“ Little by little the sun sinks to rest
Little by little the bird builds its nest
Little by little the waves in their glee…
…smooth the rough rocks by the shore of the sea”
To foster environments that nurture both people and the planet. Through a blend of research insight and environmental psychology expertise, we aim to inspire positive change at every level – from individual behavior to community dynamics and beyond.
Environmental psychology focuses on human interactions with the world around us (both the built and natural environment) and why people may or may not adopt environmentally conscious practices.
It examines our interrelationship with our physical environments which can be natural (our gardens, parks, wider countryside and coasts), or built (our homes, schools, buildings, infrastructure). Ultimately, it strives to understand how to enhance pro-environmental behaviours to adapt to the climate and biodiversity crises.
My passion for research dates back to when I studied psychology for my first degree in the late 90s as well as the market research interviewing roles which funded my studies in those years. My early career set me off into the market research world: a world which moves fast, and which responds quickly to real life problems and solutions. My research is strongly influenced by both these worlds: the draw to psychology and deeper meaning and the draw to real life research which can be actioned. Looking back now, I’ve always had an interest in the individual experience as an embedded one in a wider context (social, cultural, physical).
It is my vision for Repsychable to form part of a new wave of environmental psychology in Ireland which leverages our unique geography, heritage, collective psyche and individuality to create a better tomorrow. The Repsychable approach blends the psycho-social perspective that I’ve honed over the years with applied research investigations. I hold a PhD in Social Work from Queen’s University Belfast, a MSc in Environmental Psychology from Maynooth University and a BA in Psychology and French from Trinity College Dublin.
My passion for the environment and sustainability goes back to my childhood growing up on a farm in Northern Ireland. My parents and grandparents had a strong link with the land and have passed that on to me. I now live outside Dublin and can faintly see the Mountains of Mourne in the distance which integrates both my past and my present. I also draw place roots and an environmental consciousness from Denmark where I’ve lived for a number of years and my husband is from there.
I’m fascinated by those who have living memory of a more sustainable life, by the small actions we can all take. My grandmother used to recite the following poem which is my mantra with Repsychable.
“ Little by little the sun sinks to rest
Little by little the bird builds its nest
Little by little the waves in their glee…
…smooth the rough rocks by the shore of the sea”
The aim of Repsychable is to leverage environmental psychology to help us reconnect with our physical world and ourselves even if it is little by little. When we help nature and our planet, we also gain through positive human psychological benefits. For example, cultivating better built and natural environments can optimise human health, social movements can create a sense of social connection related to climate action, and lifestyle changes can reduce stress and anxiety levels while also lowering energy usage and waste. Our language often talks about losses, yet there are many gains.
We have the ability to adapt to a changing future and to learn from the past by reframing our ‘psyche’ both individually and collectively. The word ‘psyche’ is derived from the 23rd letter of the Ancient Greek alphabet ‘Ψ’ (also the sign for psychology) and its meaning is butterfly. Like a butterfly, we humans have immense potential for growth and transformation. If you look closely at our logo, you might now see a deeper meaning!
We work with state and semi-state bodies, local authorities, other research and sustainability organisations as well as universities and businesses. If you work in allied areas, please do get in touch. We offer preferential rates for organisations with a social or environmental purpose. Together, we can build a brighter future for people and our planet.
