“To be held / by the light / was what I wanted, / to be a tree drinking the rain, / no longer parched in this hot land. / To be roots in a tunnel growing / but also to be sheltering the inborn leaves / and the green slide of mineral / down the immense distances / into infinite comfort / and the land here, only clay, / still contains and consumes / the thirsty need / the way a tree always shelters the unborn life / waiting for the healing / after the storm / which has been our life. ”
Connected By Nature
A Non-Traditional Approach to Therapy
Have you noticed? People seem to be openly and actively seeking alternatives to our current cultural ways of being in the world - maybe that’s why you’re here. The Soul Work portion of my practice blends together the elements and experiences that I have used along my own path of soul expansion and growth. I call it a Practitioner’s Practice. The elements I draw from are where I found meaning and value along my own path.
Soul Work weaves together Ceremonial Tea, Eco-Somatics, Mysticism, and Psychology, tying in practices and beliefs drawn from Animism, Taoism, and Yoga. I chose not to become a registered psychologist or a clinical counselor because I have found those boxes to be too small for the values I hold and the practices I aim to live my life by. Maybe your own experience within them has also left you wanting more…
The container of Soul Work is an extension of my Tea Journey™ offering. Each session will begin with a Silent Tea Ceremony. Together we will drop into the present moment and allow space for whatever feels present and is holding energy to rise to the surface. Ideally at least three of these sessions will be booked at once, to allow for proper development of the of the container, the relationship and the work to unfold.
To be as clear as possible: I am not offering any secret knowledge, I am merely holding a quiet space for the wisdom of Nature inherent within every one and every thing to be able to come to the surface. I am not the magic, the messenger nor the teacher. I am here to curate the container, pour the water, and be of service as a listener. Nothing beyond that is within my control, nor should it be.
NEW - Distance Deep Listening™ and Integration Work Sessions: The same intentionally held container, but virtually (by video call) for those not located in Calgary. Due to the digital nature of this offering, a Tea Ceremony is not able to be integrated into these sessions. We will do a somatic practice of body awareness and connection instead, to create a similar state of consciousness and ease.
Tea Journey™ + Deep Listening™
*This offering is for anyone who’s struggled to find a good fit within more traditional therapy or counselling practices*
I like to think of this offering as a form of non-traditional therapy. It is a safe space for deep self-inquiry, connection, and transformation. The medicine we seek is already within us; our work is to remember, listen, and integrate. This is an invitation to explore the messages and lessons woven into your current life experiences, especially if you’re feeling "in it" (overwhelmed, unsettled, or on the edge of something new). Together, we will process and alchemize these experiences, distilling insights into meaningful transformation.
Our time together may include deep listening, somatic practices, dreamwork, artistic expression, or the sacred process of soul initiation. We may explore ways of connecting with the Earth - through movement, breathwork, nature immersion, or silence. I’ll draw from my background in East-West Psychology, Yoga Nidra, eco-somatic practices, dreamwork, and Tea Ceremony. We may drum, dance, or sit with stillness. There may be readings or practices for you to explore between sessions.
Each journey is unique, and so is this work. Every session will be tailored to you, unfolding organically in response to what is present.
While I hold a Master’s Degree in East-West Psychology with an additional certificate in Spiritual Counseling, these sessions are NOT a replacement for traditional psychotherapy, they are an ALTERNATIVE. I am not a medical doctor or registered psychologist and cannot diagnose, treat or prescribe medication for any medical or mental health concerns or conditions. These offerings do not replace traditional therapy, medical treatment or health advice from qualified, registered practitioners, but they can complement and support them.
Retreats
Retreats offer space away from the hustle, bustle, noise and chaos of daily living. They are a way to tune in - to the rhythms of our bodie, the rhythms of nature, and the deeper thrum of the cosmos that connects all life everywhere. I aim to hold space on retreat at least once a year, and regularly co-host retreats with others, as Tea Ceremony is a beautiful complementary offering to movement practices like Qi Gong and Yoga, as well as meditation and silence.
A Silent Qigong and Tea Retreat: June 13-18th 2025
with Stephanie Nosco + Cat Reynolds at Hollyhock Retreat Center, Cortes Island, Canada
Experience the medicine of Nature, Qigong and Tea on a transformative journey home to your self. Join us for a silent retreat focused on the practice of Qigong and the mindful art of Tea Ceremony. Our retreat will be hosted by the world renowned Hollyhock Retreat Centre, located on the picturesque Cortes Island in British Columbia, Canada.
The silence and time away from social stimulation and urban noise will help you return from the commotion of daily life, into a home of deeper, listening presence. Your time at the Hollyhock will combine the ancient healing arts of Qigong, Yin Yoga practices, Meditation and Tea Ceremony, to enhance your connection to yourself and to Nature. The practices and teachings that will be offered are intended to not only inform your time on retreat, but also impact your life post-retreat.
Registration is currently full. Please contact Hollyhock directly to be put on a waitlist in case of last minute cancellations
With a maximum of 18 guests, this retreat is also intended to offer an intimate boutique experience between the land, the guides, and the guests. Accommodation, 3 plant-based meals per day, one Tea Ceremony a day, use of the sauna and hot tub and access to both the beach and hiking trails are all included in the cost of this retreat. While social silence will be held throughout the retreat, intentional speech, Qigong healing sounds, chanting, music and Alchemy Crystal bowls will be incorporated to encourage the movement of energy through voice and vibration.
