Birch Tree Therapeutic Arts

01/03/2026

And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that never were.
- Rainer Maria Rilke

01/02/2026

Show of hands...who has set some resolutions for the New Year? And who has decided that they want to include better mental health in that? Better home health?

In a recent workshop I took, Ari Tuckman described "Clutter" as deferred decisions. I'll further define clutter as...avoidance (you can't see my end of the year desk right now...the struggle is REAL!). Often thought of as a problem in our homes, clutter (aka avoidance) is present in our emotions, our thoughts, and our mental health. Decision making...that stuck feeling surely is brain clutter and so much noise pollution in our brains.

Therapy is a great tool to help reengage your brain from avoidance to locking into your motivation to move into action.

If this problem is getting in your way...like the soon to be gone clutter on my desk... there is no better time to engage in therapy. It really is a helpful tool to get thoughts and problems to a more manageable place in your life, so you can enjoy your life a lot more!

www.birchtreetherapeuticarts.com

image: Shutterstock

12/29/2025

Bernadette Luzama Noll, my friend and colleague is offering grief and emotional wellness sessions tomorrow, December 30. Her offering is perfect for the season - 30 minute sessions, pay what you can. Here is her link!

Grief and Emotional Wellness Coach

12/23/2025

The “most wonderful” time of the year, may, indeed, be wonderful…..but stressful too!

Remember to take a few moments here and there just for you!

Presence over presents, if you will.

(I have yet to wrap any presents….but I did send my Christmas cards out, so there’s something!!)

Just gonna relax for a few minutes and enjoy some nourishing lunch for now here at www.birchtreetherapeuticarts.com

12/19/2025

Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there!

💌 This Peanuts comic strip was published on December 2, 1972.

12/18/2025

So many things can get in the way of creativity. The two hardest barriers (in my opinion) are spontaneity and permission.

It doesn’t have to be what your lens or the others lenses think is “good”. If you don’t do anything, then it’s truly nothing. If you do something….well, then you have some art, a painted wall, a new splash of color, a new way to wear your clothes, new fun glasses, or a new passion in making cool stuff!

If you’re stuck….help yourself get curious. Then you’ll be unsticking useless beliefs and patterns that hold you back.

www.birchtreetherapeuticarts.com

11/26/2025

Be intentional this holiday season!

11/26/2025

The holidays can take away your “be”, guard it with intention!

11/25/2025

Feeling stuck is hard. Change is hard.
Choose that hard well because it can be BEAUTIFUL!

www.birchtreetherapeuticarts.com

09/17/2025

This is amazing! Such a slam thing to make a giant difference!

💙BLUE ENVELOPES💙
The Blue Envelope Program is for individual drivers who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The envelopes will contain the driver's insurance card, registration and driver license, so they can hand it to the officer during a traffic stop.
The goal is to avoid misunderstandings between the officer and the driver. We ask that drivers tell officers if they keep the envelope in either their glove box, visor or console. Once they hand over the envelope, the driver and officer can follow tips and instructions on how to communicate with each other.
The instructions warn the driver that the officer might have a radio and flashing lights on their car, which can be disruptive for people with autism. The envelope also directs the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel — even if the officer is not by their car. The envelope also instructs police to allow the driver extra time to respond, to simplify their requests, and to clearly tell the driver when they may leave.
The purpose of the Blue Envelope Program is to improve the interaction between a driver with ASD and a Police Officer on a traffic stop.
👉The envelopes can be picked up at the Hackettstown Police Department at 215 West Stiger St.