How Hiker Therapy Evolved

After a period of estrangement and looking for a way for us to reconcile our relationship, my son came to me in the Fall of 2011. “Pops, we have nothing in common. Ive been hiking with a friend and his dad.  Let’s go on a hike.” Our first hike was in January 2012 at Torrey Pines State Park, a scenic hiking trail along the Bluffs of Coastal San Diego, California.  

Soon we were exploring hiking trails throughout San Diego County and beyond. The trails became longer, higher, and more challenging. Our first hike at Torrey Pines in January 2012 led to our Hiking Mt. Baldy in May 2012.  Two-and-a-half years later we made our first attempt of the highest Mountain Peak in the lower 48, Mt. Whitney, in the Eastern Sierra of California.

As our hiking accomplishments and skills grew richer, so did the growth in our relationship. Being side by side on the trail, we could open up to one another with honest communication. Hiking offered me 3 gifts: a stronger relationship with my son, a passion for hiking, and the planting of the seeds for Hiker Therapy. 

Hiker Therapy started as a website and blog to provide hike reviews on the trails we hiked. as time passed, so did Hiker Therapy. Articles posted on the therapeutic benefit of hiking started a blog. A page for Mental Health and Recovery resources went live. I set group hikes up with those in the community.

 Hiker Therapy allowed me to establish a Solution Focused Coaching and Counseling private practice.  I also used Hiker Therapy with clients at non-profit and recovery clinics I was employed at. 

Another benefit attributed to Hiker Therapy is my strength as a motivational speaker. A skill I have developed and use to speak to various groups, organizations, schools, and clinics in the area. 

Hiking, Nature and The Exercise Effect

By changing a thought and moving a muscle hiking is such a therapeutic outlet.  The sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy from trail-head to summit and back are rich rewards.

Nature engages The 5 senses: sight, sound, taste, touch and smell like no other place. This engagement provides a therapeutic effect of calm, peace, and joy.

Combining physical activity only enhances the experience.  From the American Psychological Association article The Exercise Affect, written by Kirsten Weir, Research has shown that physical exercise provides as much relief from stress as does medication.  

Coaching, Counseling, Therapy, Motivation

The natural therapeutic effect presented by nature enhances my experience and training as a mental health and recovery clinician combined with my ability to motivate my clients and to actively listen with unconditional positive regard. 

Who benefits from a Hiker Therapy Coaching Session?

I have worked with groups, individuals, couples, family’s ages 12-75 including adult, youth, young adults, LGBTQ, veterans and seniors. 

Mission Statement

Combining Hiking, Mental Health and Recovery Counseling to offer a holistic healing approach to Elevate The Mind Body and Soul, the vital components that make us whole.