Support your people when things get hard.
Nervous system skills for preventing overwhelm—and responding when it happens.
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
🦆🐥🐥🐥
Luc first recognized mother ducking when he felt like a duckling following a more experienced paddler down a river. A mother duck is someone who creates a supportive environment and responds well when things get hard.
We all have something to offer. We can all be a Mother Duck. This class will show you how.
Combining 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 what we've learned!
The Art of The Mother Duck 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.
Essential Details:
This course consists of two parts. Live attendance is encouraged, but if you can't attend live, recordings will be 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.
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 outdoor educator, author, and wilderness risk manager whose work has earned national leadership, public service, and book awards.
Luc has traveled over 10,000 miles throughout Alaska 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 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 you can relate... we hope you'll join us!