Kristen Ales, LPC + Kristin Mathes, LCSW: Somatic Regulation Through Nature and Retreat
This week, I am so grateful to welcome Kristen Ales, LPC and Kristin Mathes, LCSW of the Wilder Wellness Podcast. Our conversation delves into the power of connection through group experiential work - a topic that we’ve been reflecting a lot on lately. We also explore how we as practitioners learn to let go of old habits, particularly the tendency to push ourselves too hard in not only our own healing journeys but also in our professional lives.
The three of us also share our experiences facilitating retreats in nature and the power of connecting in groups. Kristin gives us a preview of her deep prep for launching EMERGE, a surf therapy retreat which involves a lot of somatic-based practices with Mother Ocean - happening in February 2025. And in a very vulnerable and honest share, I open up about my process around planning my upcoming retreat and what it’s been like in getting the word out about it.
This episode invites you into a circle of kind, regulated, well-intentioned, compassionate and wonderfully inspired humans. For healing practitioners (especially for those who focus on trauma healing and nervous system regulation), I hope this episode serves you as a deep exhale.
Wilder Wellness is a podcast all about exploring our relationship with our bodies, minds, and communities through an adventurous lens. Tune in each week as Kristen Ales and Kristin Mathes navigate new topics around emotional health, physical health, and living life outside of the box. Kristen and Kristin are two licensed therapists, and friends, for empowering and inspiring interviews with wellness professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and big thinkers, dreamers and doers who are changing the prescription for true well-being.
Instagram: @wilderwellnessco
About Kristin + Kristen
Kristin Mathes, LCSW is a psychotherapist specializing in trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and Depression. She owns and operates her own private practice where she works with women and adolescents who are finding themselves trapped by physical symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. Much of her therapeutic practice is inspired by her time spent as a Wilderness Therapist guiding clients through wilderness expeditions. Nature has always shown her how much our present-day activities disconnect us from our Self, our body, and our relationships. And, importantly, how our physical and emotional health issues can arise from such disconnection.
Check out Kristin’s website to learn more about her work.
Kristin is launching registration for EMERGE, her surf therapy retreat on February 21, 2024
Kristen Ales, LPC is a licensed therapist who specializes in disordered eating and negative body image. After years of disordered eating and hating her body, Kristen built a more trusting and respectful relationship with her body through outdoor activity. Since her early twenties, Kristen has spent years guiding outdoor adventure trips which led to her receiving her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Wilderness Therapy.
Since receiving her Master’s degree, Kristen has founded her own company Wilder Wellness. She works with women of all sizes to help them build confidence in their bodies, on and off of the trail. In this work, Kristen has created and facilitated size-inclusive outdoor adventure retreats, designed online group programs, and courses, and works with clients individually in her clinical practice.
In her free time, she enjoys exploring new places, cooking, and finding new ways to bring her creativity to life.
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