by Kelly Weld, NSA therapist

I was having one of those incredible moments last week when I found myself surfing at sunset with Nico.   Our Surf Club heads to South Jaco every week, which may be my favorite part of the job (which says a lot).   I’ve been out in many different conditions: the perfect 4’ rollers in which everyone feels like a professional; big waves in which many of us ride the white water (when we clearly are not professionals), or even flat calm days in which there are no waves to catch, but everyone still feels the magic.
 
There is a particular bond that happens between people over a surf outing: first the anticipation and shared excitement on the drive to the beach, and then the stories told over post-session pizza.  It is during these activities where some of my best student connections are made.  Paddling in the warm water under a rose-covered sky, I watched Nico return to the lineup after surfing the last set.  He grinned at me, happy and proud of the wave he caught, while clearly amused by my recent wipe-out.   I am not the best surfer, but laughing at ourselves is part of the fun.

I have found that it is moments like these that allow the most natural and open relationships to develop between myself as a therapist, and the students with whom I work.  There is an emotional connection that occurs when sharing favorite activities with someone, particularly in an outdoor setting.   Profound relationships develop when that activity includes a “challenge element” (eliciting the “flow state” of presence and mindfulness) with an attainable struggle that eventually leads to mastery (creating a sense of earned pride and personal confidence).    
 
On our drive back to campus, I could tell that something special had happened out in the water that evening:  Nico and I had strengthened our shared experience and personal history.   Whether it be surfing, rock climbing, paddling, or the rhythm of walking, NSA’s experiential Aventuras create opportunities for deep therapeutic rapport, the foundation for clinical efficacy.