Fall is a season for "all the things." On my outdoor walk and talk sessions, I experience this shift firsthand: the day often begins with cool, crisp air, frost sparkling on the grass and seeing fog with each exhale. As I keep moving, the temperature rises, and soon I’m shedding layers and warming up under the soft autumn sun. The trees around me mirror this transformation, displaying brilliant greens alongside deep yellow, rust, and vivid red hues.

 

Nature’s seasonal shift is a gentle reminder that everything moves in cycles, and that our everyday emotions naturally ebb and flow too. We might wake up feeling clear-headed and energetic, ready for the day ahead. A bit later, small moments of frustration or irritation might pop up. By midday, taking a short break lets us catch our breath. Perhaps a sudden memory creeps in, bringing sadness or grief to visit our minds. As evening arrives, we might reflect on the day with a mixture of gratitude, fatigue, and perhaps disappointment. 

 

 

Out on the trail, we talk about making room for all of these everyday emotions. In particular, it can be helpful to recognize the losses we try to silence. A concept known as "disenfranchised grief", coined by Kenneth Doka in 1989, refers to experiences of loss that don't always get formal recognition or traditional support. These include the following losses:

 

 

Some days, our steps feel light and easy; other days, we feel we are dragging ourselves through life with heavy footsteps. No matter how hard things feel, we try to put our best foot forward. It’s a bit easier knowing that we don't walk through life in isolation. We are deeply relational beings who are wired for connection and love.

 

As you move through this colorful season of transition, remember that you are not alone. Being seen, being heard, and being understood are all a vital part of healing. I am here for you through all the things.

 

Warmly,

Jen Udler, LCSW-C, SEP

Positive Strides Therapy

 

Omphalotus illudens, commonly known as the eastern jack-o'lantern mushroom, is a North American species of fungus.

These eye popping, jack-o'lantern mushrooms are nestled between roots at the base of an old large tree. I have been walking by these fungi and noticing their tremendous growth from week to week. I learned that these beauties are indicative of decay and breakdown within the tree. And now for the metaphor…

 

 

In partnership with Fit 4 Mom, Fleet Feet of Gaithersburg, and Positive Strides Therapy

Sleep Matters - In Person Workshop - November 15, 2026

Sleep is the basis of all good mental and physical health.

Join Jen Udler & Toni Clark for an in-depth look at how you sleep. 

If you're in the Boston area and want to learn practical tools to improve your sleep habits, email Toni Clark at Aclark@lt.life to register. 

Be sure to mention this code: “PSsleep” for a discount on your registration.

 

Thank you to CHADD of Baltimore for including me as a guest speaker. We had a lively discussion about how to help neurodivergent children regulate their nervous systems through movement and nature.

Thank you to NYMCHA for hosting me for a 3 hour presentation on walk and talk therapy. Participants learned all the fine details, wrote their own informed consent, and came away excited to embark on their walk and talk journey.

Walk and Talk Therapy is now 3 years old and continues to be an excellent resource for therapists. Keep spreading the word, share the print and audiobook with your therapist, colleagues, and friends. A walk while listening to the book? What could be better!

And if you haven't already done so, I invite you to share your own customer review by going to the Walk and Talk Therapy: A Clinician’s Guide to Incorporating Movement and Nature into Your Practice book page on your Amazon account, and scroll all the way down to "review this product / share your thoughts with other customers," and then click the button to write a customer review.

 

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