Taproot Therapy

Roots down. Shoulders back. Breathe.

Taproot is an individualized, nature-based therapy program designed to support the mental and emotional well-being of youth and teens. Referrals come to us from parents and caregivers, or school social services teams. Sessions take place outdoors—either on our campus grounds in Bremen or in the green spaces adjacent to the school communities we partner with—making therapy both accessible and grounded in the natural world.

Participants meet weekly with licensed therapists Debi Rogers or Lauren Cucci, or with graduate student intern Amanda Penny, in an outdoor environment designed to support the whole child. Guided by the belief that “motion distills emotion,” Taproot sessions integrate movement and hands-on experiences—hiking, paddling, climbing, and building—into the therapeutic process, helping youth access, process, and express their feelings in grounded and meaningful ways.

Like its namesake—the taproot that anchors and sustains a plant—Taproot provides a steady foundation for personal development and resilience. Each session is thoughtfully tailored to the individual. Using nature as both setting and therapeutic partner, our clinicians guide youth in developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, coping strategies, and social skills. Activities are scaffolded to promote growth and confidence, and the therapeutic experience is co-created with each participant, honoring their voice and goals.

Taproot sessions are experiential, engaging, and responsive to each young person’s needs. A session may include:

  • Building somatic awareness and strengthening mind-body connection

  • Exploring belonging and relationship through time in nature

  • Engaging creativity, imagination, and play

  • Practicing grounding and centering strategies

  • Developing practical coping and emotional regulation skills

Taproot serves youth ages 6–17 who:

  • Experience challenges related to mental or behavioral health

  • Benefit from experiential and kinesthetic learning

  • Thrive when actively engaged in the outdoors

We believe mental health rocks. Talking about feelings and experiences is celebration worthy.

  • Debi Rogers is our Clinical Supervisor, and she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

    Lauren Cucci is our Taproot Director, and she is a Licensed Master Social Worker.

    Amanda Penny is a graduate student intern, finishing her masters in professional counseling.

  • For families making referrals for their children: we have started the credentialing process, and are happy to report that we are able to accept some insurance arrangements as of March ‘26. Several families we work with pay through their insurance companies, and others pay out of pocket.

    Please connect with the Taproot team to learn more about insurance options.

  • Yes, we partner with schools in Lincoln County to provide social work services during the school day. These sessions take place in the adjacent ‘green space’ next to the school grounds.

    If you are a school personnel inquiring about our services, please connect with the Taproot Team.

Connect with Taproot