct their ecological identity, and build resilience. This will include practical applications of The Mother Tree Method®, enabling participants to adapt these techniques within their own theoretical orientation.

    • Climate and Maternal Mental Health: Analyze the impact of climate change and eco- anxiety on maternal well-being. Understand how to use clinical assessments for climate distress to inform your practice.

    • Systemic Advocacy: Learn how to advocate for community and systemic support that incorporates ecopsychological principles to bolster maternal and ecological resilience.

  • • Enhanced Therapeutic Approaches: Equip yourself with a robust framework that

    integrates ecological awareness into maternal support. Use ecofeminist and

    All content, materials, and information related to the Maternal Ecopsychology Certification® and the Mother Tree Method® are © Dr. Allison Davis, 2024. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of any part of this course content is prohibited without prior written consent. Contact Allie at allisondavisphd@gmail.com or (512) 222-7590.

    ecopsychological insights to inform your interventions, enriching your practice with holistic, nature-based strategies.

    • Tools for Building Resilience: Apply The Mother Tree Tending Practices and narrative therapy exercises to help mothers manage eco-anxiety and build resilience through ecological connection.

    • Comprehensive Understanding of Matrescence: Develop a nuanced appreciation for matrescence as a pivotal developmental phase that deepens maternal identity and ecological awareness.

    • Advocacy and Community Support: Create action plans and community-based initiatives that incorporate ecopsychological insights, promoting systemic change for maternal mental health.

    • 1:1 Mentoring Support: Participants who opt for 1:1 mentoring will receive tailored guidance to develop their own programs, integrate their theoretical orientation into their work, and personalize their approach to maternal ecopsychology.

  • Participants will demonstrate their understanding through reflective essays, video presentations, case studies, and practical exercises. Monthly optional consultation groups provide a space for collaborative learning and discussion, supporting the integration of course concepts into practice. Monthly live/recorded deep-dive workshops will enhance specific areas of focus, ensuring diverse learning experiences that deepen mastery of key topics.

  • By completing this certification, you will:

    • Deepen your professional expertise with a specialized focus on maternal ecopsychology

    that addresses the unique intersections of motherhood, mental health, and ecology.

    • Expand your practice to include nature-based and ecospiritual interventions that resonate deeply with mothers navigating eco-anxiety and ecological identity.

    • Foster meaningful change by applying these insights to develop resilience-building practices and systemic support frameworks that benefit both mothers and their communities.

    This course offers an opportunity to transform your understanding of maternal mental health and enhance your practice with tools that address the ecological and psychological needs of mothers. Join this journey to enrich your professional skills and support mothers in a world increasingly impacted by ecological challenges.

  • Learn the foundational theories that connect maternal mental health to ecological consciousness.

    • Why This Matters: Understanding the historical and theoretical roots of ecofeminist and maternal ecopsychology helps professionals appreciate the deep-seated links between a mother’s psychological experience and her connection to the environment. This foundation provides the context for integrating ecological awareness into maternal care, shifting perspectives from viewing motherhood solely as a psychological event to a more holistic, ecological transition.

    • What You Will Learn:

    • The principles of ecofeminist psychology and its critique of traditional mental health

    approaches.

    • The concept of matrescence and its role in developing an ecological identity.

    • How maternal psychology intersects with ecological identity to reshape our understanding of maternal well-being.

  • Explore the transformative impact of maternal ecopsychology on maternal mental health and ecological identity.

    • Why This Matters: Maternal ecopsychology extends beyond traditional views of mental health by emphasizing the interconnectedness of a mother’s well-being with her ecological environment. This module empowers professionals to see maternal identity as an evolving ecological process, allowing them to better support mothers through nature-based perspectives.

    • What You Will Learn:

    • Key concepts defining maternal ecopsychology and its relevance in modern practice.

    • The psychological processes behind a mother’s shift from an anthropocentric to an ecocentric perspective.

    • The impact of ecological identity formation on maternal mental health and strategies to foster this growth.

  • Understand the unique challenges of eco-anxiety and ecodistress in motherhood.

    • Why This Matters: Eco-anxiety and ecodistress are increasingly prevalent as mothers face the dual burden of caregiving and environmental concerns. This module equips professionals with the knowledge to identify these stressors and support mothers in building resilience.

    • What You Will Learn:

    • Definitions and psychological characteristics of eco-anxiety and ecodistress specific to

    maternal experiences.

    • The influence of ecological stress on maternal identity and mental health.

    • Techniques for fostering resilience and emotional support for mothers experiencing eco- anxiety

  • Critique the societal pressures and psychological impacts of “green motherhood.”

    • Why This Matters: The cultural expectation of “green motherhood” places significant stress on mothers, positioning them as primary agents of environmental change while simultaneously burdening them with unattainable standards. This module helps professionals understand the double bind of carework and empowers them to guide mothers through these complex expectations.

    • What You Will Learn:

    • The socio-cultural implications of green motherhood and its psychological impacts.

    • How to differentiate between ecological and environmental carework.

    • Ways to support mothers in balancing personal mental health with ecological responsibilities.

  • Explore the link between ecospiritual disconnection and maternal trauma.

    • Why This Matters: Ecospiritual disconnection can exacerbate feelings of isolation and trauma in mothers, impacting their psychological health. Understanding this disconnection allows professionals to introduce practices that foster reconnection and healing.

    • What You Will Learn:

    • The causes and effects of ecospiritual disconnection in maternal experiences.

    • The role of cultural and systemic influences in deepening this disconnection.

    • Strategies for nurturing ecospiritual reconnection and promoting holistic healing.

  • Examine the mental health impacts of climate change on mothers.

    • Why This Matters: The climate crisis intensifies maternal mental health challenges, contributing to heightened anxiety and PMADs. Professionals equipped to address these stressors can provide targeted, climate-sensitive mental health support.

    • What You Will Learn:

    • The relationship between climate change and maternal mental health issues, including

    PMADs.

    • The importance of matrescence as a framework for understanding resilience during climate crises.

    • Best practices for supporting mothers facing climate-related mental health challenges.

  • Discover narrative therapy and The Mother Tree Method® as tools for managing ecodistress.

    • Why This Matters: Narrative therapy helps mothers externalize and reframe their ecological concerns, fostering resilience and ecological identity. The Mother Tree Method® serves as a practical framework for integrating these concepts.

    • What You Will Learn:

    • The fundamentals of narrative therapy and its role in addressing ecodistress.

    • How The Mother Tree Method® provides a structured approach for ecological and maternal resilience.

    • Techniques for applying narrative-based interventions in professional practice.

  • Explore the developmental journey of ecological matrescence and posttraumatic growth.

    • Why This Matters: Understanding ecological matrescence helps professionals recognize the profound personal transformation mothers undergo as they adapt to their roles. Integrating knowledge of posttraumatic growth can enhance support strategies and resilience-building efforts.

    • What You Will Learn:

    • The stages and significance of ecological matrescence.

    • Insights into how mothers can experience posttraumatic growth through ecological challenges.

    • Clinical assessments for identifying and addressing climate-related distress.

  • Learn how to integrate ecotherapy and The Mother Tree Tending Practices into maternal support.

    • Why This Matters: Ecotherapy offers practical, nature-based interventions that can be powerful in alleviating ecodistress. The Mother Tree Tending Practices are designed to deepen the connection between mothers and their ecological surroundings, promoting well-being.

    • What You Will Learn:

    • Foundational principles of ecotherapy and their application in maternal mental health.

    • Techniques for implementing The Mother Tree Tending Practices to strengthen ecological identity.

    • How to create personalized ecotherapy plans for supporting mothers in practice.

  • Develop advocacy strategies and community support models grounded in maternal ecopsychology.

    • Why This Matters: Systemic change and community support are critical for sustainable maternal mental health and ecological resilience. This module equips professionals with strategies to influence policy and create community initiatives that integrate maternal ecopsychology.

    • What You Will Learn:

    • The importance of community-based support in maternal mental health.

    • How to develop advocacy strategies that promote systemic change and ecological resilience.

    • Practical steps for building community programs that align with ecopsychological principles.

  • • 1:1 Mentoring: Optional personalized support to help participants develop their own programs, integrate theoretical orientations into their work, and tailor ecopsychological practices to their professional needs.

    • Monthly Consultation Group: An optional collaborative space for discussing course concepts, sharing experiences, and receiving feedback on integrating ecopsychological practices. Available during and after certification.

    • Monthly Deep-Dive Workshops: Focused sessions that provide in-depth exploration of specific topics, enhancing learning and practical application. Participants can attend live and will receive a recording.

    • Extensive monthly assignment feedback given in writing and/or in video format based in how competency is evaluated within each module.

    •Midterm and Final Professional Projects: Integration month guided by Dr. Allie Davis in order to support integrative application of maternal ecopsychology in your practice.

OVERVIEW

Delve into a comprehensive learning journey that intertwines maternal mental health with ecological consciousness. This unique certification course is crafted to equip professionals and mothers with a profound understanding of maternal ecopsychology, emphasizing the integration of ecofeminist psychology, matrescence, and nature-based therapeutic practices. With insights applicable to therapy, counseling, and maternal support, this program offers the tools to foster ecological and psychological resilience.

Choose the Perfect Path to Your Certification in Maternal Ecopsychology

Foundations Certificate Course

Self-Study Course

$2000 Total - 6 Payments of $333 or 9 payments of $222)

Step into the transformative world of maternal ecopsychology with a self-paced program designed to inspire and empower your work. Each week, Dr. Davis shares a concise, under-30-minute lecture that guides you through the foundational principles of maternal mental health and ecological identity. These accessible yet impactful sessions are paired with an assigned reading and thoughtfully curated recommendations to enrich your learning journey at your own pace.

✓ Over 20 hours of video content
✓ Personal feedback from Dr. Davis on learning invitations
✓ Access to the Grove online learning community
✓ 7 month access

Foundations Mentorship Certificate Package

Self-Study Course + 1:1 Mentoring

$3200 Total - (6 Payments of $533 or 9 payments $355)

Experience the ultimate transformation in maternal ecopsychology with Foundations Mentorship. This premium tier combines the comprehensive Foundations self-study content with personalized, one-on-one mentoring sessions to support your unique goals and professional practice. With six tailored mentoring sessions, Foundations Mentorship provides you with direct access to Dr. Davis as your personal guide.

✓ Over 20 hours of video content
✓ Guided learning experience with Dr. Davis
✓ Monthly 1:1 mentoring with Dr. Davis
✓ Access to the Grove online learning community
✓ 7 month access

Explore Applications of Maternal Ecopsychology

Through the certification program, you’ll learn how to apply maternal ecopsychology to diverse areas of practice and specialization. Whether you’re a therapist, coach, educator, or advocate, this program helps you connect theory to real-world applications. I’ll guide you in tailoring the principles of maternal ecopsychology to your unique interests and professional goals. For those seeking a deeper dive, the optional 1:1 mentorship add-on offers personalized support to develop your ideas into a comprehensive project, program, or approach.

  • Help expectant parents prepare for motherhood with practices that build resilience, strengthen emotional well-being, and connect them to the natural world.

  • Develop tools and strategies to assist mothers in navigating the physical, emotional, and relational shifts that accompany matrescence.

  • Apply attachment theory to support mothers in fostering secure, connected relationships with their children and themselves.

  • Equip mothers to recognize, resist, and heal from coercive control while advocating for systemic changes that support safety and autonomy.

  • Explore ways to help mothers identify and heal patterns of inherited trauma, fostering healthier family systems.

  • Support mothers in reclaiming their identity and sexuality as they navigate societal expectations and personal growth.

  • Offer tools and support to help mothers process eco-distress, build resilience, and engage in meaningful ecological action.

  • Provide guidance for mothers raising children in an era of climate uncertainty, with a focus on ecological connection and emotional well-being.

  • Develop strategies to create family-friendly workplaces that prioritize maternal health, autonomy, and equity.

  • Empower mothers to take on leadership roles in their communities, advocating for change in areas that matter to them and their families.

  • Address grief and loss issues, such as miscarriage, infertility, or ecological grief, within maternal care practices.

  • Develop programs and approaches that address the unique needs of mothers in both urban and rural settings, fostering accessibility and equity.

  • Tailor maternal care practices to honor diverse cultural identities and values, fostering inclusivity and relevance.