Wild Heart provides somatic eco-therapy, nature-based mentorship and healing retreats in the Texas Hill Country for individuals, couples and groups looking to reconnect with themselves, their communities and the natural world around them. We integrate the restorative and transcendental properties of the land into our therapeutic practice, harnessing the extraordinary powers of nature to help individuals process trauma, renew their spirits and develop a stronger sense of being and purpose.
Wild Heart works with predominantly women, couples and small groups to provide holistic healing experiences that support individuals on their paths toward healing and self-discovery.
Many of our participants have experienced success in certain areas of their lives but still feel something deeper is missing, leaving them unsettled, often without a direct understanding as to why. They have reached a place in life where they need to re-asses and reconnect with their soul, inner being and spirituality, either again or perhaps for the first time.
Others may be experiencing a realization that old wounds or traumas are holding them back from what they desire. They may feel lonely and isolated even if they find themselves around others.
Regardless of the underlying motivation, Wild Heart is most beneficial for those who want to be in community with people who are on a similar path and are open to new ways of healing.
We utilize the properties of the land and nature around us to provide somatic eco-therapy and EMDR-based healing support to individuals, as well as opportunities for retreat, reconnection and renewal with the self, each other and the natural world.
Each participant arrives with unique needs, and as such, we approach each participant’s healing journey differently. Every retreat and intensive is designed around what is assessed and discussed to be the needs and goals of those involved.
Regardless of the combination of therapies or methods used, the Wild Heart approach is one of curiosity, grace, compassion and a belief in the sovereignty of our clients. Individuals will leave our time together having gained an inner peace, guidance and strength they may have not felt before.
A therapist by training and profession, my practice and approach are rooted in a deep connection to nature. I act as a catalyst and conduit, opening space for nature to come through and do the healing work. I believe that when people are connected to nature, their own inner wisdom will reveal itself and help guide us to what they need from the healing process.
I began my counseling journey 25+ years ago working with youth at summer camps and nonprofits. Eventually, I obtained a Masters in Counseling Psychology and became a licensed therapist in 2012. For the past 11 years, I have worked with individuals, couples and people of all ages and backgrounds as they grow in relational health and recover from trauma, incorporating somatic therapy and EMDR healing methods into my practice.
After leaving the faith I had built my life around through early adulthood, I reconnected to my spirituality through nature. This process, along with my apprenticeship with Will Taegel, eco-spiritual mentor, author and ceremonial guide, led me to create Wild Heart so I could more directly incorporate the spirit of the Land and the mind-body-soul connection into my healing practice, guiding individuals and groups on their healing journeys in the wilderness.
Tending to the soul is at the core of my life, and it is my intention to be in communion with the sacred around us in the natural world, and guiding others along this healing path.
During 2020 in the midst of the pandemic, my partner, Mark, and I ventured out to find a piece of land that would serve as the bedrock for the Wild Heart practice. Through a series of auspicious encounters and chance events, we were granted the honor to be in relationship with the land land we now call Wild Heart Preserve.
Twenty years ago when I first had a vision of a community gathering space, I had no idea that this remarkable and sacred 113 acres of mostly untouched land in the Texas Hill Country would become the home for such a place. Wild Heart Preserve is far beyond what I could have ever imagined – a true Sanctuary in Nature, where the remarkable rock formations, forest, creek and rolling hills become a life force for healing, retreat and renewal.
Wild Heart (Therapy and Preserve) is named in honor of my mentor, Will Taegel, and his work. He called our Wild Heart self the part of us that is still connected with nature, the part that is in-tune and knows how to listen and be in relationship with the environment around us. It's our true natural self. The name also fits the land itself – it’s still wild! – which is rarely the case these days. We hope the wilderness of the place can help all who visit reconnect to their Wild Hearts.
Please note that we do not currently accept insurance, however, we can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. We do reserve a small number of sliding-scale spots for clients who may not be able to afford my/our full fees. Please let us know if you're interested in exploring this option. If you're able to pay the full cost of our services, please allow the sliding-scale spots to remain available for other clients.
All three are possible! We have the options of meeting virtually, in our Central Austin office or at Wild Heart Preserve.
EMDR intensives are also available through all three options.
We will meet over the phone or online to create a plan for your journey together before scheduling a Nature Immersive at the preserve.
Set up a free call with Rachael to see what option works best for you!
In office and virtual EMDR sessions are $220 for a 50 minute session.
For EMDR and Nature / Ecotherapy Intensives, let chat about your options. Set up a call with the link above or fill our the inquiry form on the contact page and we will reach out for a complementary call!
I work with both men and women.
At Wild Heart Preserve, for solo nature intensives, I work predominantly with women and non-men.
Typically, I work with those identifying as men in tandem with women and non-binary folks in couples or group work or after a long-term working relationship.
Please reach if you are unsure if we would be a fit.
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, the “No Surprises Act,” you have a right to receive a “good faith estimate” explaining how much your therapy services will cost. Healthcare providers are required to provide clients who do not have insurance or who choose not to use their insurance for therapy services with an estimate of the cost of those services. The total cost for each client will vary depending upon the length of time and frequency of sessions that occur throughout the therapeutic relationship as determined by the initial assessment and continued evaluation of treatment needs and progress. Your estimate will be valid for the twelve (12) months from the date of issue. Should any fee changes occur, or upon your request, I/the practice will provide you with a new Good Faith estimate.
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