Creating Therapeutic Containers: The Healing Nature of Rivers
Guest: Sami Bierman
Flow Portal: Whitewater Rafting
The Catalyst: Nature Healing Recognition
Enhanced Sense: Therapeutic Adventure & Intentional Containers
Sami Bierman is a co-founder of Bloom River Journeys, a facilitator, river guide, artist, and creative currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling. With a deep belief in the healing power of nature and community, Sami is passionate about weaving together therapeutic work, artistic expression, and outdoor adventure to foster meaningful connection and transformation. Originally from Montana and now based in the mountains of Fernie, British Columbia, Sami brings a grounded presence and heartfelt curiosity to everything she does. She sees rivers as the perfect conduit for integration—where her love of guiding, creating, and healing intersect. Whether she’s dancing, swimming, singing, or painting beside moving water, the river is where she feels most at home and most alive. As a sister, artist, and curious listener, Sami is especially drawn to the ways that water helps us attune to our own rhythms and reconnect to something greater than ourselves. Through her work with Bloom and beyond, she’s dedicated to creating spaces that nurture self-discovery, embodiment, and deeper relationship with the natural world.
In this interview, Sami Bierman discusses her experiences and the inspiration behind combining river trips with therapeutic practices. Originating as a river guide on Idaho's Salmon River, Sami discovered the transformative power of rivers and began integrating group therapy into river expeditions. Bloom River Journeys aims to provide intentional, therapeutic river trips, focusing on healing, connection, and play. Sami highlights the therapeutic benefits of being on the river, the importance of creating intentional spaces, and incorporating art and ritual into the experience. Additionally, Sami shares her insights from a recent Grand Canyon trip and the potential of new therapeutic river trips, including one aimed at healing professionals. The conversation emphasizes the profound impact of slowing down, being present, and the simple magic of connecting with nature and others on the river.
In this episode you will hear about …
-Magic of being on a river trip
-Reflecting on different rivers and how each of them has something unique to offer
-Connection to nature and to each other
-Hear about Bloom River Journey’s first trip on the Green River in Utah
-Nature co-creates a container for healing
-Bringing a sense of creativity and enjoyment around creating art on a river trip
-Taking the big step into trusting the process and flow of a river (and life)
-Slowing down enough to notice all of the magic around us
Get Connected …
Follow Sami Bierman and Bloom River Journeys on Instagram! You can find more information about therapeutic river trips on the Bloom River Journey’s website.
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Disclaimer:
My guests share their own experiences and insights, that do not always reflect my own views, opinions, and personal experience. I’m not a medical or mental health professional. If you’re thinking about making any life changes or need support, please reach out to a trained healthcare professional. Enhanced Senses Podcast is not endorsing or encouraging illegal activities—including the use of illicit substances.
Thanks for listening!
