“In nature, nothing exists alone.”
Sommerville Johnston, LPC, SEP
I am passionate about facilitating opportunities for individuals and groups to connect with the natural world, to explore their inner-landscapes, and to discover within themselves a strength and beauty more powerful than they previously knew. I have been working as a counselor since 2010 and since 2015 I have been engaged more and more with learning from the body, the part of the natural world that is always with us. I use this as the primary experiential aspect of my individual counseling, but when possible also work with other forms of experiential therapy: ecotherapy and adventure therapy.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher, wilderness guide, and founder of Aspen Roots Collective. I grew up in Alabama, and participate in ongoing personal work around my heritage, privilege, and a deeper understanding of our messy humanity. I operate from a place of curiosity, and incorporate humor into this serious practice of life. I have chosen some alternative paths in life and am familiar with the state of transition, that awkward liminal place of uncertainty and patience.
Above all, I value and respect the fact that each individual is both completely unique to themselves and simultaneously a member of a larger collective. My approach to counseling is to join you on your path of discovery, healing, and growth, and to honor and help uncover your internal wisdom. When it comes to knowing yourself, you are the authority. I am here to encourage you to be, in order for the dust to settle, and allow for more clarity, more self-trust. I will invite you to listen to your body, to learn it's language, and to track your nervous system in order to gain more of a sense of what it is you need to feel safe.
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing (SE) utilizes body awareness, tracking, and mindfulness skills to increase resilience and capacity for both the challenging and the joyful aspects of life. Different from talk therapy and cognitive approaches to mental health, this "bottom-up" approach to brain change focuses on our animal-bodies and our strong drive to survive. Online sessions use a HIPPA compliant video chat software and participants often comment on how suprised they are at the level of authentic connection possible via the internet.
Outdoor Sessions
Offered in Birmingham, AL and the mountains of Western North Carolina, and occassionally in various other locations around the country, outdoor sessions can be stand-alone or as a part of ongoing work with an Aspen Roots Collective counselor. Meeting for hour-long walks and activities in the wilderness or the local park, an outdoor session will incorporate ecotherapy practices that connect your healing with that of the natural world as well as explore the connection between your body and the Earth as a renewing resource.
Experiential Additions
If you already work with another counselor and would like to add an experiential therapy session to your work, Aspen Roots staff will work with you and your counselor to identify goals and create a unique experience to help take your progress to the next level. Examples include half day or full day adventure therapy activities with you or your family on the river, trail, or rock; ritual to mark a significant transition in your life; or supported wilderness solo for deepening the reflection and integration of insights and new awarenesses. Summaries and recommendations are provided to you and your counselor for follow-up.