What the participants say. . .

Well grounded ecotherapy training that transformed my way of working with clients…

“Historically, my work in the Natural World and my clinical work were separate, compartmentalized.  On one hand, there were my outdoor workshops and on the other, my indoor psychotherapy practice. This course furnished me with the training I needed to seamlessly integrate my work in the natural world into my private practice.  I was provided scholarly and well grounded ecotherapy training that transformed my way of working with clients. It is relevant, sustaining and life giving. My practice is forever changed.”

~ Sherylyn Pitt, MSW LCSW LCAS

The course gave me the theoretical foundation and guided me along the journey…

“This course not only gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone to do something that I have been contemplating for some time, it gave me the theoretical foundation and guided me along the journey with the readings, webinars and homework assignments. This was my first time doing a class online (other than watching a pre-recorded webinar), and it was a very positive experience. Ariana’s wisdom and experience showed throughout the course.”

~ Shannon Waliser, LISCW, MPA

I appreciated Adrián’s facilitation, his expertise in the WTR, rituals, and in his ability to navigate difficult conversations around cultural appropriation, land acknowledgment, etc…

“He modeled the work perfectly and is passion-driven, which is always inspiring.”

Dr. Shannon Sloan-Spice

“Adrián was a lovely leader – he is calm and compassionate, quiet yet commanding. He clearly has deep knowledge but at the same time is very good at allowing the participants to speak, have input, feel respected, basically to coach, to lead.”

~ Taryn Jollimore

Lili was a great teacher! I found her consultation very helpful…

“…her way of facilitating both gently supportive and inspiring, and her experience great to learn from.”
~ Participant in Level 1 Online Ecotherapy

“Lili is a gem, very affirming with an ability to listen deeply and affirm student’s strengths. Her feedback was helpful and thoughtful. I enjoyed many of my group dyad interactions. -Teresa Reinhardt

~ Sarita Jessica Benn-Towle, AMFT

A transformative gift…

“A transformative gift of inspiration, courage, vulnerability, authenticity, and vital connection….”

~ Paula Pappajohn, MA, RCC

This experience surrounded me in love and power…

“This experience surrounded me in love and power… It boosted my confidence and expanded my knowledge to effectively use ecotherapy in my work.”

~ Cecelia Futch, LPCC

The knowledge, education, friendships, and love that you will feel during this experience, is incredible…

“Ariana and Kai are two incredible women who have passion and drive for what they do. From calming your soul with connection to the natural world, moving without judgement, or simply reflecting and pondering on experiences, this training is an incredible opportunity to personally experience how to be successful in Ecotherapy…It gave me a better understanding and tools to help support not only my own nature practices, but also those I work with. The knowledge, education, friendships, and love that you will feel during this experience, is incredible AND it is a judgement free space…This training is an A+! I can not wait for more opportunities to work with these outstanding woman.”

~ Jamie Carrier, Certified Health Coach

Ariana reflects the strengths of the participants back to them so that they come to know their own abilities…

“Ariana holds space by offering such a perfect balance of acceptance and guidance. She does a beautiful job of reflecting the strengths of the participants back to them so that they come to know their own abilities. This training was a full and satisfying experience for both the heart and the head. Ariana has an impeccable sense of timing when it comes to program planning, and helping trainees plan their own workshop agendas. She is adaptable and strong in all the best ways and was extremely helpful in holding a vision of excellence for me that encouraged me to take action to build my own Ecotherapy practice. She showed me some key ways to make little changes to my own programs that have made a big difference.”

~ Katie Baptist, LCSW

Ariana covered the legal, ethical, and clinical issues thoroughly, and she contextualized it all with political, philosophical, and spiritual perspectives…

“I’d been dreaming for years about doing therapy in nature, but I felt nervous about the issues involved in taking clients outdoors safely. Ariana’s class was very holistic – she covered the legal, ethical, and clinical issues thoroughly, and she contextualized it all with political, philosophical, and spiritual perspectives. The weekly discussion forums and video conferences made me feel part of a learning community that was spread around the globe. I even got outdoors for my first ecotherapy session with a client! This course truly helped me expand my practice, and I did some personal and spiritual growth along the way.”

~ Kip Williams, MFT and Doctoral Student in Psychology

The training is open, yet gently ushers the learner to growing…

“This course was beneficial and welcoming of anybody who has any level of interest in the field of Ecotherapy. The training is open, yet gently ushers the learner to growing through academic, theoretical, practical, shared learning and thus creates a holistic learning experience. The course also offers an approach that is conducive to both clinical and less clinical participants – enabling learning to happen without superficial boundaries.”

~ Memona Hossain, Service Resolution Coordinator – working with children and youth, Ontario, Canada

A fabulous balance of practical and sacred approaches to ecotherapy…

“This program has true holistic integrity. The teachings, the teachers, the venue and even the food were all in alignment with healthy eco-consciousness. There was a fabulous balance of practical and sacred approaches to ecotherapy both from a personal and clinical perspective. The curriculum was applicable to those who are newly acquainted to the natural world and also to those who have an abiding devotion to ecotherapy. I highly recommend this program for individual and collective evolution as a practitioner and as a human on this planet, at this time.”

~ Sarita Jessica Benn-Towle, AMFT

Ariana’s Immersion course awakened my deep love … and joyful inner relationship with Nature…

“Ariana’s Immersion course was one of the most precious experiences of my life. It awakened my deep love …and joyful inner relationship with Nature. It strengthened my commitment to advocate for the Earth and healed much of my pain, guilt and shame for the harm being done. It inspired me to keep feeling and make choices to protect and heal the Earth.”

~ D. C., LMFT

Having several decades of experience being a student in professional trainings has shaped and honed my discernment for recognizing superlative teaching and facilitating, Ariana and Ryan, both individually and collaboratively, land fully in this field….

“The qualities that I value in this arena are all generously offered through presentations, invitations, inquiries for exploration, comments on posts, opportunities for and encouragement of active engagement in sessions, willingness to explore, availability and responsiveness, support, authenticity, vulnerability, humor, wisdom, kindness and compassion.

~ Marianne Rowe, LMFT, Founder of Monterey Bay Meditation Studio

“Ryan was fantastic. He was knowledgeable and most importantly, a great listener and guide….

“I greatly admired his mirroring skills, which have clearly been learned from Mother Nature herself. I have learned so much from Ryan and look forward to incorporating his techniques into my practice as well.”

~ Participant in Spring 2021 Ecotherapy Certificate Course

Ariana’s trainings have been monumental to my evolution as an ecotherapy educator, facilitator, and practitioner…

“Ariana’s trainings have been monumental to my evolution as an ecotherapy educator, facilitator, and practitioner. They helped me go beyond my comfort zone to explore powerful new ways of connecting with and learning from the natural world. I have since incorporated these new understandings into my existing course “The Science & Experience of Ecotherapy” at William & Mary, and it has taken the course to another level. I am eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such an inspirational and accomplished leader in the field!”

Dorothy C. Ibes, PhD Senior Lecturer, Environmental Science & Policy and Center for Geospatial Analysis

I really appreciate Niralli’s and Musenge‘s approach to training.  They really opened my eyes to a teaching style that I’ve never experienced in any mental health training

“I’m so used to rigid timelines that are very lecture based.  I love how they both were in tune with guiding us in exercises that connected us with ourselves and the outside world.  I love their sensitivity to the current social issues and climate was able to engage us conversations that helps us heal and process while still connecting it to ecotherapy.”

~ Brandi Treadway

“Both facilitators (Niralli and Musenge) were wonderful, full of wisdom, knowledge and with differing strengths. They were both compassionate, patient and warm in their presentation styles and made me feel safe and comfortable.”

~ Ali Workman

Niralli was ever gracious and competent

“…She managed a roomful of professionals from varying countries, cultures and temperaments with great skill. Her feedback on my assignments was appreciated. I would very much like to learn from again.”

Philana Crite

 

“Musenge has a calming and warm presence. She exudes leadership qualities and was able to encourage discussion of difficult topics.”

~ Toni Nicholls

The course is totally inspiring and has excited my passion for nature connection…

“…Ariana’s course is totally inspiring and has excited my passion for nature connection even more.. Ariana is skillful at tailoring the course to a wide variety of individuals and backgrounds… It is a vital course to assist not only our health as humans but also the health of the planet.”

Helen G, Nurse and Complementary Therapist,  Scotland, UK.  

Amanda was just perfect. Very positive, understanding, supportive…

“So nice to learn from her in the class and see how she handled feedback and knowing how to hold the space for us. Deeply appreciate her!”

~ Tara Muenz

“Amanda is very knowledgeable and inspiring. She managed the time well and switched topics and activities to keep us all engaged and participating. She shared personal stories and experiences which were helpful, and gave very encouraging feedback.”

~ Participant in Spring 2021 Ecotherapy Certificate Course

A safe and nourishing environment for the learning, expanding, and connecting…

“It was a wonderful experience to be in the presence of such passionate and knowledgeable women. Seven Oaks offered a safe and nourishing environment for the learning, expanding, and connecting we were doing. Ariana’s gentle style of guiding and teaching offered ease and acceptance to all that arose and was present. The movement in combination with natural environment was an organic unfolding of pure support and magical connection! Grateful to have moved with and been moved by the leadership & community formed!”

Wakelyn Malitz MA, LPC-I, R-DMT

I find myself repeatedly touched by the depth of Ryan’s caring for Earth and all her beings and by his dedication to practice and evolving new pathways of relationship and culture.

“I am moved by the presence that you bring to deep listening and your willingness to explore different perspectives. Your ability to express through poetry and action what’s in your heart and your desire for healthy relationship among all beings is a source of inspiration for me.”

~ Marianne B. Rowe, MS, LMFT, Summer 2022 Level 3 Ecotherapy Training

This training was connecting, grounding, heart expanding and truly life changing…

“This immersion week was not just a professional development training, although I gained so much more knowledge, skills and tools than I expected. This training was also an experience in deep personal growth. It was connecting, grounding, heart expanding and truly life changing. I felt honored for who I am and encouraged to grow into my gifts. I would do it all over again tomorrow.”

Jillynn Garcia LMFT, LCAT

Kai is a warm and knowledgeable teacher who creates a welcoming space for everyone…

“…and a wonderful sense of community. I have experienced more peace and reduced stress since taking her class, and I feel more connected to the natural world than ever before. I would recommend her program to anyone looking to build a relationship with nature and share that experience with others.”

Shawna, Mental Health Clinician