Impactful Women of the 918: Kristin Tipps, LPC-S, RPT-S

Photo by Makenzie Howard Photography

Kristin Tipps has been supporting children and families through her work as a licensed professional counselor for more than 20 years. More recently — in January 2024 — she co-founded Nurtured In Natural Environments Ranch (9Ranch), whose mission is “to provide psychotherapy in the heart of nature, empowering children to overcome obstacles and find their divine purpose.” (9ranch.net). In addition to nature-based therapy, the practice offers play therapy, animal-assisted therapy, sand tray therapy, and other “alternative therapy” methods.

“The role of the ‘alternative methods’ is simply about building rapport and trust with our clients,” explains Tipps. “By utilizing these activities, kids get to express themselves differently and with less pressure.” Taking therapy out of the office and into nature can change the therapy dynamics in a way that encourages clients to open up. “One example of this process was a client who lost a parent to a terminal illness and was unwilling to engage (or even speak) when meeting in the office,” says Tipps. “Once we moved the sessions to 9Ranch and incorporated hikes in nature, the client was able to open up, share more, and begin the grieving process alongside the remaining parent.”

Over the next several months, Tipps hopes to expand the offerings at 9Ranch to include equine therapy, nutrition coaching, eating disorder recovery and additional group sessions.

Outside of her work at 9Ranch, Tipps is making an impact by supporting new therapists through their licensure process. As stress relief from an emotionally demanding job, Tipps enjoys working out, dancing and playing pickleball.