Nature group therapy
for pre-teens and teens
seasonal In Santa barbara, CA
Nature group therapy summer send off
A small group experience of up to 4 participants, co-created together, to build an intimate, inclusive, attentive, small group of peers to address the impact of the school year on mental health.
a boutique group experience
You’re part of the process. We get to set up the when and where and tailor to your child’s specific needs. Email me before August 4th to provide input on the meeting time and location. This group will meet once for 2 and a half hours, about a week before school starts.
Collaboratively created
Peers become an increasingly important influence in our children’s lives as they age. Getting experience in having vulnerable and real conversations, while having confidentiality to be authentic and in the presence of a safe adult, is a valuable experience. Participants will get to share what they know, and learn from others as we go.
INVESTing IN WELLBEING
Survey: to create a tailored Nature Therapy Group for your Youth
This is an opportunity for me to gather information on who in the community is interested in a nature therapy group for their child or themselves. Instead of forming a group and hoping it fits your need, I want to know what your need is and create the group from there. The basic tenant of nature therapy groups will remain the same, with fluidity and structure to meet the needs of our human nature.
fall 2026
nature Group Therapy for Girls
pre-teens (9-12)
Time & Location TBD
Nature Location shared at sign-up
Santa Barbara, CA
budding teens (13-14)
Time & Location TBD
Nature Group Therapy for Girls provides a safe space for females to explore their neurobiological wiring for empathy, camaraderie and support, both with each other and with the earth. These after school and weekend groups provide a space to process, de-compress, explore, and connect with what ever is presently coming up for each group member and to be a supportive witness. In addition, getting to learn and honor the unique needs of each season and what we can learn from mother earth’s cyclical nature.
The female nervous system is primed for connection, yet we live in an increasingly isolated society. 75%-80% of grown women experience autoimmune disorders, linked to this lack of connection and expression. Oxytocin is our primary regulator for the female nervous system, so being in community and nature, support the production of this impactful hormone. Puberty is an ideal time to learn how we can better support our own nervous system and hormone production, while supporting our peers as well.
Your child, pre-teen, tween, budding teen, teen, will get the opportunity to lead, connect, speak-up, disagree, and learn important self-advocacy skills as they help shape the group and our experience together.
Budding teens
Nature Group Therapy
Fall 2026
September - November
Nature location shared at sign up
Santa Barbara, CA
A supportive after-school group, to de-stress, build resiliency, and deepen one’s relationship with peers and nature. A non-performance based group, for your child to get to grow their understanding of themselves, gain new perspectives, improve their communication & problem solving skills, and appreciate the positive impact they have on all beings around them.
Seasonal group FAQs
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This group is great for any kid or teen who is wanting more time in nature with peers. In addition, youth who are neurodivergent, experience anxiety and depression, or are stressed out, all benefit from this small group structure in nature.
Group members have reported these groups have improved their moods, helped with focus and creativity, and boosted their confidence in exploring nature.
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We meet at the same spot weekly, with some exceptions to have “field trips”. Location is shared upon sign-up.
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It is absolutely ok if you or your child cannot attend the full 8 weeks. I understand that schedules can be busy, and will accommodate as best I can while maintaining the integrity of the group.
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Please reach out if there are any financial limitations that would prevent your pre-teen from being able to attend.
Payment options always include making one payment in full, or making payments weekly. Sliding scale available upon request, with one space available in every group for a scholarship. I do not want financial restraints to prevent your child from joining the group.
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Groups range from 3-4 participants. Because this is a boutique experience with just one facilitator for the group, I like to make sure everyone gets the space they need to be witnessed and grow.
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Depending on the season, participants will need to be prepared for the heat, cold, or rain.
In Summer and Fall, they may need to bring sun protection, such as sunscreen or a hat, as well as enough water and some snacks to help prevent heat related illness.
In Winter and into Spring, the weather cools and we can experience wet conditions. Appropriate shoes for mud and clothes that keep your child dry will make it an enjoyable experience.
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Yes! Each group is expected to maintain confidentiality to support participants in feeling comfortable to share with no judgement.
As a LMFT, I am a mandated reporter and will break confidentiality if there are reports of abuse or harm. Otherwise confidentiality is maintained. Participants can share about the activities we do, or cool animals we see.
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Yes! I am certified by American Red Cross in Adult and Pediatric first aid/CPR/AED. My certificate ID number is: 02D7RSN; exp 7/17/28.
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In our previous groups, we had visits with bees, baby goats, horses, and Doug from Channel Islands Restoration. Not every group season will have a visitor, and depends on the season and interest from the group.
Doug is in charge of the restoration projects for Channel Islands Restoration and has led the group through plant identification and land tending. We plan for continued projects over the seasons, such as seed collecting, weed pulling, and tree planting to measure the groups tangible growth and to give back to the land that supports our healing. https://cirweb.org/habitat-restoration
Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center is open for our groups to visit and spend time with their horses. We get the opportunity to experience in real time emotional attunement and presence, improving embodiment and confidence. https://www.heartsriding.org
Melissa brought her bees in a demo frame she calls “Bee TV”, where participants can watch and interact with every sense (thanks to Melissa bringing some delicious honey!). To learn more about Melissa and her bees: https://melissasbees.org
The baby goats are my neighbor’s Sespe Miller, from Sisquoc Goat Packers. They are focused on Rematriation and land stewardship.
winter 2027
Nature Group Therapy
JANUARY - MARCH
Pre-Teens (9-12), Budding Teens (12-14), Teens (15+)
A supportive after-school group, to de-stress, build resiliency, and deepen one’s relationship with peers and nature. A non-performance based group, for your child to get to grow their understanding of themselves, gain new perspectives, improve their communication & problem solving skills, and appreciate the positive impact they have on all beings around them.
Group meets weekly for 1 hour session in nature
Past groups
2024 FALL
2025 WINTER, SPRING, Summer send-off, Fall
2026 Winter
Nature GROUP therapy for pre-teens:
nATURE gROUP THERAPY FOR PRE-TEEN GIRLS:
2025 sPRING, Summer send-off, Fall
2026 winter
Nature Group Therapy for Teens:
2025 Fall
Nature Group Therapy for Teen Girls:
2026 Spring
