A Blog about Mental Health, Nature, and how they intersect

Hello! I’ve decided to start blogging again, and I wanted my first post to be an introduction to me and what I plan to blog about. If you’ve read my website “About” section, you know I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Idaho. I have a bachelor’s degree in Writing, a master’s degree in Counseling, and a doctorate in Counselor Education. I’ve been a counselor in private practice since 2014. This is now my full time gig, which I love! I’ve also spent time working as a school counselor and as a postdoctoral researcher for NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) grant.
 
I’ve traveled quite a bit, but Idaho has always been home. Most of my family is here and I love the natural beauty and public land here. I am a nature lover at heart. The outdoors is where I get my greatest inspiration and what I rely most heavily on for self-care. I love to hike, ski (downhill and cross-country), rock climb, windsurf, and mountain bike. I have climbed all of Idaho’s 12ers (12,000’+ peaks--see photo below!) and I’m working my way through the long list of “11ers”. I also love reading and writing—and sometimes cooking, but that ebbs and flows!

A photo of me on each of Idaho's 12,000' peaks!

I​’ve thought at length about how to combine my love of therapy with my love of nature. I’ve studied ecotherapy and hold sessions outdoors for clients who want that option. And in this blog, I plan to write about these things—anything pertaining to mental health, nature, and how these things intersect. How can we improve our lives and the natural world around us? This and many other questions are things I plan to explore. I hope you enjoy!