Founder Amanda Talley Featured in Voyage Dallas Magazine
Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Talley.
Amanda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Spending time in nature has always offered something unique and wondrous. As a kid, I spent a lot of my free time outside. Occasionally, my family would go on hikes while on vacations… but it was only at the age of 20 where I went camping for the first time at the start of an epic road trip. I really bought into the whole “go big or go home” idea and spent the next six weeks traveling across the US, through 19 states, 10 National Parks and camped nearly the whole way. Needless to say, it was life-changing.
The following semester, I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and thought a lot about my outdoor experience and my wish to help people. It was within that next year that my vision for combining counseling and the outdoors was formed. It was a long and winding path to get where I am today, which included many backpacking trips and travels to beautiful natural places, and eventually obtaining my Master’s in Counseling and License as a Professional Counselor. In 2018, I attended an Outdoor Educator class through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) where I was backpacking and rock climbing in Wyoming for a month while studying outdoor education, risk management, leadership and basic skills to survive the wild. This was the catalyst for me stepping out to start my own business.
Along the way, I developed connections and relationships with people who shared a passion for leadership outdoor adventure and helping others. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by people who have believed in my vision every step of the way and provided opportunities and experiences that have led me to where I am today.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When you are working toward a vision for 12 years without wavering on the idea there are definitely struggles. At times it was indecision and a lack of clarity in which direction to go. The goal was obvious but the path unclear. Finances were challenging. The passion and drive ebbed and flowed. There were times of self-doubt and the challenging work of going through my own counseling with a therapist. Finally, the risk of branching out and starting your own business comes with its own set of struggles and learning/growth opportunities.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a therapist (Licensed Professional Counselor) who offers outdoor hiking or walking sessions with clients as well as sessions indoors in a traditional office setting. The experiential hiking sessions are what makes my business unique. I work with anxiety, depression, eating disorders/loved ones of someone with an eating disorder, relationship issues, life transitions, leadership issues and Christian issues.
In addition to the above, I also lead therapeutic groups called Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which is a skills-based group that teaches mindfulness and skills to cope effectively with emotions, as well as skills to help people develop and maintain healthy relationships.
In the future, I plan to offer short therapeutic wilderness experiences and other services, so check back!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
In my line of work, I would say success is about providing hope for others. Success also includes the following elements: failure, growth, learning, strong relationships, community impact and the ability to influence others positively. Of course, as a business owner you also want it to be financially viable, too.
Originally published by VoyageDallas