Practicum & Internship Program

Somatic Nature Therapy Institute

At the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute, our Practicum and Internship Program offers graduate students a unique opportunity to develop clinical skills through a somatic and nature-based lens.

This immersive experience integrates:

  • Individual client work

  • Group facilitation

  • Online and in-person programming

  • Somatic nature-based and outdoor therapeutic practices

We are committed to supporting emerging clinicians in developing presence, skill, and confidence while working with diverse populations in both traditional and nature-based settings.

Program Overview

This is an 17-month commitment that includes both practicum and internship placement.

We will accept 12-month internship only applications but please specify that you are applying for internship only. This begins June 1st and goes through the following May 31st.

Participants engage in a balance of:

  • Clinical hours with individual clients

  • Assisting in online trainings

  • Supporting and participating in in-person intensives in mountain settings

  • Co-facilitating and eventually leading nature-based groups

Time Commitment

  • Practicum: ~6–7 hours per week

  • Internship: ~15 hours per week (on average)

This structure allows for deep integration of somatic and experiential learning while meeting graduate program requirements.

Note: we expect practicum applicants to commit to both practicum and internship with the Institute. This begins January and goes through May 31st of the following year. 

Get a feel for the structure, expectations, and experiential nature of this program by watching this informational video:

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Enrollment in a master’s-level counseling or social work program

  • Approval from your academic program to begin practicum/internship

  • Willingness to commit to the full 18-month training experience for practicum and internship or 12-months for internship only

  • Availability to participate in both online and in-person programming, including mountain-based intensives

  • Ability to pass a background check (this will be completed as part of the onboarding process)

We are looking for individuals who are not only clinically engaged, but also aligned with the experiential and relational nature of our work.

Ideal candidates demonstrate:

  • Strong outdoor leadership skills

  • Ability to work independently and take initiative

  • Confidence in creating and implementing projects

  • Clear and effective communication

  • A desire to balance:

    • clinical work

    • group facilitation

    • experiential/nature-based learning

  • Creativity and adaptability in problem-solving

  • A service-oriented mindset

  • Collaboration and teamwork

Who This Program is For

Outdoor & Experiential Component

Our work extends beyond traditional therapy spaces.

Interns should have (or be developing) comfort with:

  • Camping and outdoor living

  • Basic outdoor skills (e.g., cooking on camp stoves, setting up tarps)

  • Group leadership in natural environments

This is an opportunity to deepen your relationship with nature as a co-facilitator in the therapeutic process.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Cover Letter & Resume

Send to: KelseyL@somaticnaturetherapy.com

Your cover letter should address:

  • Why you are interested in interning with SNTI

  • What skills you bring to the Institute

  • Your strengths and areas for growth

  • Your goals and expectations for the internship

  • Your personal and/or professional outdoor experience

2. Letters of Recommendation

  • One from an instructor or academic advisor

  • One from a former employer or instructor

3. Unofficial Transcript

4. Program Requirements Documentation

Documentation outlining your program’s placement requirements
(Not required for Naropa University students)

Application Deadline: June 30th (annually)

A Final Note

This program is designed for students who are ready to engage deeply—both personally and professionally.

Alongside clinical skill-building, interns are invited into a process of:

  • Embodied experiential learning

  • Relationship with the natural world

  • Ongoing self-reflection and growth

If you feel called to this work, we welcome your application.

Interested in deepening your connection with the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute? Explore our range of trainings designed for counselors, coaches, educators, and healers ready to expand their practice & impact.