Holistic Mental Health in NYC with Desiree Woehrle, LCSW a Brooklyn Anxiety + Trauma therapist ✨️

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Springing Forward

Hello and Happy Spring everyone!!

My apologies for not posting over the last few months. Business had gotten quite busy in the new year and while I enjoy blogging and reaching out to new folx, my first priority is client care. For this reason, I will soon be adding a second practice location which will include more evening hours. I will announce the location details once the lease is finalized, but these additional hours will begin May 1st (hint: it will be very close to Industry City).

A second topic I want to delve into is seasonal changes. Many of my clients see a decline in their energy levels and mood during the cold dark winter months. Now that we have just made it through four big snow storms in one month, Spring is finally upon us and temperatures and daylight hours are increasing. Now is the time for use to use our mindfulness skills and notice all of the little gifts spring is offering us. I myself love looking for the season's first sign of life, blooming crocuses, tulips and daffodils.

Studies have shown that spending time in nature has a significant impact on our mental wellness. If you're one of the lucky New Yorker's who has a home garden or is a member of a community garden, other studies show that getting down and dirty in the soil, planting, pulling weeds, harvesting seeds and produce has a positive effect on our gut microbiome (a subject that I will get deeper into in future posts). To make a long story short, there is a link between the amount of healthy bacteria in our bodies and how we feel physically and mentally. Even if you do not have access to a garden, caring for plants in your home both improves the air quality and has a similar effect to the results described above. 

On that note - Happy planting everyone!

Also wishing a joyous Easter and Passover to all who observe.