Groundswell Surf Therapy™ Clinic
Welcome Home! To Nature, Our Bodies & Community
Our team of trauma-informed, resilience-informed clinicians are here to support you in deepening your relationship with self, others, and the world around you. We honor that we are nature! And like the sea, we have the capacity to experience a diversity of waves in our life. Our hope, is to support you in expanding your capacity to be with, surf, and find joy in all the waves (and even the wipeouts) of life.
Wether from the comfort of your home or in the sea surrounded by community, we meet you where you are at and offer a variety of services to transform trauma into resilience and to reclaim your relationship with your body, mind, and spirit.
Book a Free 15-minute consultation call to learn more
Our Surf Therapy Offerings To Meet You Where You Are At
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Surf Therapy
We utilize the research based Groundswell Surf Therapy ™ model that is rooted in trauma informed, somatic, eco, mindfulness & art therapy practices. Our therapists hold the highest level of psychological and physical safety for you as we invite Mother Ocean to be our greatest teacher in being with everything from fear, anxiety, and grief to knowing you belong and reconnecting to your joy and life force.
For: individuals (ages 7-elderly), couples, families, or small groups
*No swim or surf experience required. Gear rentals available.
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Psychotherapy
We are nature! So whether it is a virtual Telehealth session or in-person at the beach or our office, our clinicians welcome in the wisdom of nature and our bodies into the work we do together. Each clinician is trained in trauma informed eco, art, and somatic therapy modalities and also have their own specialties. So check out our clinicians bios and set up a Free 15 minute consultation session to learn more.
For: individuals (ages 7-elderly), couples, and families
*Provided via virtual, in person at our office or beach locations
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Holistic Surf Coaching
Our holistic surf coaching model provides 1:1 surf coaching for beginners to long time surfers that attunes to the whole person; body, mind, heart, and spirit. From video coaching to in the water support, our Clinicians let each wave be an opportunity to not only improve your surf skills but also deepen and expand your mental health quiver so you can surf all the waves life rolls your way.
For: individuals (ages 5- elderly)
*Gear rentals available
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Team Building Surf Therapy
Is your corporation or community looking for a unique team building experience rooted in deepening mental health awareness, decreasing burnout, and increasing well-being? We utilize the Groundswell Surf Therapy ™ model & curriculum to curate a workshop, event, or retreat for your team that can include beach clean ups, interactive art based mental health workshops, yoga and group surf lessons. Let Groundswell cater a unique Team Building Wellbeing day retreat for your team!
For: schools, sports clubs, corporate, communities or family groups
*All gear provided
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Workshops & Retreats
We believe in the power of learning, healing, and growing in community. Our therapists provide specialty embodiment workshops and retreats that dive deeper into mental health topics like grief, postpartum, relationships, fear, and parenting while connecting to our creativity, joy, and expression. Each workshop is a presencing versus processing space and provides opportunity to be a creative community of care. Check out the scrolling pictures at the bottom of the page for workshops and retreats
For: everyone connecting to the workshop topic
*provided both virtually and in person, locally and globally
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Supervision, Consultation & Coaching
Natalie Small LMFT and licensed clinical supervisor is the founder and creator of Groundswell Surf TherapyTM. She has committed her life’s passion to continuing to support the diversity and access of trauma informed surf therapy for communities around the globe. Whether you are a licensed clinician, surf coach, or community leader looking to provide trauma infrared surf therapy for your clients and community, Natalie provides clinical supervision to support you and the deepening of your work in the world
For: Individual and group
*provided both virtually and in person
Office Locations: San Diego
Ocean Beach: A cozy clinical office shared in partnership with San Diego Pain Trauma Institute
Point Loma: Welcome aboard our 30ft sailboat, Elixer! You can enjoy therapy in the sun on the deck or cozy in the cabin while safely tied up in the marina
Mother Ocean: Our favorite “office space” at a beach location decided on between you and your therapist.
The comfort of your home: Our telehealth sessions allow us to meet you where you are at! We encourage you to set your space for comfort and body access, and bring your journal. andart supplies.
Our Team
We are committed to holding the highest standard of psychological and physical safety for our clients. We are each trained in trauma informed somatic, art, and eco therapies as well as hold water safety and/or lifeguard certifications to support you best. Each of our team hold their own specialties in the field and are committed to continued learning and growing personally and professionally. We meet as a team weekly for group consultation facilitated by certified Supervisor and LMFT Natalie Small to hold each other accountable, to learn, and explore way we can best support our clients and community.
As a team we are accountable to upholding diversity, equity, and access in all areas of our work and life.
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Natalie Small (she/her)
LMFT #92747
I specialize in using the arts, movement, and the natural world around us and within us to help explore and express our truest selves in the world. I spent the last 10 years creating and developing what is now known as the Groundswell Surf Therapy™ model and curriculum and have trained and supervised clinicians around the world. I provide art and somatic based psychotherapy from a trauma and resilience informed EFT and Positive Psychology lens. My job as your therapist is to hold a safe and brave space for you to dive deeper into relationship with yourself, others, and the world around you. It is an honor to walk along side of you and hold space for you to explore, heal, and celebrate the light and shadows within you.
Supporting: individuals (children ages 7+ & adults), couples, and families.
Offerings: Holistic Surf Coaching, Psychotherapy, Surf Therapy, Workshop, Retreats, & Supervision.
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Arielle Katz (she/her)
Surf Therapy Associate AMFT #134469
I am a bilingual therapist with a deep passion for joining individuals as they navigate their unique journeys of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. I offer a client-centered, strengths-based approach to help you explore and transform the narratives that shape your life. My holistic practice fosters a strong mind-body connection; exploring how our bodies respond to stress, trauma, and emotions, guiding you to discover new perspectives, and tap into your inner strengths. My areas of focus are Life transitions, anxiety & depression, women’s issues, relationships, trauma, coping skills, and self esteem. When working with me, I integrate traditional therapeutic methods with the healing power of nature, particularly the ocean, using it as a tool to connect with your body’s sensations and promote emotional well-being and self-discovery.
Supporting: individuals (youth-adults), families, and groups
Offering: In-person and Telehealth individual sessions, Surf Therapy & Holistic Surf Coaching
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Sarah Fisher (she/her)
LMFT #152333
Inspired by nature, community, and self compassion…my values as a therapist are to show up authentically & hope you feel invited to do the same. I am honored to join you on your journey towards feeling more of your true self. Healing involves embracing all the parts of ourselves, which I invite you to experiment with through art, nature, and somatic-based interventions in our sessions together. Whether at the beach, walking, or maybe in our floating sailboat office.
I weave together my experience working in high schools, in a substance use recovery center, surf therapy groups & 1:1 sessions with females and non-binary individuals of all ages.
Supporting: females and non-binary folx of all ages and seasons of life.
Offering: Surf Therapy & Psychotherapy for individuals and community
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Karen Evans (she/her)
Associate AMFT #130320
FromLife's ups and downs—from the joys of motherhood to the challenges of military service, navigating addiction, and loss—have given me a deep understanding and compassion for others. My faith has always been a guiding light, leading me to this work as a therapist. I truly believe healing and joy are possible, and I'm passionate about supporting you along your path to peace and strength. I take a client-centered approach, which means I really focus on your unique needs. I offer traditional therapy, but I'm also excited to offer something a little different: intensive therapy that combines virtual sessions with fun, immersive surf/ocean/nature retreats designed to help you and your loved ones connect and build skills that last. I value knowledge, the mind-body connection, and the healing power of nature, play, laughter, and giving back. I'd love to be a companion on your journey towards joy and well-being.
Supporting: individuals, couples, families, and groups of all ages
Services: Virtual psychotherapy & workshops
Mental Health Access
(Insurance, superbills, sliding scale, & scholarships)
Seeking therapy is hard enough. So we work hard to create easeful access points to meet people where they are at and create a reciprocal flow of energy and support between client and therapist.
Accepting insurance soon!
SuperBills: Our clinicians can make you monthly superbills to submit to your insurance for reimbursement
Sliding Scale: Our associate therapists and licensed therapists are committed to supporting access and hold a % of their sessions for sliding scale. Ask your therapist about this option in your Free 15 minute intake call
Scholarships: Thanks to the generosity of donors, Groundswell Community Project provides quarterly scholarship opportunities for those seeking healing and transformation through trauma informed surf therapy. Apply today!