Moving Ahead!
June Update
So much has been happening in my own life and in Life Hikes! Let me catch you up!
In February, I joined Clear Minds Integrative Mental Health practice as an Associate Clinical Therapist. I am currently seeing clients in our Los Gatos office specializing in issues related to grief, loss, trauma, transition, anxiety and depression. I also provide
Ecotherapy sessions outdoors for those who desire a unique and transformative alternative to the office. It is such a privilige to work with the amazing team at
Clear Minds. We truly have a collaborative, holistic approach to treatment. Supervision of my clinical hours towards my LCSW is being provided by William Klindt, MD, and Stephanie Klindt, MFT. I am so appreciative for the opportunity to able to learn from such gifted professionals and incredible people.

In partnership with Clear Minds, I am also seeing clients at the Wellness Retreat Center in San Jose. It's a beautiful center with a holistic approach to treating substance abuse, providing yoga, healthy food, and now ECOTHERAPY. I'm excited about the opportunity they are giving me to take the residents out for group therapy in beautiful places in our area.

I am currently accepting new clients for in office therapy and ecotherapy. You can learn more about the integrative and innovatice approach we offer at Clear Minds by clicking the link below. If you'd like to make a referral or talk to me personally call 408-357-4876
What is ECOTHERAPY?
In April, I began the 5 month process towards certification in ECOTHERAPY through Wilderness Refections. It began with an 8 day intensive outdoors in Samuel P. Taylor State Park and continues with coursework and consultaion through July. Under the direction of Dave Talamo, MFT, I have learned much about accessing the resources of nature to help people heal. Our brains are programmed for growth and activation in outdoor environments where we use all of our senses in multidimensional ways. Holistic treaments for mental health are now being backed up by strong clinical research on how ecotherapy works on integrating mind and body, something critical for those who have suffered trauma, or who suffer from symptoms of depression or ADHD. As Ecotherapists, we use a broad range of nature-based methods of psychological healing, grounded from the fact that people are nurtured and find meaning in a healthy interaction with the outdoors.

Additionally, I'm combining my love for the outdoors and movement to provide somatic ecotherapy to clients. This is why I began Life Hikes! I believe so strongly that movement and the outdoors provides a powerful road to healing. The last few months, I've spread the ecotherapy message by speaking to groups in Santa Cruz and San Jose on using ecotherapy to treat trauma, addiction and ADHD.
I started Life Hikes because I believe that healing doesn't have to be boring! The past year or so I've developed and led hikes for surviors of sexual abuse and assault, grief and loss, and trips geared for self improvement and greater connection to the outdoors and other people. I've taken groups to Yosemite and Angel Island and all over Santa Cruz County. The upcoming October Zion Retreat filled in 48 hours! It's an amazing blessing to share these experiences and to see growth along the trail. I always say it's my job create experiences that make you feel uncomfortable and safe! We need both to grow! Nothing changes without some personal effort, and support, but we can have fun in the process of growth.

As I move forward, my goal is to work in partnership with agencies and organizations developing and leading hikes that suit the specific needs of their clients. I will also be adding Vision Quest hikes in the Fall, creating safe and directed SOLO experiences in some remote and gorgeous places where people can be supported in personal reflection, and outdoor experience.

Arise, the July 14th Castle Rock trip, grew out of many requests to have a less specific trip on brokennes. You can check out the details below!

I'm always excited to collaborate with other professionals on how we can create healing experiences in the outdoors. Let's talk!
Saturday, July 14th, 
Castle Rock State Park

An all day hiking retreat in Castle Rock State Park. Life can be harsh. Grief, loss, pain, can leave lasting impressions. Regardless of what you have been through, you are not broken. Hike and explore rocks, caves and beautiful views, enjoy quiet time, a healthy lunch, and connect with remarkable women. This is a day you will not forget. We will explore how to walk out of darkness, acknowledge the empty spaces, let go of the pain, and creat something new. We've got a remarkable group of women gathering and would love for you to join us. See the link below for more info. Contact me for scholarship info.

In ONE WEEK, I am hiking Bryce Canyon to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! On my Memory Hikes, I encourage participants to honor their deceased loved ones in specific, life-giving ways. I decided on my first Memory Hike, to honor my dear friend Anita by participating in Team in Training with her sister. It's a way to bond with her AND to raise money to find a cure.

I'm raising funds by hosting a Skyline to Sea hike and lunch in Big Basin on June 30th, with transportation included. ALL FUNDS will go directly to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society There are only a couple of spots left for this hike.

Anyone who has already donated is welcome on this hike as a thank you for your support! You will also be receiving the FIRST EVER "Walk Strong" T-shirts. If you'd like to donate to my support team, it's not too late!

Thank you to those who have donated!
Thank you for being a part of my life and this LIFE HIKE journey! Your support and encouragment have blessed and humbled me! My dream, at this stage of life, is to walk alongside of people in their healing journeys, to show them beauty in outside spaces, and to help them see the beauty and the strength in themselves. The reason I am so passionate about this is because I have been blessed by people like YOU who have walked ME through beautiful places. I am so very grateful.

I hope to see you on the trail soon!

Walk Strong!

Darci
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