Individual Surf therapy sessions
TAKE YOUR RECOVERY & Mental health TO THE NEXT LEVEL!
Surf therapy is where the healing power of the ocean meets personalized care in our one-on-one surf therapy sessions. At the heart of our practice is a commitment to holistic well-being, harnessing the transformative energy of the waves for individual mental health healing journeys. Our therapists blend a deep passion for the ocean and surfing with a profound understanding of the therapeutic benefits it offers. We uniquely integrate evidence-based practices such as Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into our surf therapy sessions, combining the proven efficacy of these traditional therapeutic techniques with the dynamic healing environment of the sea. Through tailored sessions, we guide individuals on a unique path to self-discovery, resilience, and inner balance. Our approach goes beyond traditional therapy, immersing participants in the dynamic rhythm of the sea to foster mental and emotional well-being. Discover the profound connection between mind, body, and ocean as we embark on a journey of self-discovery together.
What TO EXPECT
Individual Surf Therapy offers a safe, supportive space to heal through the healing powers of the ocean. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, healing from trauma, or simply looking to deepen your connection to self, this one-on-one session is designed to meet you exactly where you are.
Together, we flow at your pace — honoring your story, your nervous system, and your readiness. Each surf therapy session is a blend of surf coaching, mindfulness practices, and therapeutic dialogue, grounded in trauma-informed care and ocean-based healing.
A pre-session phone consultation to set intentions
Personalized surf instruction based on your experience level
Trauma-informed therapeutic support throughout the session
Breathwork, grounding techniques, and ocean mindfulness practices
All equipment provided (soft top surfboard, wetsuit if needed)
Located in Los Angeles (Venice Beach, El Porto, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach), Orange County (Huntington Beach, Newport Beach) and San Diego
AT A GLANCE…
What to expect from an individual session
Open compassionate safe space to express and explore what you are experiencing
Feedback, reflection, and open ended questions to aid in self discovery
New skills to understand what is happening in your internal world through meditation, breath, and movement
A blend of talk therapy, somatic experiencing, and surfing
Slowing down, a time for rest and processing
An approach that is catered directly to you
How Long?
1:1 sessions are 1 hour long
Cost?
We have a sliding scale available to ensure access
Where?
El Porto, Manhattan Beach
Topaz or Sapphire, South Redondo
South Bay
Venice Beach or Venice Beach Pier
Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Orange County
San Diego
What is provided?
Wetsuits, surfboards, leashes, and clinical documentation
Meet Your Surf Therapy Team!
-
Sophie Pyne, LCSW
SUPERVISOR & CO-FOUNDER
Sophie began working in the behavioral and mental health field in 2014 after getting sober and graduating with her BA from University of Southern California. Since entering recovery, she has received her Masters in Social Work (MSW) and has held various positions in the mental health field, including case manager, group facilitator, primary therapist, clinical outreach, and most recently executive director of a national young adult mental health and substance use disorder treatment center.
Sophie learned to surf during her recovery journey and found deep healing and transformation through a connection with the ocean, which she loves to share with others!
-
Michelle Cortrite, ACSW
SURF THERAPY FACILITATOR
Michelle is an Associate Clinical Social Worker from Santa Monica, CA. She has worked with children and families in the mental health and social welfare field for 8+ years. She is a swimming and surfing coach and has been helping to facilitate surf therapy groups for the past three years. In her free time, Michelle is an open-water swimmer, surfer, and overall lover of all things ocean. She believes passionately in water's ability to heal and connect us.
-
Isabel Aguirre, ACSW
SURF THERAPY FACILITATOR
Isabel decided to become a therapist after finding healing through her own
therapy journey. Through her lived experiences and professional training, she shares how to find balance and comfort with surfing the highs and lows of life, which are essential for healing. Isabel received her BA in Psychology from LMU and her Master’s in Social Work from UCLA. With a clinical foundation in outpatient psychiatric services and school-based social work, Isabel has experience with various populations from young kiddos to older adults. As a certified yoga instructor, Isabel practices mind/body work with clients through yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. In her free time, Isabel surfs (obviously), plays beach volleyball, and makes art! -
Air Kessler, ACSW
SURF THERAPY FACILITATOR
With an extensive background in educational and healthcare settings, Air has specialized in helping young adults manage complex trauma and gender identity issues. Air is a passionate advocate for a holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing mental and physical well-being in his practice. As an avid surfer, Air notes that he has found connection, confidence, and humility in the ocean and hopes to share this with those seeking healing.
-
Nathaniel Mills
Description goes here
FAQs
-
No prior surfing experience is necessary! For those who are new to surfing, we require the presence of one of our Waves of Recovery surf coaches during the initial sessions for safety reasons. The duration for which a surf coach will be present varies for each individual, ensuring a gradual and comfortable progression into the surf therapy experience.
-
Absolutely, it's a great point! If you're already an experienced surfer, you likely appreciate the therapeutic benefits of riding the waves on your own. However, our unique approach to surf therapy goes beyond the act of surfing itself. For those who are familiar with the sport, we take traditional talk therapy and bring it to the water. As fellow surfers, we understand the connection between the ocean and mental well-being. Why sit in an office when you can be catching waves and engaging in a transformative therapeutic experience?
-
Our therapists operate at several beaches in Los Angeles and Orange County. Your therapist will recommend a beach that aligns with your location and skill level for the optimal surf therapy experience. If you're an experienced surfer with a favorite spot, we're flexible and can arrange to meet you there! Our goal is to ensure that your surf therapy session takes place in a location that suits you best.
-
A typical session is 60 minutes. This can be adjusted to fit your needs.
-
No! We offer wetsuits and boards for your use. However, feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
-
Our sessions are uniquely crafted to cater to the individual needs of our clients, making each experience a bit different. Typically, sessions commence with a beachside check-in, incorporating grounding and mindfulness exercises. For those new to surfing, a significant portion of the session focuses on learning the fundamentals of surfing. If you're already familiar with surfing, the remainder of the session resembles a traditional therapy setting, albeit in the open air, riding waves as we engage in conversation and processing. The ocean becomes our therapeutic backdrop, offering valuable lessons about ourselves and the world around us. Together, we'll reflect and process whatever surfaces through the rhythm of the waves!
-
Please contact us to inquire about pricing. Surf therapy may be reimbursed by some insurance providers. Superbills can be provided.