The Nature of Mental Health

For the People and Kids: A Conversation with Jessica Colón Around Outdoor Education.

Join William Henry and Jessica Colón as they explore the transformative power of outdoor movement, community engagement, and nature-based education. Discover how Jessica's journey from Puerto Rico to founding 'For the People and Kids' highlights the importance of accessible green spaces, community partnerships, and fostering a love for nature in children and families. Guest Information: * Guest Name: Jessica Colón * Bio: Jessica M. Colón is the founder of For the People & Kids, a community-centered organization dedicated to connecting children and families with nature, creativity, culture, and hands-on learning experiences. Passionate about accessible education and inclusive community programming, Jessica has helped create bilingual, nature-based programs that bring together local educators, artists, farms, libraries, and wellness practitioners throughout the community. * Driven by a deep belief in the healing and transformative power of nature, Jessica focuses on creating meaningful opportunities where children can explore, create, move, and grow in welcoming environments. Through For the People & Kids, she continues to build partnerships and programs that make enriching experiences affordable and accessible for all families. * Links: Website: www.forthepeopleandkids.org [www.forthepeopleandkids.org] (Gala October 17th) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forthepeopleandkids/ [https://www.instagram.com/forthepeopleandkids/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/for-the-people-and-kids/posts/?feedView=all [https://www.linkedin.com/company/for-the-people-and-kids/posts/?feedView=all] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@forthepeopleandkids [https://www.youtube.com/@forthepeopleandkids] Key Topics * Jessica's background and journey into community work * The importance of nature and green spaces in childhood development * How 'For the People and Kids' was founded and grew * Community partnerships and accessibility in outdoor education * Innovative programs like bee hotels, gardens, and art in nature Resources: * https://linktr.ee/forthepeopleandkids [https://linktr.ee/forthepeopleandkids ] The Farm at Cabbage Hill: https://www.cabbagehill.org/ [https://www.cabbagehill.org/] DIG Farm: https://www.digfarm.org/ [https://www.digfarm.org/] Host & Show Info * Host Name: William Henry, LCSW * About the Host: William Henry is a licensed clinical social worker and certified nature informed therapist. After graduating from New York University, he spent seven dedicated years in a day treatment center and school where he worked closely with students and families facing significant mental health challenges. Certified in Nature Informed Therapy in 2022, he believes that rebuilding our connection with nature can provide some much needed relief from the struggles that many of us are facing. Will spends his free time fly fishing, camping and hiking. Find more resources and information through his practice, Riverstone Mental Health Collective, based in Mount Kisco, NY. * Website: riverstonementalhealth.com [https://riverstonementalhealth.com/] Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. The Nature of Mental Health [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-mental-health/id1859079675] * Follow us on social media: * Instagram: @riverstonementalhealth [https://www.instagram.com/riverstonementalhealth/] * Facebook: Riverstone Mental Health [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574399450800] * LinkedIn: William Henry, LCSW [https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-henry-lcsw-39016b38/] * YouTube: @TheNatureofMentalHealth [https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofMentalHealth] Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway in the comments. We would love to hear from you! ⚠️ Important Disclaimer: The Nature of Mental Health is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. The information presented here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care professional. If you’re in crisis, thinking about harming yourself, or don’t feel safe, call 911, or contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline immediately.

The Rewilding School: A Conversation on Connection with Eric Stone

Explore the profound connection between nature, ancestral skills, and personal growth through a conversation with Eric Stone of the Rewilding School. Discover how ancient skills like fire-making and stone tool crafting foster community, resilience, and self-awareness. * Guest Name: Eric Stone * Bio: Eric is the Program Director for The Rewilding School. He develops our programs, trains staff, and much, much more. Prior to founding The Rewilding School in 2016, Eric had a decade of teaching environmental summer camps in New York, residential outdoor education in California, ancestral skills in Oregon, and teambuilding in Massachusetts and right here in Westchester. He also founded and directed the Muscoot Naturalist Summer Camp. * The Rewilding School is a nature-based outdoor education organization that offers year-round programs for children, families, and adults focused on learning through direct interaction with the natural world. It emphasizes curiosity, play, hands-on skills, and connection with the outdoors rather than traditional classroom schooling. They serve preschool age children through adults, and have programs for afterschool, summer camps, as well as programs for BIPOC communities. The Rewilding School is built around the notion that in order to change the results of life, we have to update the spaces and ways that we teach children how to live. And there’s no such thing as “too soon” for that to start. Links: Website: https://www.rewildingschool.com/ [https://www.rewildingschool.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildingschool/ [https://www.instagram.com/rewildingschool/] key Topics * The significance of flint and stone tools in human history * The role of fire-making in community building and survival * The importance of nature connection for mental health * Educational programs for children and adults in nature * The impact of colonialism on land access and conservation Resources: * Book: Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods [https://richardlouv.com/books/last-child] Host & Show Info * Host Name: William Henry, LCSW * About the Host: William Henry is a licensed clinical social worker and certified nature informed therapist. After graduating from New York University, he spent seven dedicated years in a day treatment center and school where he worked closely with students and families facing significant mental health challenges. Certified in Nature Informed Therapy in 2022, he believes that rebuilding our connection with nature can provide some much needed relief from the struggles that many of us are facing. Will spends his free time fly fishing, camping and hiking. Find more resources and information through his practice, Riverstone Mental Health Collective, based in Mount Kisco, NY. * Website: riverstonementalhealth.com [https://riverstonementalhealth.com/] Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. The Nature of Mental Health [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-mental-health/id1859079675] * Follow us on social media: * Instagram: @riverstonementalhealth [https://www.instagram.com/riverstonementalhealth/] * Facebook: Riverstone Mental Health [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574399450800] * LinkedIn: William Henry, LCSW [https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-henry-lcsw-39016b38/] * YouTube: @TheNatureofMentalHealth [https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofMentalHealth] Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway in the comments. We would love to hear from you! ⚠️ Important Disclaimer: The Nature of Mental Health is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. The information presented here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care professional. If you’re in crisis, thinking about harming yourself, or don’t feel safe, call 911, or contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline immediately.

Wayfinders on the Hudson: A Conversation About Outdoor Education with Leah Gozhansky and Gwen Merkin

Join Leah Gozhanski and Gwen Merkin from Wayfinders on the Hudson as they explore the transformative power of outdoor nature programs for children and adults alike. Discover how outdoor education fosters connection, curiosity, and community among young learners and their families. Today's episode is an experiential one. Please feel free to join us on the trail, in your yard, or in a park as we experience what it is like to be part of a Wayfinders program. If you would like, take your own "WOW walk" and participate in a Wayfinders opening circle. Guests: GWEN MERKIN, MA CITY PLANNING, LEED AP, WILD EARTH TEACHER TRAINING, CERTIFICATE IN ECOPSYCHOLOGY: Gwen is a climate and cultural repair activist. In addition to Wayfinders, Gwen consults with individuals and families working to reduce their carbon footprint, and to inspire and transform neighborhoods and communities. Gwen's experience completing the Wild Earth Apprenticeship & Teacher Training - an in-depth experiential training on nature mentoring, wilderness living skills, & creating connective nature experiences - motivated her to fulfill her long-standing dream of developing Wayfinders. LEAH GOZHANSKY, M.A PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING, ED.M PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING & EDUCATION, CERTIFIED NATURE INFORMED THERAPIST: Leah is a Certified Nature-Informed Therapist who spent fifteen years working As a School Counselor at Ardsley High School and Bard High School Early College in Manhattan. She taught elementary school through Teach for America. Her extensive experience working in schools is complemented by her work in a psychiatric hospital and substance abuse clinic. She currently works as the Program Director of Wayfinders & facilitates walk and talk counseling sessions in the woods with adults. Leah believes deeply in the mental health benefits of nature connection. She brings a wealth of experience in social-emotional learning, counseling, mindfulness, meditation, reflection, validation, group dynamics, and interpersonal relationships to foster a strong sense of self and a deeper connection to our community and the world around us. Links: Website: https://www.wayfindersonthehudson.com/ [https://www.wayfindersonthehudson.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wayfindersonthehudson/ [https://www.instagram.com/wayfindersonthehudson/] FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wayfinders.on.the.hudson [https://www.facebook.com/wayfinders.on.the.hudson] Key topics: * The importance of outdoor nature programs for children * How outdoor education fosters connection and curiosity * Building community through outdoor youth programs Resources: * David Sobel's Book [https://www.davidsobelauthor.com/childhood-and-nature] * Coyote's Guide to Connecting in Nature [https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tVP1zc0TKkqLsrKMIw3YPQSTc6vzC9JVchNzSvJL8rMS1dIys_PBgD0ug1F&q=coyote+mentoring+book&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS957US957&oq=coyote+mentoring&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgBEC4YgAQyCQgAEEUYORiABDIHCAEQLhiABDIICAIQABgWGB4yCAgDEAAYFhgeMggIBBAAGBYYHjIICAUQABgWGB4yCAgGEAAYFhgeMggIBxAAGBYYHjIICAgQABgWGB4yDQgJEAAYhgMYgAQYigXSAQg0MzQwajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8] * Wild Earth [https://wildearth.org/] Host & Show Info * Host Name: William Henry, LCSW * About the Host: William Henry is a licensed clinical social worker and certified nature informed therapist. After graduating from New York University, he spent seven dedicated years in a day treatment center and school where he worked closely with students and families facing significant mental health challenges. Certified in Nature Informed Therapy in 2022, he believes that rebuilding our connection with nature can provide some much needed relief from the struggles that many of us are facing. Will spends his free time fly fishing, camping and hiking. Find more resources and information through his practice, Riverstone Mental Health Collective, based in Mount Kisco, NY. * Website: riverstonementalhealth.com [https://riverstonementalhealth.com/] Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. The Nature of Mental Health [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-mental-health/id1859079675] * Follow us on social media: * Instagram: @riverstonementalhealth [https://www.instagram.com/riverstonementalhealth/] * Facebook: Riverstone Mental Health [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574399450800] * LinkedIn: William Henry, LCSW [https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-henry-lcsw-39016b38/] * YouTube: @TheNatureofMentalHealth [https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofMentalHealth] Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway in the comments. We would love to hear from you! ⚠️ Important Disclaimer: The Nature of Mental Health is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. The information presented here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care professional. If you’re in crisis, thinking about harming yourself, or don’t feel safe, call 911, or contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline immediately.

Healing Through Outdoor Movement

In this episode, William Henry explores the profound impact of movement in nature on emotional well-being for both adults and children. He discusses how our evolutionary history has shaped our need for outdoor movement, the neurological benefits of being in nature, and the importance of movement for regulating emotions. The conversation highlights practical skills for incorporating movement into daily life, especially for children who thrive on physical activity. The episode concludes with a guided grounding practice to connect with nature and enhance emotional awareness. Takeaways * For more than 99% of our evolutionary history, we moved outdoors. * Nature provides lower cognitive load and sensory variation. * Movement helps release emotional charge stored in the body. * Outdoor movement restores executive function and cognitive control. * Kids regulate through movement, play, and sensory exploration. * Outdoor movement helps kids integrate sensory information and reduce behavioral escalations. * Nature provides graduated risk, building resilience in children. * Outdoor movement lowers social self-consciousness in teens. * Movement opens the mind and creates psychological spaciousness. * Healing often moves at the pace of a quiet walk. Host & Show Info * Host Name: William Henry, LCSW * About the Host: William Henry is a licensed clinical social worker and certified nature informed therapist. After graduating from New York University, he spent seven dedicated years in a day treatment center and school where he worked closely with students and families facing significant mental health challenges. Certified in Nature Informed Therapy in 2022, he believes that rebuilding our connection with nature can provide some much needed relief from the struggles that many of us are facing. Will spends his free time fly fishing, camping and hiking. Find more resources and information through his practice, Riverstone Mental Health Collective, based in Mount Kisco, NY. * Website: riverstonementalhealth.com [https://riverstonementalhealth.com/] Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. The Nature of Mental Health [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-mental-health/id1859079675] * Follow us on social media: * Instagram: @riverstonementalhealth [https://www.instagram.com/riverstonementalhealth/] * Facebook: Riverstone Mental Health [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574399450800] * LinkedIn: William Henry, LCSW [https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-henry-lcsw-39016b38/] * YouTube: @TheNatureofMentalHealth [https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofMentalHealth] Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway in the comments. We would love to hear from you! ⚠️ Important Disclaimer: The Nature of Mental Health is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. The information presented here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care professional. If you’re in crisis, thinking about harming yourself, or don’t feel safe, call 911, or contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline immediately.

Deep Rooted Wellness with Audrey Costa

In this inspiring conversation, Audrey Costa shares her journey from health and wellness professional to nature-informed therapist, highlighting how outdoor challenges build resilience and confidence in women. Discover her innovative retreats, the power of community, and practical tips for outdoor gear and mental health. Guest Information: * Audrey Costa, M.A., LAC, NCC Bio: Audrey Costa is a Certified Nature Therapist, Licensed NY Hiking and Camping Guide, and wellness expert with over 20 years of experience in health, education, and experiential programming. She is the founder of Deep Rooted Wellness and Creatives, where she guides women and families through immersive outdoor experiences designed for healing, resilience, and growth. Drawing on her background as a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Specialist, and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Audrey integrates physical challenge, somatic practices, and mindful connection into her Women’s Wild Resilience Backpacking Retreats and Connected Together Family Nature Retreats. Her work centers on the belief that healing doesn’t always happen in stillness—it can be found through movement, challenge, and shared experience on the trail. Through intentional time in nature, Audrey helps women reconnect with their bodies, build confidence, and transform adversity into strength. Links: Website: www.deeprootedwellnessnj.com [http://www.deeprootedwellnessnj.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deeprootedwellness/ [https://www.instagram.com/deeprootedwellness/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Deeprootedwellnessandcreatives [https://www.facebook.com/Deeprootedwellnessandcreatives] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-costa-deeprootedwellness/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-costa-deeprootedwellness/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeepRootedWellness [https://www.youtube.com/@DeepRootedWellness] Key Topics: * The integration of physical challenge and mental health in outdoor retreats * The design and structure of deep-rooted wellness programs for women * The impact of community and shared experience on healing * Practical tips for outdoor gear and preparation * The role of nature as a co-therapist and space for reflection Host & Show Info * Host Name: William Henry, LCSW * About the Host: William Henry is a licensed clinical social worker and certified nature informed therapist. After graduating from New York University, he spent seven dedicated years in a day treatment center and school where he worked closely with students and families facing significant mental health challenges. Certified in Nature Informed Therapy in 2022, he believes that rebuilding our connection with nature can provide some much needed relief from the struggles that many of us are facing. Will spends his free time fly fishing, camping and hiking. Find more resources and information through his practice, Riverstone Mental Health Collective, based in Mount Kisco, NY. * Website: riverstonementalhealth.com [https://riverstonementalhealth.com/] Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. The Nature of Mental Health [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-mental-health/id1859079675] * Follow us on social media: * Instagram: @riverstonementalhealth [https://www.instagram.com/riverstonementalhealth/] * Facebook: Riverstone Mental Health [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574399450800] * LinkedIn: William Henry, LCSW [https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-henry-lcsw-39016b38/] * YouTube: @TheNatureofMentalHealth [https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofMentalHealth] Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway in the comments. We would love to hear from you! ⚠️ Important Disclaimer: The Nature of Mental Health is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. The information presented here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care professional. If you’re in crisis, thinking about harming yourself, or don’t feel safe, call 911, or contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline immediately.