FAQ’s

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. … There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” —Rachel Carson, Silent Spring

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” — Anne Frank

Poets, philosophers, Indegenous peoples, and spiritual seekers have always known what western psychotherapy research is beginning to demonstrate: being in nature is inherently healing. As much as our modern society (and very active minds) may have made us forget, we are animal creatures and are ourselves OF nature. Cultivating our connection with the wild, natural, living world around us returns us to our own humanity.

In short, being outside usually just helps us feel better.

Adventure Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Wilderness Therapy, Nature-Based Therapy… all of these names describe an approach of inviting clients to engage in an experience so that they can learn about themselves.

One academic definition that is often used to describe Adventure Therapy is “the prescriptive use of adventure experiences provided by mental health professionals, often conducted in natural settings that kinaesthetically engage clients on cognitive, affective, and behavioral levels” Gass et al. (2012).

So basically, we’ll do something and then we’ll talk about it. You might be surprised what you discover about yourself.

Nature Therapy, Eco-Therapy, Forest Bathing all use being in nature or connecting with nature as a way to support mental health. At Akasha Wellness, we respect nature as an ally in healing. How we interact with nature depends on your interests. It could be as simple as taking a hike, cooling our feet in a stream on a hot day, or building a campfire while we talk. If you’d like to go deeper, we could explore cultivating deep relationships with specific plants / plant medicines, animals, rivers, or streams, or consider how the changing seasons may reflect internal changes within you. As with everything at Akasha, your interests lead the way.

Plants can be profound teachers to respectful seekers.

Many folks have heard of the Master Plant Teachers (Ayahuasca, Ibogaine, Psilocybin Mushrooms, Peyote, & more); in the right cultural, ceremonial, & therapeutic contexts, these plants can provide deep teachings and profound therapeutic insights. In most parts of the US their use has been prohibited by law for a few decades. Medical research into their use in Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy is currently demonstrating excellent therapeutic results, and laws are changing in some parts of the country to allow their use.

Perhaps fewer people have considered that more commonly found plants can also be teachers. If you step into the woods (or your own backyard), chances are you’ll encounter a plant that would be delighted to share its wisdom with you. For example, Trees, Roses, & Yarrow are a few plant allies that are widespread and can be gentle teachers. Cacao and Blue Lotus grow farther away and can facilitate non-ordinary states of consciousness that can support your therapeutic process.

If you’re curious about cultivating relationships with plants and plant medicines, let’s talk. We’ll create a culturally appropriate custom experience, unique to you.

Psychedelic experiences can be profound, expansive, and overwhelming at times. Psychedelic Integration Therapy offers a safe space to process a past psychedelic experience in order to come to a greater understanding of the experience.

People may seek Psychedelic Integration Therapy because:

-They want to increase the chance of a psychedelic experience leading to lasting positive change in day to day life

-They revisited past trauma during a psychedelic experience

-They had a “bad trip”

-They want to deepen their understanding of a profound spiritual experience

-They want to talk to someone who understands, won’t judge them, and can hold safe space for anything that arises.