If the ocean can calm itself, so can you. We are both salt and water, mixed with air. -Nayyirah Waheed
Surf Therapy is an innovative modality that harnesses the power of the ocean to encourage growth and healing.
There are wonderful metaphors inherent to surfing. Surfing is physically exhausting and challenging to learn. It is humbling and requires patience and perseverance. Through surfing one learns there are times to push through and times for surrender and accept something more powerful than yourself. There is a rhythm to the ocean- the ups and downs, the tides, the sets of wave, the seasonal swells- the rhythms teach us about patience. Further, the ocean is powerful and can elicit fear. It is incredibly rewarding to overcome one’s fear to experience the joy of intimately moving with the power of nature.
We are thrilled to share with the greater psychological community about our innovative treatment model, which draws from psychodynamic theories, trauma theory, ecotherapy, theory of groups, and developmental theory. We seek to be in dialogue with the ACPA community to share and explore the value in alternative treatment models. We hope you’ll harness the power of the ocean with us.
The field of surf therapy is in its infancy and in the last five years there has been a rapid proliferation of research and treatment models harnessing the power of the ocean to support transformational work and social change. For instance, The US Navy is providing surf therapy to veterans to treat post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Surf therapy has also been used to treat substance abuse and has supported the development and community-building skills of children with Autism and children who have come from experiences of poverty. The field of surf therapy is in its infancy and there is a rapid proliferation of research and treatment models harnessing the power of the ocean to support transformational work and social change. At Surf Circle, we are excited to harness the power of the ocean to bring about growth, healing, and maturation.
Presenters: Drs. Adam Moss, Nathan Greene, Christopher Arrillaga, and Roberto Lascano
After attending this live webinar, attendees will be able to:
- Describe mental health challenges unique to adolescent boys.
- Identify 3 barriers to accessing treatment faced by adolescents.
- Name 3 mechanisms by which surf therapy intervention in a group format facilitates personal growth and trauma healing in adolescents.
CPA is cosponsoring with the Alameda County Psychological Association (ACPA). The California Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CPA maintains responsibility for this program and its contents. Important Notice: Those who attend the workshop and complete the evaluation form will receive 3.0 continuing education credits. Please note that APA rules require that we only give credit to those who attend the entire workshop. Those arriving more than 15 minutes after the start time or leaving before the workshop is completed will not receive CE credits.