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Coastal Psychology Institute of Connecticut

Integrating the restorative power of coastal ecosystems with evidence-based psychological practices to promote mental wellness, resilience, and holistic healing.

Our Coastal Approach to Psychology

Peaceful coastal scene with waves gently rolling onto shore

Healing Through Connection with Coastal Environments

Founded in 2012, the Connecticut Institute of Coastal Psychology pioneers an innovative therapeutic framework that synthesizes established psychological methodologies with principles derived from coastal and marine ecosystems. Our unique approach recognizes the profound psychological benefits of aquatic environments.

Our practitioners are trained in both clinical psychology and ecotherapy techniques, creating treatment plans that incorporate mindfulness of natural rhythms, resilience modeled after coastal adaptability, and the therapeutic qualities of water-informed meditation.

In 2026, we continue to expand our evidence-based practices, having served over 3,500 clients and contributed to 28 peer-reviewed research publications on ecopsychology and mental health outcomes.

Meet Our Specialists

Marine-Informed Therapy

Incorporating principles of flow, adaptability, and tidal rhythms into therapeutic practices.

Evidence-Based Methods

All interventions grounded in clinical psychology research and measurable outcomes.

Holistic Wellness

Addressing mental health through integrated mind-body-environment connections.

Our Therapeutic Services

We offer a comprehensive range of psychological services that integrate traditional therapeutic approaches with our unique coastal psychology framework. Each service is tailored to individual needs and may include ecotherapy components.

Person meditating on beach at sunrise

Coastal Mindfulness & Stress Reduction

An 8-week program teaching mindfulness techniques inspired by coastal environments to reduce anxiety, manage stress, and improve emotional regulation.

  • Wave & breath synchronization
  • Beach walking meditation
  • Aquatic sensory awareness
  • Virtual coastal immersion therapy
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Therapist talking with client in serene office with ocean view

Marine-Informed Trauma Therapy

Specialized trauma treatment incorporating EMDR, somatic experiencing, and narrative therapy with marine resilience metaphors and techniques.

  • EMDR with aquatic imagery
  • Tidal rhythm regulation training
  • Resilience building through coastal metaphors
  • Group therapy with ecotherapy components
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Couple walking hand in hand along shoreline

Coastal Relationship & Family Therapy

Family and couples therapy that uses coastal ecosystem principles to improve communication, navigate conflicts, and strengthen relational bonds.

  • Ecosystem modeling for family systems
  • Communication flow exercises
  • Intergenerational trauma in coastal context
  • Beach-based family sessions (optional)
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Our Specialist Team

Our multidisciplinary team includes licensed clinical psychologists, marine ecotherapy specialists, and researchers dedicated to advancing coastal psychology. Each member brings unique expertise while sharing our core philosophy.

Dr. Evelyn Shore, Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Evelyn Shore, Ph.D.

Founder & Clinical Director

Licensed clinical psychologist with 18 years of experience. Pioneer in marine-informed trauma therapy. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Yale University.

Dr. Marcus Chen, Marine Ecotherapy Specialist

Dr. Marcus Chen, Psy.D.

Marine Ecotherapy Specialist

Dual-trained in clinical psychology and marine ecology. Developed the Coastal Resilience Framework. 12 years of therapeutic practice.

Dr. Sarah Bennett, Child & Adolescent Specialist

Dr. Sarah Bennett, Ph.D.

Child & Adolescent Specialist

Specializes in developmental psychology with coastal play therapy techniques. 10 years experience working with youth in coastal communities.

Research & Publications

Advancing the Science of Coastal Psychology

Our institute is committed to evidence-based practice and contributing to the growing field of ecopsychology. Since 2015, we have conducted longitudinal studies on the mental health benefits of coastal exposure and developed validated therapeutic protocols.

In 2026, we are collaborating with three universities on research projects examining neurophysiological responses to coastal imagery and sounds, and the long-term outcomes of marine-informed trauma therapy.

  • 2026 Study: fMRI analysis of brain activity during coastal vs. urban visualization in anxiety disorders
  • 2025 Publication: "Tidal Rhythms and Emotional Regulation" in Journal of Environmental Psychology
  • 2024 Initiative: Coastal Resilience Training for frontline healthcare workers
  • 2023 Conference: Presented at International Ecopsychology Symposium, Lisbon

Recent Publications

Therapeutic Outcomes of Marine-Informed CBT for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Shore, E., Chen, M., & Bennett, S. (2025)

Journal of Clinical Psychology, 81(4), 567-582.

Coastal Exposure as a Moderator of Stress Reactivity: A Longitudinal Study

Chen, M., et al. (2025)

Environment and Behavior, 57(3), 321-340.

Pediatric Coastal Play Therapy: Protocol Development and Preliminary Outcomes

Bennett, S. (2024)

Journal of Child and Family Therapy, 42(2), 145-162.

Request Research Summary

Client Experiences

Alex Morgan

"After years of traditional therapy for PTSD, the coastal mindfulness program at the Institute provided a breakthrough I hadn't found elsewhere. Learning to sync my breathing with wave patterns created a tangible anchor during anxiety episodes. My quality of life has improved dramatically."

Alex Morgan

Client since 2024

Coastal Psychology Insights

View All Articles
Waves crashing on rocks
May 15, 2026 5 min read

The Neuroscience of Wave Watching: How Rhythmic Motion Affects Brain States

New research reveals how the predictable yet variable pattern of waves engages the brain's default mode network, reducing rumination and promoting present-moment awareness.

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Colorful beach towels and umbrella
April 28, 2026 7 min read

Summer 2026: Creating a Mentally Restorative Coastal Vacation

Evidence-based strategies to transform your beach trip from mere relaxation to therapeutic mental reset, incorporating coastal psychology principles.

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Person standing at ocean edge at sunset
March 10, 2026 6 min read

Climate Anxiety and Coastal Communities: Therapeutic Approaches

How coastal psychology addresses the unique mental health challenges faced by those living in vulnerable shoreline areas experiencing climate change impacts.

Read More

Begin Your Healing Journey

Connect With Our Institute

Our Location

124 Coastal Way, Suite 300
New London, CT 06320

Phone

(860) 555-2026

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST

Email

[email protected]

For general inquiries

Office Hours

  • Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Sunday Closed

Teletherapy appointments available outside office hours for established clients.

Schedule a Consultation

Complete the form below and our intake coordinator will contact you within 48 hours to discuss your needs and match you with an appropriate therapist.