Communication between partners in the mountains can make the difference between an outing being memorable for all the right or all the wrong reasons. The climbing and mountain pursuit communities have (rightly) emphasized the importance of discussing the more tangible elements of an outing; having a clearly identified plan for the day, a mutual understanding of risks and objective hazards, contingency plans etc.. However, the intangible elements of adventuring with others often do not receive the same level of attention. How are we feeling that day? What kinds of current stresses are we facing in our life? How’s that tendon healing? How is your relationship or workload affecting you?
Join us as we welcome Ben White, LCSW, and Ash Langholz, LPCC, to demystify some of the nebulous workings of the human mind and the nuances of communication between partners in the mountains. Seasoned backcountry travelers, skilled clinicians and engaging speakers, Ben and Ash will blend didactic and interactive approaches in this 2 hour presentation, where they will draw from their extensive experience as therapists and personal experiences in the backcountry to strengthen your communication toolkit to become better partners, helping you move faster, go farther, and come home safely.
Reserve your spot today HERE!
Presenter Bio’s:
Ben is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Certified Group Psychotherapist and a lifelong climber, skier and lover of the outdoors. He holds active licenses in 6 states (CO, MA, MT, VT, UT, WA) and sees clients throughout those states virtually, and in-person in Colorado’s Northern Front Range. Ben specializes in working with people in mountain communities, emphasizing group therapy as a transformative and efficient means for fostering growth and change, particularly in the quality of his clients’ interpersonal relationships. As a former outdoor educator and facilitator, Ben has been facilitating groups for more than 20 years, integrating his personal experiences Nordic and backcountry skiing, alpine rock climbing, and fishing. He holds a B.A. from Colorado College, an M.A. in Clinical Social Work from Smith College, and continuously trains at the Center for Group Studies in New York.
Ash is a Colorado-based counselor and owner of Bedrock Therapy LLC, a small private practice dedicated to supporting the unique experiences of the outdoor and mountain sports community. A major focus in her work is uncovering and integrating all parts of the Self through compassion, deep inquiry, and meaning-making. Ash is an all-around outdoor enthusiast and has a background in outdoor storytelling with REI and The Dirtbag Diaries podcast. Her personal and professional experiences have offered a keen understanding of how inner stories shape our identities and well-being, and how exploring these stories can foster healing and self-discovery. She holds a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado State University and has completed specialized training in areas of health psychology, grief, trauma, and nature-based therapy.