Dr. James Liter, Ph.D.

Nature Based Archetypal Facilitator, specializing in

Ecopsychology, Ecotherapy, and Eco-Coaching

Individual Consultations and Group Workshops in Michigan
Grand Rapids, Lansing, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and online

The Initiative for Engaged Ecopsychology



A new program at Root and Leaf, the Initiative for Engaged Ecopsychology has as its mission the empowering of ecopsychologically rooted wellness for the entire Earth community. To achieve this objective, the IEE offers programs and resources intended to expand awareness and availability of ecopsychology and ecotherapy for individuals and communities. Along with online resources, the IEE provides coaching, education, training, and consulting services for “eco care providers” (i.e., clinicians, guides, coaches, educators, clergy, activists, community organizers, and similar), concerned individuals, and communities.

Hilltending: Reintegrating Psyche and Earth

I refer to my approach to ecopsychology, ecotherapy, and eco-coaching as “Hilltending.” Rooted in a depth psychological framework, Hilltending is a nature-based method of archetypal facilitation that invites psyche and soul into a more immediate interaction with nature. Hilltending integrates psyche and world, empowering deeper and healthier relatedness to nature and the ecological Self.

Sessions in West and Central Michigan

In my guided Hilltending sessions we engage ecotherapy and eco-coaching through a blend of mindful earth-based practices and archetypal facilitation that nurture a growing awareness of your archetypal earth story. The resulting higher level of awareness empowers you to develop intentional relationships to your ecological Self and the natural world, leading to a healthier body, soul, and planet.
About James
James Liter ecopsychology ecotherapy ecocoaching

I am passionate about facilitating and intentionally tending our relationship to the natural world. I believe that it is the single most powerful thing we can do to promote our health and wellness. Psychologically and physically, we are deeply rooted in the Earth and, as recent studies have shown, spending time in nature and rekindling a life sustaining way of being brings remarkable benefits to us and the entire Earth community.


Dr. James Liter, Ph.D. has been facilitating nature-based archetypal experiences and integration around the world for many years. He holds a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology (Jungian and Archetypal Studies) and the Certificate in Ecopsychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. His doctoral research provides a foundation for an archetypally patterned ecotherapy promoting a regenerative relationship to the entire earth community.

Since working with James my life has changed in an epic fashion. It was so helpful to get the Hilltending perspective, and I am no longer the same person that I was before I began working with him. If you have the chance, I would do whatever you can do to make that investment in your well-being. You will remember it as a life changing decision. - Mary S.

"You will remember it as a life-changing decision"

Nature is an incomparable guide when you know how to follow her. She is like the needle in a compass pointing to the north.
-C.G. Jung

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    More About Hilltending from the Blog

    Hilltending Practices and Integration

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