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Nature + Pain Reprocessing Group Series
In this four-session hybrid series, we bring together modern pain science and the restorative power of nature connection.
Research suggests that many forms of chronic pain and persistent symptoms are driven not by ongoing injury or structural damage, but by patterns of nervous system dysregulation. As a result, helping the nervous system experience safety and regulation is a key part of recovery.
Nature offers one of the most powerful environments for this process. Our nervous systems evolved in relationship with the natural world, and time spent connecting with nature can foster regulation, belonging, resilience, and a greater sense of safety.
Together, we'll explore the neuroscience of pain, learn evidence-based pain reprocessing techniques, and deepen our connection with ourselves, one another, and the living world.
Who Is This For?
Wondering if this group is right for you?
Take this quiz to determine the likelihood that your symptoms are neuroplastic (and thus would benefit from this approach).
Unsure if you would benefit? Feel free to contact us with questions at recover@unboundrootstherapy.com
Musculoskeletal Pain
Fibromyalgia
GI Symptoms
Mold/Chemical Sensitivity
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headaches/Migraines
Pelvic Pain
Post-Viral Syndromes (Long COVID, Lyme, post-EBV)
Common Conditions that Benefit from this Approach:
Group Series Schedule 2026
This 4-session series will occur on Tuesdays in hybrid format (a mix of in person and virtual sessions).
In person sessions will occur at A Wilderness Nearby in Barneveld, WI. Virtual sessions will occur via Zoom.
Sept. 1510:00-2:00pm in person
Sept. 2212:00-1:00pm via Zoom
Sept. 2912:00-1:00pm via Zoom
Oct. 1310:00-12:30 pm in person
Payment
Payment options are offered on a sliding scale based on the Green Bottle Method. Prices below include the cost of all 4 sessions.
Tier 3: Supporter Rate - $400
Tier 2: Supported Rate - $325
Tier 1: Community-Supported Rate -$250
Who We Are
Sarah Pultorak
I am a clinical associate professor in the Occupational Therapy program at UW-Madison, as well as an occupational therapist (OT) and certified NatureLed Practitioner™. My clinical background spans both mental health (inpatient psychiatry) and physical rehabilitation (acute care). Currently, I work with clients with chronic pain and other persistent symptoms at Unbound Roots Therapy, where my primary approach is Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT).
Recovering from seven years of chronic pain using PRT principles showed me the profound capacity within us all to transform our lived experience by leveraging the power of neuroplasticity.
A significant part of my recovery journey came from experiencing a felt sense of hope, belonging, safety, and joy through deep nature connection practices facilitated by Wild Harmony Nature Connection. I became a certified NatureLed Practitioner to incorporate the co-regulating power of nature to support healthy nervous system resilience, a core component of chronic symptom recovery. I am so excited to blend my knowledge of the body and mind with the deeply meaningful experience of nature connection through this offering!
OTD, OTR/L, NatureLed Practitioner
Wendy Alettha
My earliest memory is a dream that I had before I was three years old - of being saved from a house fire by a tree outside my window. Ever since, there has always been a special tree nearby no matter where I lived. As an adult I haven't always consciously recognized the importance of connection with nature, but I’ve always enjoyed being outside; biking, sailing, kayaking, climbing trees, and gardening. It was 21 years ago, when I was 56, that I moved to the land I care for and rediscovered the reciprocity possible in a relationship with nature. I live with 20 acres of oak and hickory woods. Early on in this relationship I began to receive supportive and directive messages from the woods. One of the first encouragements from the trees was to share the healing energy of these woods with others. I look forward to hosting you here and sharing these woods with you as part of this experience.
Five years ago, I began to experience pain that kept me from walking or doing anything that used my hips. I tried chiropractic, PT, painkillers, massage, and an MRI after which I was told I had herniated discs and some arthritis. Then I met Sarah, and she encouraged me to try the mind-body mode of treating chronic pain. It took me about six months during which the pain fluctuated between intense and not there at all. I have not felt that pain since. I worked as a psychotherapist for 34 years, primarily healing from trauma through working with the inner child. Now I call myself a life coach, blending nature connection and inner child work to help others recover from chronic pain.
MSSW, Psychotherapist, Life Coach
Erin O’Neill
I am an advanced practice social worker, grief tender, and trauma-informed writing guide living in Madison, Wisconsin. I have experience working with individuals of all ages and in a variety of settings including adoption, nursing homes and inpatient mental health. As a pain recovery facilitator, I draw upon my training in mindfulness, breathwork and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) with leading pain expert Dr. Howard Schubiner as well as nature connection training with Wild Harmony Nature Connection. My aim is to support self-connection, growth, and pain recovery within the deeply healing spaces of supportive groups and the natural world.
One of the most transformative practices in my healing has been observing and living with the cycles of the natural world, thus nature also plays an important role in my pain recovery work with clients. We all go through difficult seasons in our lives—sometimes we can be deep in the midst of a winter even when the sun is shining and the world around us is in bloom. To view our own suffering as something cyclical—continuously echoed in the changing of the seasons, the plants, the phases of the moon—can lead to the most profound shifts in our darkest places.
MSW, CAPSW