In this Nature Series on The Bonded Podcast we explore how humans can build secure bonds with each other, with animals, and with the natural world. Today we sit down with Hanna Wise, a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern (RCSWI) specializing in veterinary social work. Hanna shares how she stumbled into this niche, deeply meaningful field, and what it looks like to support both the humans and animals who walk through the doors of a nonprofit veterinary clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. From pet loss grief groups to staff burnout, this conversation will open your eyes to a field you've probably never heard of but will absolutely relate to if you've ever had an affection for animals or pets.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Veterinary social work is built on one core principle: respecting the dignity and worth of all species.
• Pet loss is disenfranchised grief — it's valid, it's real, and it deserves the same space as any other grief.
• The human-animal bond as a secure attachment — how our relationships with pets mirror the principles of healthy human connection, including trust, consistency, co-regulation, and boundaries.
• What pets can teach us about relationships — body language, respecting "no," early socialization, and growing independence over time.
• The potential for sacred reciprocity within human-animal bond.
• Pets can serve as a mirror for healthy relationships — modeling boundaries, trust-building, and independence.

If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a friend who has loved their pet, works in veterinary medicine, or is curious about the intersection of mental health and animal welfare.

🐾 Virtual Pet Loss Support Group — First Wednesday of every month. Open to anyone in Florida through EveryPet.org email Hanna at hwise@everypet.org

Learn mindfulness and self-compassion tools at www.SacredTreehouse.org

Strengthening the Human-Animal Bond This website has so many great links that can be utilized for individuals and families, with a lot of the topics that we discussed being addressed. https://mhanational.org/resources/strengthening-the-human-animal-bond/

Jacksonville Specific

• https://jaxhumane.org/pet-help/pet-owner-assistance/
• https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/office-of-administrative-services/animal-care-and-protective-services

Veterinary Social Work Resources

• https://vetsocialwork.tennessee.edu/
• https://www.iavsw.org/

In this episode we sit down with Maureen Ake, LMFT, to explore the Wild Woman archetype ~ who she really is, how she lives in all of us, and what it looks like to reclaim her. From Maureen's own initiation of getting pregnant the day after being accepted into her master's program, to the deeply healing work she facilitates in women's groups and retreats, this conversation weaves together themes of authenticity, sovereignty, nature, community, and embodiment. This episode is part of our ongoing series on nature's role in healing and cultivating mind-body-soul wellbeing.

Who Is the Wild Woman, Really? She's not feral or chaotic. The Wild Woman is creative, intuitive, boundaried, compassionate, and sovereign. She understands the cycles and seasonality of life and doesn't apologize for simply existing. Think of the plant that leans toward the sun without asking permission — that is her. Tune into the episode to unleash her full essence.

About Our Guest:

Maureen Ake is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience, and the visionary co-creator behind Wild Woman Therapies and Wild Woman Awakening — a program and community helping women reconnect with their instinctual nature, reclaim their authentic voice, and step fully into their power. Maureen blends therapeutic expertise with creativity, nature, and community through private practice, group therapy, and immersive retreats in Stuart, Florida.

Resources & References Mentioned

• Wild Woman Awakening Program https://wildwomantherapies.com/About
• Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés (foundational reading on the Wild Woman archetype)

In this episode of Bonded, we continue exploring the theme of interconnection—what Thich Nhat Hanh called “interbeing.”

This conversation is an invitation to remember something many of us have forgotten: we are not separate—from nature, from each other, or from life itself.

Lizzie shares how her relationship with nature opened the door to a deeper sense of belonging, while Dr. Patty reflects on how mindfulness helps us reconnect to what has always been here—our innate capacity for connection.

Together, they explore how disconnection—whether from people or the natural world—can be at the root of suffering, and how gently restoring awareness of interconnection can bring a sense of hope, support, and wholeness.

• What “interbeing” really means and how it shows up in everyday life
• How mindfulness is not about learning something new—but remembering what is already true
• A powerful food meditation practice to experience interconnection directly
• The link between loneliness, disconnection, and emotional suffering
• How reconnecting with nature can support healing—especially when human connection feels difficult
• Why connection (to people and the earth) may be a missing piece in how we understand well-being

This week, try this simple mindfulness practice: At your next meal, pause and really look at your plate.

Notice:

• Where did this food come from?
• What elements made it possible? (sun, rain, soil, animals)
• Who contributed along the way? (farmers, transporters, cooks)

Let yourself feel into the truth that this single meal is made up of the entire universe. Notice what arises—gratitude, awe, connection, or something else.

Connect and Grow with Us:

If this episode resonates, we invite you to continue exploring with us:

• Join our upcoming mindfulness and eco-awareness offerings www.SacredTreehouse.org
• Reach out to learn more about our community info@sacredtreehouse.org
• Or simply begin by stepping outside and noticing your connection to the living world around you