Provider Spotlights of the Month

Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker

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Greetings everyone, I'm Heidi Schreiber-Pan, PhD, and I proudly serve as the founder and executive director of the Center for Nature Informed Therapy. A few years ago I was approaching a significant birthday, and I found myself at a crossroads, unsure whether to mourn or celebrate. Opting for joy, I treated myself to a transformative nine-day retreat in the serene landscapes of New Mexico. Amidst the mountains near Taos, I immersed myself in silence and outdoor meditation, seeking a profound connection with nature.

However, reality quickly diverged from my idyllic fantasies. Just two days into my silent sojourn, I found myself scheming an escape route back to civilization. Transitioning from the bustling pace of East Coast city life to the tranquil solitude of Carson National Forest proved jarring for my restless mind. Yet, amidst the stillness and absence of daily demands, I encountered the opportunity to confront unresolved internal conflicts, delving into my own interior wilderness.

In contemplating the concept of wilderness, both external and internal, I realized the necessity of tending to neglected corners of our inner landscapes. Whether it be past grief or other emotional burdens, nature serves as a powerful catalyst for healing and self-discovery. Like a mirror reflecting our innermost selves, the natural world illuminates the shadows of our psyche, guiding us toward growth and understanding.

The founding principle of the Center for Nature Informed Therapy stems from recognizing nature's profound influence on our emotional wellbeing. It underscores the notion that solutions to our struggles often lie beyond the confines of our rational minds, waiting to be discovered in the embrace of the more-than-human world. Through our work, we aim to harness nature's wisdom to foster social-emotional health and cultivate a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.

If you are interested in all things nature and mental health, I am your person. Please reach out. Let's connect. schreiberpan@cmhcweb.com