Ocean Healing Therapy: A Restorative Program for Sea Sisters

Stepping onto the soft, golden sands of Manhattan Beach instantaneously gives you peace, and better yet, with good company, you would never want to leave.

A couple weeks ago, I got to visit one of my favorite visionaries in the blue mind space, Sophie Pyne. Sophie invited me to photograph a celebratory dinner and a healing session for an ocean healing program tailored for women. This gathering was a heartfelt celebration of connection, healing, and the powerful bond shared among sea sisters after completing Sophie's Ocean Healing Therapy Program, or OHTP.

As the sun set on this program, I could feel the energy of the group and the bond they created. Each woman had her own story and journey of healing, and I was energized witnessing how the ocean and the OHTP had played a pivotal role in their transformations.

The Power of the Ocean

The ocean possesses a remarkable ability to heal. It’s not just the sound of waves crashing or the salty air filling your lungs; it’s the connection to something larger than ourselves. The feeling of tranquility being near or thinking of water is called The Blue Mind Theory. This notion was created by legend Wallace J. Nichols, or "J", whom Sophie knew as a mentor and friend. She was inspired by his teachings and crafted the OHTP to empower women to harness the ocean's therapeutic benefits and to find peace in the water.

Many of the ladies in the OHTP were surfer girls, others were just drawn to the ocean. Some have even developed their own businesses surrounding ocean healing, like Sophie.

Sophie Pyne, creator of OHTP. @oceantherapygoddess

A Celebration of Sisterhood & OHTP Branding

The gals enjoyed a gorgeous dinner right on the beach that was to die for. The decor, seashells, crystals, flowers, and inspirational cards, made for the perfect branding pieces. The group enjoyed their company and reflected over their journey, while I got some quick branding shots for the program. You could hear the roar of laughter alllll the way from the water.

The Healing Circle

Post dinner, the group shifted into a healing session. The atmosphere transformed from celebration to deep reflection as they formed a circle on the sand. The healing circle is a place for mindfulness, movement, affirmations, breath work, and peace.

Even just watching it all unfold, I felt so much more relaxed and enveloped by the present moment. And you can't beat the view and sound of the waves crashing.

The circle emphasized the power of self-care and community support in the healing process. If you've never tried a healing circle, this is your call to!

Letting go of negative energy -- embracing movement

Practicing mindfulness and meditation

Waves of Love

As the session wrapped up, the gals shared their reflections. Many highlighted the importance of having a supportive community of sea sisters who recognize their challenges. They emphasized that the ocean had become a safe haven, a place where they could truly be themselves.

In today’s fast-paced world, isolation can feel overwhelming, especially for young women navigating adulthood who feel alone or unloved. Programs like this one are so unbelivably essential for anyone who wants to step outside their comfort zone and accept the person you are wanting to become. You could just see how uplifting this group was and how close they had all grown.

It was truly inspiring and made feel the waves of love.

Running around on the beach

Embracing Blue Mind for Life

Capturing the essence of the women’s ocean healing therapy program reminded me how empowered I feel by connecting with other sea sisters. The connection to each other and the sea is literal therapy! The ocean is more than just a playground for surfing and sunbathing; it gives love back to those who love it. It's energy is incredibly magnetizing.

For the girls who cherish the ocean, consider exploring it's therapeutic benefits.

If you're feeling down, just go jump in the water. Seriously, just do it. You'll never regret it.

(FORGET ABOUT TOUCHING GRASS. I NEED TO TOUCH THE SEA)

Leaving the beach, I carried the peace of the waves with me. It truly did not feel as work, and I was feeling so grateful that this is my job.

Just a reminder that healing is possible. Explore Blue Mind and embrace it for life.

Reach out through the Ocean Healing Institute about how you can join the 2026 OHTP.