Ecosomatic Therapy and Trauma Treatment
September 2027 Therapeutic Backpacking
THERAPEUTIC BACKPACKING OVERVIEW
Therapeutic backpacking is a group experience facilitated by a trained professional who intentionally uses the natural world to promote reflection and insight about the problems and questions important to trip participants. Trip experiences are designed to support growth in the areas of mindfulness, deep reciprocal relationships with nature, technical wilderness skills, and holistic human wellness. We journey to the forest because the restorative effects of nature are well-documented and include improvements in bone and muscle health, nervous system regulation, mental clarity and focus, mood, cognitive abilities, and stress-reduction. The value of outdoor group experiences means other participants can offer emotional support, alternative perspectives, and the shared experience of a wilderness adventure that adds to a sense of community and belonging.
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LOCATION & SCHEDULE
This therapeutic backpacking journey will take place September 10-13, 2027 (Fri-Mon) on one of the many trails in the beautiful forests of New Hampshire. This region is part of the traditional lands of the Pennacook and Abenaki Peoples. Exact locations will be released to participants who have been screened and approved for the trip.
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HIKING TERRAIN / DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Central New Hampshire's ecosystem is a lush, transitional landscape dominated by mixed northern hardwood-conifer forests, sprawling lakes, and peat wetlands. The trails visited in this trip are marked and maintained and most are easy to moderate in their difficulty level. This trip is designed for beginners. We have been able to accommodate a wide range of physical and medical abilities among our participants, so please reach out with questions to determine if you're a good fit for our program.
PROGRAM GUIDES
Kris Bajgier, LCSW-C, MEd is a certified nature-informed trauma therapist, a member of the Wilderness Guides Council. She has certification in Wilderness First Aid and a love for hiking and the woods. She will provide gentle guidance and prompting throughout the journey to support participants in exploring themselves and their relationship to nature through mindfulness, contemplative practices, and campfire discussions with group members.
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PROGRAM COSTS
Program registration includes a $400 non-refundable deposit at least two weeks before the start of the program in order to secure yourself a space. Space is limited and spots are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis based on deposits received. Program deposit covers the cost of:
* Licensed healthcare providers for 4 days
* Campsite and administrative fees
* 2 Meals and base camp communal supplies
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In order to make this trip as accessible as possible, the remaining cost of the program is donation-based. A donation between $50 and $200 is encouraged before or at the close of the ceremony. Participants will be trusted to pay what they feel is appropriate and an amount that corresponds with what they feel they can afford based on their financial circumstances. People interested in this program who may not be able to participate due to financial hardship are encouraged to reach out to Krista at info@terrasomahealth.com
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BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT
Terra Soma Health has a limited number of gear kits available to participants who do not have their own camping equipment. Gear kits include a two-person tent, tent rain cover, backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and stove with a gas canister. Participants may rent gear kits for an additional $50 at the time of registration.
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REGISTRATION
Reserving your space on the trip and purchasing gear can happen by selecting the button below. Within 2-3 business days, you will be contacted by one of the guides to complete the appropriate liability forms and to schedule a pre-trip screening. Please contact info@terrasomahealth.com if you have questions before registering. Registration opens for this event on October 1, 2026.
