ABOUT US
Alive Eco-Journeys has spotted a problem. Isolation, disconnect and numbness is corrosively creeping into our personal lives, families and that of our teams. We want to help by both advocating for and teaching robust mental health skills, a deeper understanding of nature connection, and the rekindling of kind communities.
How do we do this? We create transformative nature-based experiences designed to reconnect individuals, groups, and teams with themselves, others, and the natural world. Our curated therapeutic adventures go beyond simply being outdoors, they guide individuals and teams to gain meaningful insights that can deeply impact everyday life.
Grounded in the practices and wisdom of Eco-Psychology and informed by over 20 years of experience working with groups and teams in mental health, every Eco-Journey is unique, combining exploration, learning, skill-building, and fun. We believe in the power of inclusivity, diversity, kindness, and community, and we integrate best mental health practices alongside a deep commitment to conservation.
At Alive Eco-Journeys, we aim to raise awareness about our profound connection to nature and encourage personal growth through this awareness. Whether in an urban park, a rugged mountain, a calming forest, the open ocean, or the vibrant bush, each Eco-Journey is customizable to your needs ranging from a few hours to a week-long adventure. We collaborate with seasoned experts, naturalists, and adventurers who live and breathe nature exploration to ensure every experience is both enriching and empowering.
Penni Cox
FOUNDER & LEAD PSYCHOLOGIST
Called a “Flying psychologist” by MSF, Penni has worked all over the world as a mental health professional. She has worked with individuals and teams from Afghanistan to New York, from adolescents in private clinics to the top female leaders’ retreat dignitaries hosted by the UN Deputy Secretary General.
She is happily occupied with supporting any individual or team in their journey of self-awareness and growth, and - after 20 years in this business - is proud to be formally collaborating with nature - who through her own admission - is the better therapist.
She is the founder and lead psychologist of Alive Eco-Journeys, a Ted-X speaker and if it isn’t evident yet - a people’s person
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
MPsych Cum Laude (NMMU) | BPsych (Stellenbosch)
Former UN Staff Counsellor | Keynote Speaker
Counselling Psychologist (HPCSA Registered 2006)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Practitioner (SA DBT Institute)
Advanced Eco-Psychology Certified (Pacifica Institute)
Ecotherapy Nature Connection Practitioner (Zen Guiding)
Brain Working Recursive Technique Practitioner (BWRT Institute)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Certified (Livingworks)
Trained Medicins Sans Frontiers Mental Health Advisor (MSF-OCB)
Ted X Speaker: “Be curious, be connected” (Cape Town Ted-X)
Current Keynote: “Wild By Design”
“I had a wonderful experience with AEJ walking around Central Park and connecting with other work colleagues and nature. People are at ease and not only have fun but also reflect on the most important things in life, as well as finding ways to help reconnect with nature. I am sure that Alive Eco-Journeys will be hugely satisfying for all who participate.”
Aidan
UNICEF New York HQ