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Nature journaling is an enjoyable way to connect with and learn about nature. It is a mindfulness practice specific to outdoor spaces. It suits all ages who can write!  It’s available to everyone, no equipment or membership fees required.  One piece of paper and a writing tool is all anyone needs.  It can be done solo or in a group, and the risk of side effects is minimal to none.  Find a space to rest and reflect as a break on a longer hike or at the end of a walk before you

Seriously, Biophobia (fear of nature) is a thing?  Yes, the more urban and indoor-oriented our lives have become, the more disconnected to nature we have become.  People express  fears of animals, “bugs”, and extreme weather events.  Allergies motivate people to keep doors and windows shut and live in climate controlled rooms and offices stimulated constantly by the artificial lights of multiple screens.  It is possible to never go outdoors for any length of time - moving fro

This time of year usually triggers thoughts of endings (harvests, holidays that commemorate accomplishments from the past year).  In the natural world endings manifest as trees losing their leaves and fresh growth become dormant.  As humans, we are encouraged to redirect energy from external pursuits to inward, reflective priorities.  What do we want to pursue, refine, or change in the new year?  A recent trend labeled “octobering” adjusts our re-evaluating to the time of har

After a recent rattling of my health status, I found myself in a situation of not being able to drive - putting a stop to my usual come-and-go-as-I-please travel when and where I want.   Choosing to modify my lifestyle wasn’t on my agenda.  How can I still enjoy life at the same level when I can’t live it the way I chose and have become used to?  Does a small experience still provide the same renewed mindset as traveling to a different location, one that offers large, expansi

Dear Friends, As we step into this new month, I wanted to share a thought that’s been close to my heart. Life gives us plenty of opportunities to practice patience, kindness, and yes — forgiveness. It’s not always easy, but it can be deeply freeing. My hope is that these reflections encourage you to see forgiveness a little differently and maybe even lighten the load you’ve been carrying. Have you ever said, “You owe me an apology!” ? If I were a betting man, I’d put money on

The death of a child is one of the most devastating experiences a parent can face. Grief is deeply personal, and there is no “right” way...

Nature Mandalas.  Ever make one?  I had not.  But the activity was suggested to me by a fellow therapist as a popular and effective...

Retired or not, many adults over the age of 65 have worries about aging.   As a clinician, I have listened as clients over 65 described...

Glimmers are small, positive moments or experiences that occur during the day.  These microevents can elicit calm, peace, and wonder in...

Change and adapting to it is a common reason people seek mental health therapy.  Maybe resistance to change is the real issue.  We crave...

Part of nature-based therapy is the concept that nature becomes a co-facilitator or partner in therapeutic relationships.  Spending time...

- Avoiding natural public spaces out of fear vs engaging with nature for more courageous living - Written By: Marilyn Laughlin, LCSW,...

Experiencing the emotion of awe - a large, epistemic emotion that includes curiosity, surprise, and wonder - denotes acquiring knowledge...

Maybe you know how it is.  On a walk somewhere, maybe a mountain trail, or maybe by a beach or when you turn the earth for a garden, you...

On an ordinary summer day a  few weeks ago, a storm came through Pueblo and ripped off a large limb from the Siberian elm tree in my back...

Nature-Based Therapy and Attention Restoration As humans, over time 99.99% of our time was spent in nature.  Our urban existence is much...

People always come into your life for a reason, a season and a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do....

After a recent yard clean up at my house I was stunned to find that two very old hollyhocks in a flower bed were destroyed - or so I...

At A New Leaf Therapy, we believe therapy should be just as normal as going to the doctor when you’re not feeling well. Because mental...

Looking for therapy in Pueblo, CO? A New Leaf Therapy has over 50 therapists, accepts Medicaid and all insurances, and specializes in trauma, anxiety, and CBT.