Grounded by Nature
Connection-based culture, therapy and mentoring
- Therapeutic mentoring -
- Group facilitation/workshops-
-Storytelling, RItual and Ceremony-
Offered by Mahli Hawke (BEd, Cert Hol Psych)
Online and in the Mid North Coast, NSW
Connection - from the ground up
WE ARE BORN INTO AND BUILT FOR CONNECTION
It's our neurological, physiological and ecological design.
Unfortunately, our modern way of living can make a life of connection difficult to hold.
We are given a story that we are to strive for success in a system that is increasingly built on disconnection and disempowerment - in which our value is measured by what we contribute to this system, not who we are.
This can come at a great cost to our internal lives, our relationships and our wellbeing. Not to mention our ecological systems.
THERE IS A BETTER WAY.
As a therapist, guide and mentor, my goal is to help bring people into a space of authentic connection - internally and externally.
Whether it is through tending to personal challenges - or through immersive experiences in the living world - the core of the work is feeling a sense of connection, safety, belonging and purpose. And living from that place.
Like a tree in a forest, we need strong foundations - roots firm in the earth - and healthy relationships. This work is about grounding ourselves in a way of being that honours who we really are, and what we are truly a part of.
My Story
I have been offering the work of connection and culture repair in various forms to many different people for the past decade - workshops and retreats, youth work, boy's/teen's/men's work, family camps, storytelling, mentoring and psychotherapy. My work is a reflection of my life experience - ongoing.
After growing up in the surf and play culture of Bondi Beach, I had a big life shift at age 21 when I re-oriented towards Buddhist philosophy and meditation practices. This took me on a seven year journey of self-discovery that reshaped the way I saw myself and the world. It unlocked a deeper sense of existence, and the opportunity of living a more spiritual path. I am very fortunate to have walked this path. However it was a personal breakdown that occurred at age 28 that really set me up for this work.
With my sense of self and spiritual path somewhat shattered, I had to battle with anxiety and depression, as I re-found the ground beneath my feet. I had a very loving web of support around me, though I often felt deeply alone. I really could have used a mentor or therapist who really understood what I was going through - and how to support me through it in an empowering way. Meanwhile I began my journey working with children as a teacher - struggling in a system that didn't quite fit.
With time and support, I found the strength and courage to adventure out into the world again and that took me to my ancestral home in west country England. I enrolled in a life-changing course in Nature-Based Leadership, Mentoring and Storytelling (with WildWise UK). Within it I found a community of people practicing what has been called "deep nature connection". Essentially, a movement towards a healthier relationship with our self, our community and the living earth. I had no idea it existed, it awoke something dormant and powerful within me, and I was deeply grateful to find it.
Upon returning to Australia I have followed this thread to a depth and breadth of trainings and experiences with many influential teachers including Jon Young, Bill Plotkin, Tom Brown Jnr, Simon Thakur (Ancestral Movement ), Kate and Sam from Nature Philosophy (who have been incredible mentors) - and Lee Trew from Connection Culture, from whom I learned, amongst other things, the art of Holistic Psychotherapy. I have also been deeply influenced by my time with the Yolngu people of East Arnhem Land and other Indigenous relationships and learning.
I gained skills and practices across a range of areas including: bushcraft skills, mentoring and holistic psychotherapy, ancestral health and movement, storytelling and ceremony, earth-based ritual and quest facilitation. More importantly, I rediscovered myself and my purpose in a way that felt aligned and deeply inspired. Culture is at the heart of this journey and, underneath it all, an ongoing discovery of who I am, the stories I live by - and what vision I hold within this.
For a decade I have been offering these practices across the east coast of NSW through bush school programs, school, group and family camps, teen and youth programs, nature-connection retreats, mentor trainings, 1:1 mentoring and storytelling. I have worked with various organisations including my own business Wild by Nature Australia, which has now evolved into Grounded by Nature.
I am also 3 years into the epic and challenging journey of fatherhood and life partnership. A huge opportunity for growth in relationships, life and love. My son and partner are incredible teachers and co-journeyers. So much of how I see the world and humanity has been shaped by this experience.
It is this entire journey that shapes the work I do. Through it all I have sought out personal and group support in the forms of mentoring, community, personal therapy and the living earth, - as well as strong circles of men. I am deeply grateful for this support.
At this stage - my family, my personal practice and my work are the foundations of my life - and I feel honoured and inspired to be bringing this work and support to those who are needing it.
Therapeutic Mentoring
Let's face it - life is a complex and often challenging journey.
Fathering, mothering, relationships, work demands, the challenges of teenage-hood, or trying to live in a way that feels authentic and purposeful - to name a few.
Feeling as though we are doing it "alone" can be really difficult.
For those looking for therapeutic and mentoring support - I offer highly accessible 1:1 sessions that draw on holistic psychotherapy (narrative and somatic therapies) and connection-based mentoring practices to cultivate healing, connection, strength and purpose. These sessions are primarily held online via Zoom or via phone. Local sessions are possible in the Bellingen area.
Mentoring is also about "wholing" - about you accessing your personal strengths, truths and wisdom, and living in authenticity. I will work with you one-on-one to help you gain deeper understanding and clarity of your inner landscape and patterns of relating (including anxiety, addiction, depression, relational conflict etc). If healing or re-patterning work is needed we can do it with full respect to your needs.
Cultivating your own inner guidance and strengths is the core work of mentoring - they become your allies as you navigate the complexities of life and bring your personal vision alive.
I have a particular interest ion supporting young men/fathers, teen boys, parents and those searching for more depth or purpose in their life.
Therapeutic Sessions - $85 per hour or $75 per hour for youth or concessions.
Multiple session mentoring journeys are also available.
NDIS support and in-person sessions also available the Bellingen/Coffs Harbour Area
REACH OUT FOR A CHAT
Mahli is amazing at what he does, and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking help. He was very kind and compassionate, always so supportive when we worked on some of the hardest parts of my journey. He always entered our sessions with no judgement and an energy that made me feel comfortable and safe. His guided visualisation techniques helped me heal from things I had been dealing with since I was five years old, and truly helped me turn the corner during a very hard time in my life. Could't be more grateful.
Dylan (young father)
Other Offerings
Group Facilitation and Workshops
I work with a diversity of groups across a range of settings, in building connection and learning nature-based skills.
This includes: nature-based youth groups (children and teens), adult nature-connection retreats and training, school programs, culture/team building, men's/teen groups and family camps.
These workshops can incorporate a range of experiences and practices that suit the needs of the group including bushcraft, connection games, group challenges, nature-based awareness, movement and mindfulness practices, circle work, nervous system support, storytelling and quests/rites of passage.
Storytelling and Ceremony
I offer storytelling and inclusive nature-based ceremony as a way to bring depth and connection to events, festivals or gatherings.
This could be at a significant life event such as a coming of age, a commitment ceremony/marriage, a ceremonial "buck's" night, or a festival opening or closing.
I will work with you to choose/develop a story/ritual/ceremony that honours your needs, culture and lineage. It could be a traditional myth or publicly shared cultural story, or a bespoke story that is tailored to the occasion.
I am aware of cultural appropriation and do not attempt to use ceremonies or practices that are not mine to share.
Mentor/Nature-Connection Training
Do you have a school or organisation that could use support bringing in connection-based cultural or mentoring practices?
I work with schools and groups in developing key knowledge, skills and practices that cultivate nature-connection in those they support.
Perhaps you have a nature-focused pre-school, a bush-school program or want to bring in nature-connection for wellbeing.
I can tailor the training to your specific group and needs so that it feels relevant and powerful.
Inquire or Connect
Whether you seeking 1:1 therapeutic mentoring, nature-based group facilitation, or curious about upcoming storytelling sessions, I invite you to reach out - let's begin a journey together.
Join the Circle of Connection -