Humans are connected to natural spaces. Living in the Natural State, we are surrounded by nature, agriculture, and rural spaces. While Arkansas as a state may be lacking in total population size, we are not lacking in nature. Over half, 56%, of our state is forested land. According to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, in 2022 this is 11.7 billion trees all together.
We experience connection through the natural world inspired through seasonal changes, growth, death; natural occurring events. We are motivated by geotourism, traveling and exploring new and old places. We create cultures around the land and geographic space we reside. Even though our modern world is based on technology and immediate gratification, we still find healing in nature. John Burroughs is quoted with “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order”.
The environment we find ourself in shapes us in both ways we understand and ways we do not yet understand. All of the major counseling theories hold the following notions: people need connection to others and they need a supportive environment. That does not sound like the most difficult task, but when we bring in the complexities of life- it can be extremely difficult.
Even if this is the first time you’ve heard of a ‘desire path’ I imagine you know of the concept. JM Barrie is quoted calling them “paths that have made themselves”, Robert Macfarlane likened to “free-will ways”. Paths and tracks made over time by the well wishes and feet of walkers, especially those paths that run contrary to design or planning”. The New Yorker informs us other names “cow paths, pirate paths, social trails, kemonomichi (beast trails), chemins del’âne (donkey paths), and Olifantenpad (elephant trails). Desire Paths, whether revealing “collective disobedience” or showcasing “the inherent flaws in a city’s design”, often guide us in a connected, collective way.
Therapy should not be any different, conceptually. Susan is trained in EMDR, EFT play and art style therapy. She is LGBTQIA, and poly affirming. She graduated from Hendrix in 2016 with a BA in Psychology, and then with a Master’s in Social Work from University of Arkansas: Little Rock campus. Licensed in the state of Arkansas. Being informed through person centered theories, dialectal behavior therapy, mindfulness concepts, and nature based theories, we will work together on a path that works for you. Experienced in working with all ages of people, Susan is currently accepting clients who are 14-99+.
