A few days ago, the sun fresh in the morning sky and my Subaru’s tires crunching over the gravel lot of a new-to-me hike, I spotted my therapist standing at the trailhead. I always make sure my own clients know the plan for if we see each other in the wild, but we didn’t need a plan that morning because we knew we’d see each other there, at the base of the painted hills. My therapist practices ecotherapy, a beautiful way to connect through movement and nature.
That morning, we hiked among cacti, chatting and reflecting and stopping to pet a dog along the trail. After an hour or so, we looked up at the final rocky incline and he asked if I was up for it, with the heat of the desert spring day mounting. We began our ascent and it felt nearly poetic - climbing a mountain together, literally and metaphorically.
Like all good therapists, mine is exceptional at holding space, and the space that morning felt expansive as we looked together over the valley I now call home. Reflecting on my first experience with ecotherapy over the following days, what spoke to me most wasn’t the enchantment I felt with this form of therapy, though anyone who knows me won’t be surprised to hear I’m completely enamored with the idea of processing feelings on a mountaintop. What I found myself more fascinated with was the myriad spaces we can create for healing, all working in their own unique ways, serving their own purposes.
My own therapy practice is all virtual and I’m always moved at the profound healing that can be achieved within this digital form of connection. The relationships I form with my clients feel deep in different yet similarly beautiful ways to the connection I felt with my own therapist on the mountaintop that day. The energy and space held in my zoom room is magical and healing.
I’m able to build therapeutic relationships with clients who lead rich, busy lives and meet with me in between meetings and after kid’s bedtimes. Sometimes they sit with me in the comfort of their pajamas or with a cat cozied up on their lap for support. It’s intimate and I’m grateful every day for the beauty of these connections through time and space.
Healing is found through so many forms of connection. Last week, I met with someone for a virtual creative ritual + grounding one-on-one and together we chatted about her creative hopes and pinched clay into pots and practiced slowing down and mindfully breathed air into our lungs. Another form of connection, a reminder that the ways of healing are layered and truly endless.
Maybe climbing a mountain is for you or maybe connecting in my zoom room feels more approachable. Everything in this life is an experiment, and you’ll never uncover what works best for you until you try.
May we all find healing in communion - through digital spaces, on the tops of mountains, and in all the spaces in between.
my community clay play gathering in soho is so soon - april 28th (!!!) join us for a slow sunday morning of clay play and manifesting - there’s still space, grab your seat here to zen out with us :)
last week’s creative ritual and grounding session with a new client was magical and fun and expansive. learn more about how you can ground with me using clay and your breath + find your way if you’re feeling a little unsteady here (and use the code HEALINGCLAY for $11 off!)
i’m continuing to grow my therapy practice in nyc - if you or someone you know is feeling stuck, lost at sea, frustrated, or hurting - I’m here! *please know that, because of licensing, you must live in new york state for us to work together!
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⋰ email: grace@gracecady.com