Embodiment Through Nature

Sessions are based within these practices:

  • Somatic Awareness and Embodiment: Somatic practices including body scans, gentle movement, breathwork, somatic parts work, and mindfulness practices aimed at deepening clients’ awareness of bodily sensations and emotions.

  • Nature Immersion and Ecotherapy: Nature is a profound healer. Sessions will integrate the natural world as both a grounding resource as well as a tool for self-awareness through a variety of modalities including outdoor sessions, nature-inspired rituals, and ecotherapy practices.

  • Earth-Centered Rituals and Ceremony: Sessions may incorporate earth-centered rituals and ceremony. These practices offer a sacred space for reflection, intention-setting, and personal transformation, honoring the interconnectedness of all life.

  • Intuitive Guidance and Deep Listening: Through somatic exercises, deep listening, and intuitive guidance, sessions will support clients in reconnecting with their unique truth, purpose, and journey.

Sessions may take place virtually or in-person/outside depending on the client’s location and preferences.

Cate McLean MSEd, MMS, PA-C

Return to Play is a product of my love for the natural world, body-mind medicine, humanity, movement, and the healing power of all these forms. Trained as a physician assistant and exercise physiologist with certifications in somatic trauma therapy, QiGong, and breath work, I use somatic and nature-based coaching techniques that help clients connect with their bodies to release stagnant energy, maladaptive patterns, and trauma.

I believe that sustainable growth occurs in relationship; a flower cannot blossom without nutrients of the composted matter creating the soil, pollinators, and weather cycles providing moisture and sun. Therefore, I use a holistic approach that engages healing through relationship with our greater ecosystem: our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies as well as our relationship to the surrounding community and earth.

My curiosity and passion for body-mind medicine and holistic coaching emerged from my own developmental experiences, time spent as a semi-professional cyclist, and struggles with long-COVID and chronic migraines. I’ve studied psychoneuroimmunology and the gut-brain axis in relationship to alternative therapies for anxiety and depression and enjoy bringing this knowledge into my work with clients.

With a background in Emergency Medicine and as a first responder on mountain rescue and ski patrol, I am particularly passionate about supporting healthcare professionals, the first responder community, and individuals experiencing complex trauma, loss, and grief.

I enjoy seeking out and appreciating the beauty, joy, love, and mystery in life and nurturing a deep connection with the natural world through gardening, running, hiking, biking, and skiing with my two dogs.

  • University of Colorado Hospital: Advanced Practice Fellowship in Hospital Medicine (2017-18)

    Wake Forest University: Master of Medical Science, Physician Assistant Studies (2015-2017)

    University of Virginia: MSEd, Exercise Physiology (2009-2010)

    University of Virginia: BSEd, Kinesiology (2005-2009)

    Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI): Foundational Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

    Somatic Nature Therapy Institute: Somatic Soul-Based Trauma Training

    Somatic Nature Therapy Institute: Collaborations with the Natural World

    Somatic Nature Therapy Institute: Nature-Based Parts Work

  • Somatic coaching

    Ecopsychology

    Life transitions

    Anxiety/depression

    Grief/Loss

    First responders

    Healthcare professionals

    Acute and chronic health concerns

    Athletes