Meet The Founder

Sami Dowling has dedicated her career to helping others overcome challenges and achieve their fullest potential. With over 15 years of experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), she worked with individuals to rebuild strength and restore functional independence. Yet, she often observed that her patients faced emotional barriers—challenges that physical recovery alone couldn’t address.

Determined to find holistic solutions, Sami expanded her expertise by becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in 2021 and earning her Master’s in Recreational Therapy from Grand Valley State University. Her graduate research explored the therapeutic benefits of nature, culminating in a dissertation on Forest Bathing and Attention Restoration Theory as tools to combat anxiety and depression.

Guided by the principles of recreational therapy, which uses evidence-based, activity-driven interventions to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being, Sami founded Re-Tx Yourself, LLC—pronounced Retreat Yourself. Her company offers innovative, nature-based mental health solutions grounded in the APIED process—Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Documentation—ensuring that each program is tailored to meet individual client needs. By blending therapeutic recreation with the healing power of nature, Sami helps clients improve their functional abilities, develop practical coping strategies, and achieve greater independence.

Through activities like mindfulness practices, outdoor creative therapies, and guided nature retreats, Sami empowers clients to overcome stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. Her therapeutic use of nature focuses on enhancing overall well-being by addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. By fostering a deeper connection to the natural world, Sami helps clients unlock their inner strength, build emotional resilience, and develop practical tools for navigating life’s challenges. Her approach not only promotes relaxation and balance in the moment but also encourages lasting transformation by inspiring clients to integrate the harmony and renewal found in nature into their everyday lives.

As a passionate advocate for holistic mental health care, Sami has engaged with national conferences, staying informed on the latest advancements in ecotherapy and recreational therapy. She is dedicated to broadening Re-Tx Yourself’s offerings to include community – based programs and collaborative partnerships, creating sustainable and accessible wellness opportunities for diverse communities.

When she’s not guiding clients or leading workshops, you’ll find Sami hiking her favorite trails, journaling in the woods, or simply enjoying the restorative stillness of nature.