Natalie Small, LMFT
Natalie Small is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, expressive arts therapist, and the founder of Groundswell Surf Therapy™. With over a decade of experience in trauma-informed care, Natalie blends clinical wisdom with art, somatics, and the natural world to support individuals in reconnecting to themselves and the ocean.
She has trained and supervised surf therapy facilitators globally and continues to lead healing work rooted in community, embodiment, and ecological belonging. Her approach is shaped by years of mentorship, global partnerships, and deep reverence for Mother Ocean as teacher, healer, and guide.
Whether she’s holding space on land or in the sea, Natalie is passionate about creating brave spaces for people to heal, express, and reclaim their full selves.
Natalie’s Teachers
Mother Ocean has been Natalie’s most consistent and humbling teacher, offering endless lessons in presence, empowerment, and connection to self, others, and the natural world.
Graciela Bottini, a psychologist and expressive arts therapy leader in Latin America, introduced Natalie to the power of integrating the body and creative expression into the healing process.
Ruth Yeo-Peterman, a mentor through First Aid Arts, helped Natalie find her facilitator voice and deepen her understanding of how the arts can support trauma recovery.
Natalie’s grandmother, Ida Culler, modeled bold, love-led resistance to systemic racism and inspired Natalie’s lifelong commitment to justice, courage, and equity.
The Groundswell community—facilitators, surf sisters, and board members— continues to be a source of deep learning, challenging Natalie to expand her awareness, creativity, and connection to ancestral and oceanic healing.
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