The Thunder in Our Hearts

by Shandril Hubley

I embarked on a journey of Heuristic Phenomenological study using proven art therapy methodologies as a powerful vehicle that supported me as I strove to deeply understand the personal and professional value of adopting an ecofeminist worldview. It was clear to me that humanity is facing global crises under socioeconomic and political structures that are oppressive, patriarchal, and ecologically destructive. And yet, the world is changing, as it the field of art therapy. The news is filled with stories of ecological change, the “me too” movement, and Black Lives Matter activism. All these things led me to questioning, “Why can ecofeminism as a conceptual framework help me to move towards a way of personal living that is anti-oppressive and also allow me to provide unconditional support as an art therapist?” Understanding the systemic nature of oppression and the interconnectedness of contemporary crises makes it easier to understand why ecofeminism is needed in the field of art therapy.I have chosen to present nine reflective art therapy vignettes of my journey that I created during this intensive personal journey towards greater self-understanding that I feel best show the immense potential offered by an ecofeminist perspective. I found that ecofeminism acted as a powerful tool to support me in finding empathy, compassion, and interconnectedness with myself, with my clients, with humanity, and with the planet, and, consequently, in changing my personal behaviours and beliefs so that I can apply this new knowledge in my career as an art therapist. I feel that ecofeminism has helped me find my strength as a woman and as an art therapist, and I believe that ecofeminism has the potential to be as powerful a transformative tool for others as it was for me.