Nature + Ocean Programs

Evidence Based Practice

Our programs are underpinned by early intervention principles, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and sensory and mindfulness based therapies. They are person centred, trauma informed and experiential in nature. Flowstate is a proud member of the International Surf Therapy Organisation (ISTO), whose mission is to advance excellence in surf therapy globally through research, advocacy and practice. This partnership ensures our programs remain grounded in current evidence and that participant outcomes are consistently measured and reported.

Swellbeing Program

For young people aged 12 to 25 who want to get in the ocean, build self awareness and social confidence, connect with others and learn ways to feel good each day — all while exploring different surf craft in a fun and supportive environment. No experience necessary.

If you or a young person you know would like to join a Swellbeing program, refer using the referral button above.

Ground Swell Program

For young people aged 12 to 25 who are navigating mental health difficulties and want support in a setting that feels a little different. Groundswell combines ocean and surf experiences with practical mental health skills in a small, safe and supportive group therapy environment.

Groundswell is designed for young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. You are welcome to self refer, or be referred by a GP, school counsellor or other health professional.

Our group programs are held at Redgate Beach, Gracetown Bay or Augusta, depending on conditions. Each session runs for approximately two and a half hours and combines a discussion-based component on the sand with an ocean and surf experiences.

Our programs are about building confidence, connection and a positive relationship with the ocean as a way to support our mental and emotional wellbeing. Participants can choose how they take part, including surfing, body surfing, hand-planing or swimming.

Each week explores a different wellbeing topic, including stress management, emotion regulation, mindfulness, breathing techniques, values and goal setting, with time to learn and practise practical skills that can be used in everyday life.

These skills are then taken into the ocean during the surf and nature component of each session. The ocean offers a uniquely experiential therapeutic context. Engaging in surf and ocean activities requires presence and focus, and can naturally evoke stress, anxiety and unhelpful self-talk, giving participants a real-time opportunity to apply what they have learned on the sand in a supportive and meaningful way.

Flowstate’s programs welcome participants with and without formal diagnoses, with and without prior surfing or ocean experience, and across a range of abilities, backgrounds and identities. Our programs are trauma informed, neurodivergent affirming and gender affirming, and we are committed to creating a space where every person feels safe, respected and genuinely welcome. All equipment including surfboards, bodyboards, hand planes, flippers, wetsuits and rash vests is provided to participants at no cost.

To read more about the evidence base for nature based therapy approaches, visit our Evidence Base page.

Individual Surf + Ocean Session

Flowstate delivers individual therapeutic sessions for people who would benefit from a more tailored, person centred approach outside of a group setting. Sessions are facilitated by a qualified Occupational Therapist or a Therapy Assistant and are grounded in the same evidence based, trauma informed clinical frameworks used in our group programs.

Sessions take place in the natural environment and are tailored collaboratively with each person to ensure the setting feels safe, meaningful and aligned with their therapeutic goals. Flowstate delivers individual sessions across a range of natural environments including surf and ocean settings, bush walking and green space environments.

Individual sessions are currently available through the following pathways:

NDIS — Flowstate is an unregistered NDIS provider able to deliver services to self managed and plan managed participants whose approved plan includes funding for therapeutic support relevant to Flowstate’s scope of practice.

Private — Individual sessions are available to people wishing to fund their own therapy privately. Pricing is available on request.

To enquire about individual sessions please email us at info@flowstate.org.au

Workshops

Flowstate delivers tailored mental health awareness and education workshops to community organisations, sporting clubs and workplaces. Workshops are designed to meet the specific needs of the requesting organisation and can include:

  • Mental and emotional wellbeing in your club, organisation or workplace
  • Having helpful conversations with someone you are concerned about
  • Suicide prevention and building a culture of safety and open communication

Flowstate has delivered workshops in partnership with Surfing WA and Healthway WA for their Think Mental Health campaign during the WSL Margaret River Pro in both 2023 and 2024, attended by boardrider clubs from across Western Australia.

Workshops can be tailored to the specific context and culture of your organisation and are not limited to the topics above. We welcome enquiries from community groups, sporting clubs and organisations with a specific idea in mind.

To enquire about a workshop for your organisation please email us at info@flowstate.org.au

If you have questions or want further information email us at info@flowstate.org.au