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Wilderness Immersions
“To be whole. To be complete. Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from.”
― Terry Tempest Williams
Looking for a deeper, more embodied, and holistic therapeutic process?
More connection with yourself and nature?
Do you want a chance to slow down and unplug?
Wilderness immersions offer a different way to experience therapy outside the four walls of an office space. I invite you to reconnect to the wild within, so that you can reconnect with yourself again.
Connecting with Nature
Nature helps us connect with something larger than our own lives. It also reminds us to take care of ourselves― When you're cold, you put on a layer. When it's raining, you find cover to stay dry. We literally cannot ignore our needs, or we will face some serious natural consequences.
Although these statements may seem silly and obvious, I invite you to recall a time indoors when you did not take care of your needs because it felt inconvenient and tedious. You decided to just "push through." We are trained to ignore our basic needs, even when our bodies need us the most. Nature helps us practice self care by giving us an ultimatum―either you stop to take care of a blister, or you sit at camp unable to walk.
Studies show that our immune systems are positively impacted by being outdoors. Spending time outside or even viewing the natural world can lower our blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels while elevating our mood. Nature creates a sense of "awe" while bringing us back into the present moment with our five senses. Becoming present and noticing our five senses is essential when we are dysregulated, as it follows an evidenced based "bottom up" brain approach. This approach allows our nervous system to regulate and create a sense of safety since sensations and feelings occur before conscious though.
Who can join and what does it look like?
Wilderness immersions are for anyone and everyone open to exploring a deeper part of themselves outdoors. If there is a desire, we can make it happen! All bodies, identities, and level of experiences are welcome. You do not have to be an athlete or an "outdoorsy" person.
I facilitate wilderness immersions for individuals, couples, family members, and groups. Take a look at my current groups under the wilderness group tab to find out more!
To apply for a wilderness immersion group, we will have an initial consultation to find out if it feels like a good fit. If the group is right for you, we will move forward with some paperwork and our initial group meeting.
If you are looking for an individual, couples, or family member wilderness immersion, we will first begin by taking a few sessions to intention set, so I can understand what you are hoping to get out of this experience. I will then build an experience tailored fit to your needs and therapeutic goals. We will spend some time going over gear and how to stay safe in the backcountry before we start the journey. An individualized wilderness immersion is typically 2 or 3 nights.
As well as being a psychotherapist, I am a wilderness therapy guide with over ten years of guiding experience. I have my Wilderness First Responder certificate, which is an extensive training supporting backcountry medicine. I'm here to make sure you are safe in the backcountry.
