Re-Tx Yourself -LLC

Yesterday, we had the incredible honor of presenting at the MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Multiple Sclerosis Conference 2026! 🌿

We had the opportunity to demonstrate just how adaptable recreational therapy (ATRA GVSU Master's Students in Recreational Therapy GVSU Recreational Therapy Grand Valley State University Recreational Therapy) can be, meeting individuals where they are and creating meaningful experiences for people of all abilities.

Through a digital nature soundscape and the use of natural elements to create a visual anchor nature mandala, we explored how simple sensory-based activities can be the starting point for building a personalized sensory toolkit to support nervous system regulation.

A huge thank you to Taylor and Jenna for making this opportunity a reality and allowing us to share recreational therapy with your patients, providers, and community. 🥰🌿

Thank you to Walter Dowling for always being part of what I do 💚

You don't need a reason to rest.
You don't need a reason to say no.
You don't need a reason to take up space.
You don't need a reason to ask for help.
You don't need a reason to play.
You don't need a reason to go outside and just be.

Somewhere along the way, we started believing rest and joy had to be earned. They don't. You're allowed to feel good just because.

This is a lot of what recreational therapy is about — using the things that already come naturally to us (play, movement, time outdoors) as real tools for healing, not just nice extras. Nature especially has a way of slowing the nervous system down without you even trying.

What's one thing on this list you needed to hear today?

Re-Tx Yourself can travel to you, whether that's Scotland or somewhere a little closer to home.

For destination immersion retreats, I ask that we plan at least 6 months in advance with a minimum of 6 participants. From there, we'll meet virtually to learn more about your group's needs, what you're hoping to get from the experience, and a price point that feels realistic.

Sometimes, instead of everyone traveling to Maine, it makes more sense for me to come to you. Together, we'll create an unforgettable, individualized Recreational Therapy immersion retreat designed to help you and the people you care about step away from burnout, anxiety, and depression and reconnect with yourselves, each other, and the world around you.

Scotland? Absolutely. Somewhere else? Let's talk.

Somewhere along the way, most of us traded finger painting for spreadsheets, swings for stand-up desks, and made-up games for to-do lists. And somewhere along the way, we stopped feeling as light as we used to.

Here's the thing, play isn't something you outgrow. It's something you lose access to. Your nervous system doesn't know the difference between "productive" and "fun." It just knows when it gets a break.

You don't need a reason to play. You just need permission from yourself.

What's one thing you used to love doing as a kid that you haven't done in years?

Simply going outside is good for you, but research consistently connects time in nature with improved well-being and reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. One study of nearly 20,000 people found that just 120 minutes in nature each week was associated with better self-reported health and well-being.

So what makes working with me different? Intention.

As a Recreational Therapist, I'm not just taking you into the woods. I assess where you are, identify your goals, and intentionally use nature, your senses, movement, breath, and reflection as therapeutic tools. We might be listening to birds, wandering through the woods, or pushing against a tree, but there's always a why behind what we're doing.

Ultimately, the goal is for you to learn what works for you, so you can carry those tools into everyday life.

Got a question you want answered next? Drop it below 👇