I’m Karina, and I’m sincerely happy to welcome you. My journey in psychology began in 2006, and by 2013, I had started working with both adults and children as a Certified Clinical and Health Psychologist and Counselling Psychologist. Over the years, I’ve enriched my practice with various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and, more recently, Nature-Based Therapy and Ecopsychology. These diverse methodologies have significantly shaped my perspective, leading me to delve deeper into Nature Based Therapy and Ecopsychology.

Here are some key educational milestones:

  • Since 2024: I am currently expanding my expertise by studying in The Certified Outdoor Therapist Programme with The Therapy Adventure (UK).
  • Since 2024: I am also pursuing a Certificate in Higher Education in Field Ecology at Aberystwyth University (UK).
  • 2024: Attended Live Online CE Program Grief & Nature Online Advanced Training, presented by Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan, Center for Nature Informed Therapy (USA).
  • 2023: Received an Advanced Training Certificate in Ecopsychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute (USA).
  • 2022: Completed a year-long course and received a Diploma in Nature Based Therapy from Nature-Based Therapy (Australia).
  • 2021: Participated in “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Basics and Beyond”, presented by Maria Ceu Salvador, organized by the Baltic Schema Therapy Institute (Latvia) and the Portuguese Association for Behavioral Therapies (Portugal).
  • 2020: Attended the “Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) Training” workshop, presented by D.Clin.Psych. Eoin Galavan, organized by the Latvian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Association (Latvia).
  • 2017: Attended a seminar on “Applied Ethology. Pet Behavior Specialist (Entry Level)”, organized by the School of Applied Ethology (Israel) and Dog Fan (Latvia).
  • 2017: Completed a training course on “Support for Grieving Children and Families”, organized by Latvian SOS Children’s Villages Association (Latvia).
  • 2017: Completed a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) education program with a Psychotherapist Qualification, offered by the Latvian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Association (Latvia); ODYSSEA, International CBT Institute, Czech Cognitive Behavioral Association (Czech Republic).
  • 2015: Completed a training course in Schema Therapy (Standard Level) offered by the Latvian Association of Clinical Psychologists (Latvia), instructed by MSc H. van Genderen, Dr. M. Rijkeboer (Netherlands).
  • 2014: Earned a Professional Master’s Degree in Psychology (Clinical Psychology) and Psychologist’s Qualification (with distinction) from the University of Latvia (Latvia).

Work experience:

  • Since 2024: Practicing as a Nature-Based Therapy practitioner in private practice. Additionally, I am collaborating with Nature 120 and The All Nature Network to promote and implement nature-based therapeutic approaches.
  • 2024: Launched the platform “Whisper of the Earth”. I regularly update the blog with posts that aim to inspire and educate on the benefits of a closer relationship with the natural world.
  • 2022: Co-founded the Society of Nature-Based Therapy in Latvia with a cherished colleague, aiming to develop and promote nature-based therapy locally. I actively organize various activities and manage content creation for our Facebook page: Society of Nature-Based Therapy Latvia.
  • 2019 to 2023: Served as a Clinical and Health Psychologist and CBT Specialist at Children’s Clinical University Hospital, Torņakalns, Psychological Support Service.
  • Since 2017: Practicing in private practice as a Clinical and Health Psychologist and CBT Specialist.
  • 2016 to 2018: Worked as a Clinical and Health Psychologist at the Latvian SOS Children’s Villages Association, in summer camp and support program for grieving children and families “Over the Mountains”.
  • 2014 to 2019: Was a Clinical and Health Psychologist at the Latvian Samaritan’s Association, Crisis Center for Children and Women “Maras Center”.
  • 2013 to 2015: Was a Clinical and Health Psychologist at Children’s Clinical University Hospital, Gaiļezers, Psychological Support Service.

Beyond my professional roles, I am deeply passionate about nature, dedicated to environmental and animal rights, and find peace through mindfulness and the serene beauty of the natural world. I am a dedicated mother to two wonderful sons and caretaker to four dogs, with a charming cat recently joining our family. My journey is lovingly supported by my husband for the past 18 years. Since 2013, I have been deeply engaged with Buddhism, primarily practicing within the Gelug tradition. I strive to participate in retreats as often as possible to deepen my spiritual connection and integrate these practices into my daily life. When not immersed in family commitments or my private practice, I am often found in my garden, wandering through forests, strolling by the sea with my dogs, basking in the tranquility these settings offer, or engaging in meditation. These moments of connection with nature and spiritual practice are not just sources of joy but also of inspiration and strength. They deeply influence both my personal life and professional approach, with the rhythms of nature and the teachings of Buddhism guiding my practice. This profound bond with the earth and its creatures, combined with my spiritual pursuits, informs every interaction, sharing its bounty of energy and empathy with my family, friends, and clients.

“Whisper of The Earth” represents my heartfelt entry into the world of blogging. In this space, I fuse my personal insights with practical recommendations, craft articles, offer reviews, and address your questions, all aimed at supporting and motivating you on a meaningful journey towards self-discovery and growth inspired by the everlasting wisdom of nature. I eagerly anticipate offering services and products in nature based therapy, aiming to turn this platform into a source of healing and inspiration. My vision is a vibrant, supportive online community where learning, support, and genuine connection thrive. Drawing on the latest scientific research, wisdom from renowned scholars, and stories from daily life, I am dedicated to helping you realize your life’s full, magnificent potential.

Authenticity, kindness, and fairness stand at the heart of everything I do, guiding me as I navigate using AI on this platform. Given that English is not my first language, with Latvian and Russian being my mother tongues, I turn to AI for assistance in refining my articles. This ensures they are not only clear and coherent but also carry the depth and accessibility I aim for. All images on the site, unless stated otherwise, are captured by me, reflecting real moments of my engagement with nature.

Nature’s magic has the profound power to heal and transform us in unimaginable ways. Let’s embark on this exhilarating journey together, led by the earth’s gentle whispers! 🌿✨

With warm regards,
Karina