Groundswell Surf Therapy™
Surf Therapy is ‘A method of intervention combining surf instructing, surfing and structured individual of group activities that promote psychological, physical and wellbeing’ (Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice)
Waves of Excellence
Groundswell Scotland SCIO is a women-centred charity dedicated to improving mental health, building confidence, and fostering social connection through surf therapy and nature-based wellbeing programmes. We support women aged 16+ across East Lothian and the Scottish Borders, particularly those experiencing social isolation, financial hardship, trauma, and mental health challenges.
Our accredited and trauma informed programme, Groundswell Surf Therapy™, supports healing through being in nature and the sea, and learning to surf in a safe, supported environment. All our sessions are delivered by qualified facilitators, and all of our staff and volunteers are supported by a psychotherapist.
Group Therapy Programme
Our 7 week, group surf therapy programme includes:
- journaling and intention setting
- wellbeing practices
- breath work
- groundings
- learning to surf
- female surf history
- surfing, surf safety and beach environment
- waves of wisdom; sharing learning from the sea
Throughout the programme you will be supported in your healing journey as you learn to self regulate difficult emotions, navigate potential triggers, lean into your edges and into the waves to widen your capacity to deal with stress.
We also train our volunteer facilitators and sea-sister mentors to hold space in and out of the ocean to support your healing journey.
1-1 Therapy
Groundswell surf therapy takes place in groups and you will be required to take a 1-1 session with one of our facilitators before your place on the programme is confirmed. 1-1 sessions take 2 hours and begin with a 20 minute health and healing check-in to set intentions and goals for the session.
You can also book a 1-1 session to get help setting healthy rituals and practices, even if you don’t want to do the group based programme.
1-1 sessions are custom made, incorporating wellbeing tools and mindful outdoor activity so that each individual feels supported and encouraged. Therapies used at 1-1 sessions include wellbeing practices such as Yoga and guided meditation, as well as healing and energising activities like journaling, mantra writing, intention setting, manifesting, and more.
What Happens At A Session?
All our 1-1 and group programme sessions are custom made based on your needs to ensure that each individual feels supported and encouraged.
In advance of your first session we will connect for a health and healing check-in where we will set intentions for our time together using Groundswell Groundings. This ensures that all 1-1 and group programme sessions can be custom made based on your needs.
On the day of your session we will meet at Pease Bay Caravan Park where we have an indoor and outdoor space available to us. We will begin by diving into a wellbeing practice to connect us to mind, body and purpose, and from there set off for an adventure in the sea.