About
Purpose:
- Carolina Wilderness Renewal exists to provide opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and situations to learn about and experience the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of time spent in natural settings, free from the distractions of human busyness we find ourselves in.
What We Do:
Carolina Wilderness Renewal offers programs and experiences designed for and geared toward multiple audiences, especially those in helping professions including education, medicine, and public service. People in these fields are susceptible to what is known as vicarious stress – they not only have their own burdens, they also frequently take on those for whom they care – which can lead to compassion fatigue and increase the likelihood of burnout.
Why We Do It:
- Many of us are increasingly exhausted, anxious, and emotionally spent from work demands, family, church, and civic obligations, and technology dependence.
- Withdrawal from life responsibilities and avoidance of stress are not realistic options for most; however, regular and intentional periods of rest, contemplation, and restoration can provide the renewal necessary to effectively fulfill the roles we find ourselves in.
- The natural world is physically, mentally, and spiritually therapeutic and time spent in wilderness settings, both in community and in solitude, is beneficial.
Facilitators
Rocky Nation, M.Ed., Ph.D. - Founder
Rocky has an M.Ed. from Converse College and a Ph.D. from Clemson University. He holds certificates in Mindfulness-Based Ecotherapy Facilitation, Positive Psychology Resilience Studies, Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers, and Psychological First Aid. Rocky is currently Associate Professor of Biology at Anderson University in Anderson, SC. His research interests include quantifying physiological responses to mindfulness and nature-based stress management practices. In addition to academic interests and outdoor pursuits, Rocky serves on the boards of the Foothills Trail Conservancy and Rocky River Conservancy
Jeanne Malmgren, M.Ed., LPC
Jeanne holds an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Clemson University and is a nationally board-certified counselor (NCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). A former yoga teacher, Jeanne has received post-graduate training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Most importantly for our purposes, Jeanne holds a certificate in Clinical Ecotherapy and sees clients in outdoor settings around the Upstate through her private practice, Green Bird Nature Therapy.