Support your people when things get hard.

Nervous system skills for preventing overwhelm—and responding when it happens.

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We love to be outside.

But sometimes things get hard.

 

We prepare for physical safety - emergency contacts and extra food - and that’s important.

But what about psychological safety?

Psychological safety isn’t just about feeling better or finishing the day. A centered nervous system helps us make the decisions that keep us safe.

When we’re in a good place in our nervous systems, we:

  • Learn better
  • Perceive more options
  • Make better decisions
  • Communicate more effectively
  • Have more fun!

The Art of the Mother Duck 

  Nervous System-Centered Outdoor Leadership

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We're using the term Mother Duck to describe someone who can create a supportive environment and respond well when things get hard. 

This language comes from Luc's world of river safety classes, where new boaters get let down the river by someone with more experience - their Mother Duck. 

We all have something to offer.

We can all be a Mother Duck. 

This class brings together two skillsets:  

We’ve spent years exploring these spaces — and learning from each other. This course is where our perspectives meet, and we can't wait to share with you! 

I'm in!

This is for: 

  • Group leaders (formally or informally)
  • Teachers, guides, and facilitators of outdoor experiences
  • Parents and partners
  • Friends and peer group members.

Basically, anyone who wants to feel more confident supporting themselves and others — not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically.

 

That's Me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Essential Details:

This course consists of two parts. Live attendance is encouraged, but if you can't attend live, the materials will be recorded and shared.

Investment = $150 

Part 1

When Things Go Right 

Monday, May 11, 4-6 PM AK

 Building the Container

Before anything goes wrong, the environment is already being built.

In this session, we focus on how to create a learning environment and group culture that supports:

  • Psychological safety
  • Curiosity instead of shutdown
  • Inclusion and participation
  • Growth without overwhelm

 You'll learn how to:

  • See and make sense of nervous system states in yourself and others.
  • Create experiences that utilize comfort zones and stretch zones. 
  • Support "Weakest Link Syndrome"
  • Recognize self-criticism and replace it with positive self-talk 

This is about setting the tone so that your group is more resilient before stress hits.

Part 2

When Things Go Wrong 

Tuesday, May 12, 4-6 PM AK

 Supporting the Nervous System Under Stress

Because eventually
 something will.

This session is about how to respond when someone is having a bad time — whether it’s:

  • Freezing, panicking, or checking out
  • A close call or unexpected stressor
  • The pressure of learning new, high-stakes skills in a group

You’ll learn how to:

  • Recognize nervous system activation early
  • Stay grounded in the moment (without suppressing, ignoring, or pushing through)
  • Support others in a way that actually helps, not escalates

Make better decisions because you’re working with the nervous system, not against it.

I'm ready to sign up!

Meet Your Instructors

About Sarah

Hi, I'm Sarah (she/they) MSW, SEP, CPT

I am a life-long Alaskan, somatic therapist, and movement professional. In my work as a nervous system educator and therapist, I integrate Somatic Experiencing with Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and connection to nature to help people understand and work with their nervous system patterns.

You may also recognize me from my other endeavors at Mind & Mountain, which integrate fitness, nature, & the Nervous System through Mindful Interval Training workouts. I'm looking forward to working with you and sharing what I know about nervous system healing and capacity building for navigating the times we're living in. 

For a more extended bio and to view the lineage of my work, click here. 

About Luc

Luc is an award-winning outdoor educator, author, and wilderness risk manager based in Anchorage, Alaska. He’s traveled over 10,000 miles by foot, ski, bike, packraft, and ice skates —often combining tools and terrain in creative, long-distance outings. Luc's courses and trips have been featured in the New York Times, BBC, Outside, PBS, Alaska Public Media, and others.

Luc’s teaching draws on his work as a rescue trainer and decades of practical experience. His work blends technical skills with decision-making—how we prepare, adapt, and support each other in uncertainty.

Luc’s approach is rooted in curiosity, humility, and shared learning. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned traveler, Luc’s goal is to help you become a thoughtful planner and capable partner.

To read more about Luc and his work, click here. 

If this resonates... we hope you'll join us!

 

The Art of the Mother Duck

Nervous System-Centered Outdoor Leadership

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