Instituto Português de Ecopsicologia - Alma Gaia

IPEP - Alma Gaia works at the intersection of psychology, ecology and community practice, based near the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve in Palmela, Setúbal. The institute runs a psychological clinic offering clinical psychology, existential psychotherapy, and indoor and outdoor Ecopsychotherapy, either at its rural office or by video consultation. On the training side, IPEP offers two courses: an International Certification in Applied Ecopsychology/Ecotuning, planned for March 2027, and an Introduction to Ecopsychology course, with a first edition running 21-22 and 28-29 March 2026 in partnership with Brazil, and a second edition in March 2027. Enrolment for the 2027 cycle opens between 6 October and 31 December 2026. Training combines experiential, embodied and theoretical methods, delivered by IES Charter trainers from different schools of Ecopsychology. Community work includes seasonal workshops such as 'O Caminho do Javali', an individual or small-group Ecopsychogeographic mapping walk in the Serra da Arrábida, and 'Mala de Histórias', a storytelling workshop using ecological myths and legends. The institute also runs 'Árvore-Comunidade', a programme supporting the creation of intentional communities, and organises events like the 'Encontro de Origens Ancestrais', first held in July 2023, alongside seasonal tree plantings and eco-activism gatherings. IPEP is Portugal's representative of the International Ecopsychology Society (IES) and hosts webinars under this network, such as talks on ecological grief and interpreting nature through storytelling and dream work. Clinical direction is led by Cláudia D. Rodrigues.