Our Team
Our team of highly-trained therapists is passionate about supporting your sacred journey.
We see ourselves as guides to walk with you as you unlock your innate wisdom.
Vanessa Eyen, LMFT
Vanessa (she/her), LMFT #84643, is passionate about sharing deep and meaningful experiences in the healing beauty of wild nature. Following her heart, she has been led to co-create and guide rites of passage, educational, and adventure wilderness programs for 25 years. She also gives back to the community as a licensed psychotherapist currently as the founder of The Center for Nature Based Therapy, and supervisor of two local school-based counseling programs. She loves yoga, meditation, traveling, dancing, and drumming. The greatest joy and spiritual teacher in her life is the journey of motherhood with her son Sage.
Kayla Dale, LMFT
Kayla Dale (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #134649 and admin support for the Center for Nature Based Therapy. She earned her Masters Degree from Sonoma State University in 2019, and her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology in 2008 with a concentration in human development. Kayla has been serving in the helping field in a variety of settings for over 18 years. She has worked in schools, residential programs, rehabilitative programs and most currently private practice. Being a source of support to vulnerable individuals from all walks of life and stages of development over a long career has enriched her knowledge and understanding of how humans grow and more importantly thrive.
Kayla’s approach is relational, attachment theory rooted, and trauma informed. She is eclectic and creative, drawing from a variety of techniques like mindfulness/breath-work, EFT tapping, somatic exercises, and psycho-education to empower her clients with the tools they need to grow. Assessing in depth how each individual is relating with themselves, with others, and with nature and teaching clients how that correlates directly to their experience in the world. Kayla’s work is grounded in the biological fact that humans are hard-wired for connection. We deeply need each other and access to living things that support us to feel grounded and whole.
In her personal life she enjoys spending time with her two beautiful sons, hiking, swimming, exercising, exploring, cooking, laughing, and listening to music. Kayla also has a beautiful lab named Westley and is a big animal lover. Kayla offers therapy services in person in the town of Sonoma, CA and video sessions to clients residing anywhere in California.
Anne Loarie, AMFT
Anne Loarie (she/her), AMFT #161409 , supervised by Vanessa Eyen, believes that everyone contains the intrinsic power and inner wisdom to heal, grow, and evolve into ever-more meaningful expressions of themself. With compassionate listening and heart-focused experiential guidance, she supports her clients in connecting with those parts of themselves that have been struggling to be heard.
Anne offers nature immersive sessions, as well as indoor sessions for adults struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, and burnout. She holds a special interest in working with women who are in a stage of transition within herself, or with work, relationships, personal empowerment or peri-menopause. Anne also works with teens to help empower them through a challenging stage of growth.
On a personal note, Anne loves working in the garden, spending time with her family, travel, food and hiking with her friends as they giggle, share in each other’s successes and challenges and enjoy this bountiful land in Sonoma County!
From time to time, Anne also offers intensive ecotherapy retreats in and around Sonoma County. If you would like to be updated when these are offered then please sign up here.
To learn more about Anne and her approach, please visit her website: www.anneloarie.com
Agata Baker, AMFT
Agata Baker, AMFT #134441, supervised by Vanessa Eyen, supports mental and physical well-being through a holistic lens, honoring the connections between thoughts, emotions, body, relationships, and the natural world. She believes healing happens not only within ourselves but also in relationship—with others and with nature. She is passionate about helping clients build self-awareness, deepen self-compassion, and feel more at home in their own bodies.
Her work draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and ecotherapy. As a trained yoga and breathwork teacher, she often incorporates these practices to support presence, regulation, and deeper connection. Her approach is collaborative and grounded in curiosity and care. Whenever possible, Agata invites clients outdoors. Nature offers a steady, restorative presence that nurtures reflection, movement, and meaningful growth.
Emma Christopher, ASW
Emma Christopher, ASW #140406, supervised by Vanessa Eyen, is a compassionate therapist who supports children and their families on their journey of healing and growth through nature-based, play, and psychodynamic approaches. Her years of experience in outdoor education have shaped her deep appreciation for the natural world and continue to inspire her passion for helping children build meaningful connections with nature.
Drawing on psychodynamic principles, Emma seeks to understand the emotional meaning behind experiences and the relational patterns that influence a child’s wellbeing. She integrates play therapy to engage children at their developmental level, creating opportunities for expression, exploration, and growth. Emma brings a warm, nonjudgmental presence to her work, fostering a therapeutic environment grounded in safety, curiosity, and respect for each child’s unique voice.
Outside of her practice, Emma enjoys surfing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her loved ones.
