Patrick Devitt

Therapy Intern, Pre-MA

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Nature-Based Transpersonal Counseling at Naropa University, where my training emphasizes mindfulness, experiential therapies, and nature-based approaches to healing. I hold a B.A. in Comparative Literature from the University of Washington and have also completed training in Transcendental Meditation. My studies have included Jungian psychology, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gestalt therapy, addictions counseling, multicultural counseling, and Indigenous ways of knowing. I work from the belief that healing often emerges through greater connection—to oneself, to others, and to the natural world. I strive to create a compassionate, collaborative space where clients can explore the many dimensions of their experience with curiosity, authenticity, and respect. 

My relationship with nature was shaped early in life while growing up among the forests and waters of the Pacific Northwest beneath the shadow of the Olympic Mountains. My childhood was spent exploring woods, shorelines, rivers, and wild places, experiences that fostered a sense of belonging within the natural world. I have a deep appreciation for the restorative, grounding, and transformative qualities of nature, which informs both my personal life and my approach to counseling. I view the natural world not only as a setting for healing, but also as a relationship that can support reflection, resilience, and a deeper connection to meaning. I enjoy outdoor activities, particularly cycling, which has reinforced my belief that physical movement plays a vital role in psychological well-being. I have witnessed firsthand how regular physical activity can support emotional regulation, resilience, self-awareness, and a greater sense of connection. 

I am particularly interested in supporting adults navigating life transitions, neurodiversity, spiritual or existential questions, recovery from addiction, and the search for meaning and purpose. My work is informed by practices that cultivate present-moment awareness, and approaches that help individuals develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves. I am drawn to nature-based therapeutic practices and the ways that encounters with the living world can support psychological healing and transformation. I am also exploring earth-based and shamanic traditions connected to my Sámi ancestry.

Before entering the counseling profession, I spent many years in leadership, coaching, technology, and creative fields. Most recently, I operated a fine art photography practice focused on themes of nature, presence, and human experience, deepening my appreciation for mindfulness, perception, and creative expression.

My life experiences have shaped my understanding of the challenges people face as they navigate work, relationships, purpose, and change. I believe that healing is not simply about reducing symptoms but about cultivating a deeper relationship with oneself and discovering a more meaningful way of being in the world. My goal is to support clients as they reconnect with their own inner wisdom, strengths, and capacity for growth.