Rae Madison Gerber’s life has been shaped by three encounters with manta rays that became unexpected turning points. What began as a tentative first swim evolved into a way to reconnect with her body, question long-held beliefs about trust and worth, and find the clarity to step away from work that no longer felt right. This episode explores listening inward, finding momentum when the world feels overwhelming, and how the ocean can create space for emotional release.

In this episode:

What manta rays can teach us about self-acceptance and seeing bodies without judgment.
How Rae’s work with Body Trust shapes her approach to healing and care.
The role of listening inward and continuing forward to something better when the work you’re doing no longer fits.
How trauma lives in the body and why the ocean can help unlock what gets stuck.
How Rae imagines blending the power of the ocean with therapeutic work to create a different kind of healing space.

Key moments:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:33) Rae's first manta experience

(03:33) From anxiety on the beach to joy in the water

(06:25) Rae’s path into mental health counseling

(07:52) Unlearning body shame with the mantas

(09:26) "Big Bertha," a manta ray matriarch

(11:43) Burnout and wondering if therapy is still the right path

(16:26) A new chapter and choosing work that makes your heart sing

(19:47) What Body Trust is and why it matters

(22:48) Third manta swim and finding community in the dark

(26:41) Keeping momentum when the world feels heavy

(31:52) Learning scuba the right way: skill, discipline, safety

(34:20) Scar the sea turtle and protecting the ocean

(35:46) Body Trust meets the ocean: Rae's vision for group therapy

(37:21) Trauma in the body and healing in the ocean

Resources

• Episode page and resources: https://oceanwingspodcast.com/episode/rae-body-trust-therapy
• Get Martina’s emails: https://oceanwingspodcast.com/newsletter
• More about manta rays on https://mantarayadvocates.com
• Watch the full video on YouTube

Trauma and Body Trust: a licensed therapist on manta rays as therapy with Rae Madison Gerber