What makes wilderness therapy different from traditional therapy? How can nature deepen real-time healing? Why are therapy boundaries essential on retreats, and how can you navigate the space safely for both therapist and client?

In this podcast episode, Joe Sanok discusses wilderness therapy and “Paddling with Perfectionism”, a surf retreat to cultivate pleasure, presence, and play, featuring Kristen Ales, LPC, and Kristin Mathes, LCSW.

Podcast Sponsor: Headway















I want to thank Headway for sponsoring this episode.

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Whether you’re growing your team or running an established practice, Headway makes the business side easier with faster credentialing, higher per-session rates, and biweekly payments your team can count on.

They work with therapy, psychiatric, and hybrid groups — and there are no subscription fees. Just the support you need to run your practice with ease.

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Curious how Headway can work for you? 

Meet Kristen Ales, LPC







Kristen Ales is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the founder of Wilder Wellness, a practice dedicated to helping individuals build stronger, more trusting relationships with their bodies. With over a decade of experience, Kristen specializes in treating disordered eating, negative body image, and self-esteem issues. She employs a variety of psychodynamic approaches, including narrative-based therapy and Internal Family Systems, to guide clients toward healing and self-acceptance.

Visit Wilder Wellness and connect on Instagram.

 

 

Meet Kristin Mathes







Kristin Mathes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the owner of Emerge Surf and Somatic Therapy, where she integrates trauma-informed psychotherapy with nature-based healing practices. Specializing in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression, Kristin utilizes techniques such as Brainspotting, HeartMath, breathwork, and trauma-sensitive yoga to help clients achieve emotional regulation and resilience. Her approach emphasizes the importance of connection and relationship in the healing process. Kristin also offers surf therapy retreats and programs, providing clients with opportunities to reclaim power and self-love through surfing and engagement with nature.

Visit Emerge Surf and Somatic Therapy. For information on Paddling with Perfectionism – here’s a gift for you: use the code JOE for a discount!

In This Podcast



* A quick wilderness therapy rundown 

* Wilderness therapy benefits in real time

* Managing boundaries 

* Kristin and Kristen’s advice to private practitioners 



A quick wilderness therapy rundown



I like to tell people that it’s an alternative form of intensive mental healthcare treatment, and rather than being in a facility, which we typically think of when outpatient isn’t enough and we nee...