Hi, I’m Kaitlyn.

Speaking as a social worker, what I know is that most social workers have a purpose or some sort of story which led them to the career path. I always say that it is impossible to just happen into social work, you would never make it. You need a reason, something to push you on those long days and hold space to receive clients trauma. This of course is true for me, however I will not use this space to share that entire story. While I knew at a young age I wanted to be a social worker, as I pursued education I found myself deeply appreciating the profession. Social work encompasses community support, believes that healing can be accomplished through relationships and most importantly that the client is the true driver of the therapeutic process. But even I, with my own story felt the weight of the profession as I navigated deeply engrained systemic issues, complex protocols and way to high of caseloads. I knew what burnout was and I knew I needed to find another passion for myself.

Conveniently this search for a hobby coincided with COVID-19 when I had a little extra time on my hands and a handout from my Indian Tribe sharing about native plants traditionally used to treat symptoms associated with COVID-19. I did not find the cure for COVID-19 (and not claiming to cure COVID-19) but my eyes were opened to the plants in my literal backyard which were medicinal, edible and had many other health benefits. I found myself going on hikes seeking out new plants to identify and more importantly renewing my connection with nature. Through this I began to notice the healing elements of nature. Suddenly the grounding skills I taught made much sense when I was noticing the smell of the fresh air or feeling the underside of every leaf in a mad search for prickly wild lettuce. I also began to identify plants that have been used before to help like chamomile for anxiety, or St. John’s Wort for seasonal depression.

All of this is what led me to establishing Rosehip and Yarrow. As a LICSWA (SC 61063206) I am licensed to provide clinical mental health services and I wanted to find ways to integrate nature back into our lives and approach mental health from holistic person-centered approach. The body, mind and emotional self all are interconnected when it comes to mental health treatment, such as the ecosystems throughout the forest. While nature therapy can be taking mindful hikes through the trees or collecting wildflowers for a tea it can be so much more. As a clinician I utilized evidence-based practices such as Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Attachment theory and relational approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) and other approaches to integrate nature work with clients in a way which is supportive to them. Nature therapy still not for you? That is okay! Receiving support with mental health is an intimate experience and my role is to be here to support each client in their own way. I also provide alternative services such as natural wellness consultation services and handmade crafts from foraged material. These services are only optional if clients  seek, and mental health services will never be contingent on buying product or additional services.