OUR MISSION:
To help youth with mental health concerns achieve psychological wellness.
We believe our program is best used in conjunction with a treatment plan outlined by a mental health professional.
OUR PROCESS:
MINDFULNESS BASED SURF THERAPY
Our innovative surf therapy program is based on mindfulness techniques and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s flow theory. Flow theory states that when a person’s mind is fully focused and immersed in an activity, it produces a feeling of enjoyment and peace in the process of the activity akin to meditation.
Mindfulness is the psychological process of bringing one’s attention to experiences occurring in the present moment. Through learning to surf you are able to learn both these processes and then apply the techniques to life outside the ocean.
How Mindfulness Based Surf Therapy can help:
1. Gain confidence by conquering a new skill
2. Face fears and learn applicable techniques to manage anxiety
3. Learn to be present in ones environment
4. Exercise has been shown to help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety
5. Become comfortable in an unpredictable and challenging environment
6. Reduce stress
7. Improve social connectivity by joining a community
8. Many others
OUR REQUIREMENTS:
Age 6-18 Parent or Guardian able to attend sessions As we strongly support evidenced based medicine and psychological care, we prefer referrals from mental health professionals or physicians already involved in the care of the youth No seizure within one year of session or clearance from physician preferably neurologist Willingness to share details of youths concerns so sessions can be individually tailored Willingness to compete pre and post questionnaire
Please contact us for further information
Scholarships are available
References:
1. Nick Caddick, Brett Smith, and Cassandra Phoenix.The Effects of Surfing and the Natural Environment on the Well-Being of Combat Veterans. Qualitative Health Research.Vol 25, Issue 1, pp. 76 – 84. September 2014.
2. Benjamin J. Levin and Jim TaylorDepression, Anxiety, and Coping in Surfers. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology. Vol. 5: , Issue 2, : Pages 148-165, June 2011
3. Ströhle, A. J Neural Transm (2009) 116: 777.