Jacob van Haaften

I am a current PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at Dalhousie University. I am also a recent graduate of the MA program in Indigenous Studies at Trent University.

In my MA research, I worked collaboratively with Curve Lake First Nation to understand how individuals in the community connect with nature and what priorities and concerns they have about this connection. This research also resulted in the generation of a novel nature connection scale.

In my current program, I am learning to be a scientist-practitioner/clinician. From a scientific perspective, this involves conducting novel research through comprehensive projects and a dissertation, as well as completing a breadth of courses related to the field of clinical psychology. From a clinical perspective, in this program I will learn to conduct psychological assessments, plan and implement psychological interventions, and develop my skills as a supervisor.

My goals in this degree are to continue to explore the impacts connecting with nature can have on human wellbeing and contributing to the evidence base for "clinical ecopsychology." In this degree, I will also develop clinical skills to provide mental health assessments and treatments to various populations.

If you are interested in my research or educational pathway, please connect with me via email. I am particularly interested in connecting with individuals who are interested in "ecopsychology" topics.

Ecopsychology

Climate Change and Happiness

• A podcast investigating climate change and mental health

Nature Connectedness: For a new relationship with nature

• Free online course about nature connection provided by the University of Derby

Nature Relatedness Lab

• Learn about nature relatedness, the importance of human-nature connection, and test your own nature relatedness

Clinical Psychology

CPA Accredited Programs

• CPA accredited programs and internships in clinical, counselling, school, and clinical neuropsychology

CPA Clinical Psychology Section

• Information about clinical psychology in Canada

Mitch’s Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology

• A helpful document for aspiring clinical psychologists

A Few Great Books

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2022). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (6th ed.). Sage.

Gifford, R. (2014). Environmental psychology Principles and practice. Optimal Books.

Jung, C. G., & Sabini, M. (2016). The earth has a soul: C.G. Jung on nature, technology & modern life. North Atlantic Books.

Kovach, M. (2010). Indigenous methodologies: Characteristics, conversations, and contexts. University Of Toronto Press.

Roszak, T., Gomes, M. E., & Kanner, A. D. (1997). Ecopsychology: Restoring the earth, healing the mind. Sierra Club Books, [Ca.

Simpson, L. (2017). As we have always done: Indigenous freedom through radical resistance. University Of Minnesota Press.