A Journey Rooted in Care
I’m Jenny Lopez (she/her/ella), the founder of Rooted in Nature Therapy™ (RINT). Born of Mixteco and Oaxacan heritage and shaped by the diverse landscapes of Southern California, I’ve learned that sustainable care is mutual. When we care for one another, we also care for ourselves.
At RINT, we invite nature to be a therapeutic space for restoration—for both participants and practitioners alike. Together, we create a compassionate environment to explore emotions, reconnect with your authentic self, and nurture your inner nature.
We believe mental health care is a right, not a privilege. That’s why we’re committed to care that is accessible, culturally affirming, and rooted in collective healing. We focus on uplifting Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), migrant, and First-Gen communities, supporting those who are navigating the ways their histories and identities shape their life experiences today.
Nature as our Guide
Before stepping into a therapy office as either a participant or practitioner, nature was my first medicine. Whether cycling, running, or tending to my mother’s garden, nature grounded me as I weathered turbulent inner seasons. As a youth, I was fortunate to have access to local parks and trails—places that became emotional oases for grounding and restoration.
As a mental health first responder during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed how access to nature became a vital lifeline. As people sought ways to socially distance and ease isolation, those with access to Nature and Public Lands experienced its grounding and restorative benefits. However, it became clear that many, especially from migrant and BIPOC communities, were left without this essential resource as impacted by inequitable access.
The pandemic underscored the urgent need for alternative mental health care options and greater access to diverse, dynamic healing practices. This became RINT’s call to action. By integrating an ecotherapy framework, we established a practice dedicated to emotional restoration and sustainability, particularly for those most affected by systemic inequities. Nature became our guide, teacher, and support—nurturing both participants and practitioners alike.
Why Ecotherapy?
At Rooted In Nature Therapy™, we embrace an ecotherapy framework to support social and emotional health, well-being, and restoration. We believe that nature is not separate from us—we are nature. Reconnecting with nature restores the vital mind-body-heart connection, bringing lasting impact for generations to come.
Ecotherapy at RINT goes beyond simply spending time outdoors. Whether in nature, in-office, or virtually, we meet you where you are. We aim to integrate nature in culturally affirming and accessible ways, honoring your unique environment and needs. Whether through grounding walks, ancestral storytelling, or simply noticing the breeze outside your window, we invite nature’s guidance to support and nurture us.
This approach is tailored to you, honoring your pace and your individual relationship with nature—whether you're just beginning or already feel connected.
What Grounds Our Work
At Rooted In Nature Therapy™, our core values are the roots that guide how we care—for ourselves, our communities, and the planet. These values remind us that healing is reciprocal, restorative, and rooted in justice.
We believe in sustainability for People + Planet, knowing that tending to our inner world is inseparable from tending to the Earth.
We uplift and center BIPOC leadership as mental health care is to reflect and affirm lived experiences.
We honor rest, care, and joy as essential—not extras. These are the foundational ingredients of well-being, especially for those impacted by generational and collective stress, trauma, and emotional wounds.
We co-create spaces that are relational, inclusive, and rooted in community care.
We follow nature’s lead—attuning to seasonal rhythms, embracing simplicity, and trusting that growth unfolds deeply, slowly, and with care.
These values are not just beliefs—they are the practice, the path, and the offering.
Experiences with Nature
As a bilingual, bicultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I bring both professional wisdom and a deep care for nature to my work. Holding certifications in Ecotherapy and Interpretive Guidance from the Earthbody Institute, and volunteering with the National Park Service’s Every Kid Outdoors Program, I’m empowered to offer culturally affirming and representative nature-based experiences for individuals, families, and communities.
My journey has been enriched by leadership programs like Nature for All’s Leadership Program and Justice Outside’s Liberated Paths and Pathways Fellowships. These experiences have deepened my understanding as a nature steward and solidified my commitment to equity, access, and healing—values that shape RINT’s mission.
When I’m not working with clients, you can find me cycling to the rhythm of my favorite cumbias—reminding myself to honor my humanity and connect with the joy that fuels my own fulfillment. Through all of this, I remain inspired by the powerful connection between nature, community, and restorative care.
Medical Disclaimer
The information and resources shared by Rooted in Nature Therapy™ are intended to support mental wellness and emotional well-being through an ecotherapy lens. This includes topics related to healing, nature connection, relationship-building, and personal growth. All content is meant for educational and informational purposes only.Rooted in Nature Therapy™ does not offer medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or care provided by a licensed medical or mental health provider. We encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes related to your mental or physical health.
If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please call 911, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. Rooted in Nature Therapy does not provide crisis or emergency services.
Participation in any offerings from Rooted in Nature Therapy™ is voluntary. You are responsible for using your own judgment in applying any insights or practices shared. Our role is to offer guidance and tools that can support your path, not to guarantee outcomes or results.