Fall/Winter 2025 Newsletter

Written By Marie Burgess

Lessons from Nature, Stories of Post-Traumatic Growth, In the news and more…

As the air cools and daylight shortens, the creatures of the forest begin to prepare. Squirrels gather acorns. Bears retreat to their dens. Even the smallest insects tuck themselves into bark and soil.

Nature knows what’s coming. There’s no guilt. No apology for slowing down. Just instinct and wisdom directing them toward what will help them make it through.

We, humans, can learn from this.

Just like the squirrel, we may find ourselves doing a similar kind of gathering. Grieving or not, we can collect small comforts, joyful memories, and reminders of love that act as our emotional stores

through the hardest days (weather related and...otherwise).

Sometimes we may withdraw a little to protect our energy. Sometimes what once felt like an “easy” yes, becomes a “no.” When done with intention, these shifts are not avoidance — it’s conservation. It’s the

heart, brain, and nervous system doing what they need to persevere.

In grief, this intentional turn inward isn’t failure — it is wisdom.

During hibernation life doesn’t disappear. It persists. Quietly. Purposefully. Hibernation is permission to choose slowness. To create seasonal structure around recovery, nourishment, and pacing. To prepare before we run out of energy — not after.

So, as we move into fall together, I invite you to experiment with a new concept I’m calling Modern Hibernation and choose rest as a strategy to proactively heal your grief, not as a last resort. Remember to enjoy the little things, Marie

Embedded Links:
In-Person Session Options: https://www.genuineconnectionspsychotherapy.com/nature-workshops

Lessons from Nature, A metaphor for Grief: As autumn deepens, the sun lingers a little less each day. There’s beauty in the golden glow, but also a sense of loss. A recognition that something familiar is slipping away. This seasonal shift can mirror grief. We may notice the light fading from certain parts of our life, or the warmth that once carried us beginning to wane. The air feels different. Our rhythm changes. And though we know, deep down, that darkness is part of the cycle of life, this fact alone doesn’t always make the grief (or the darkness) easier to bear. Grief invites us to turn inward. It asks us to conserve, to simplify, to focus on what matters. Post-traumatic growth often begins in these quiet, hidden places—when we stop trying to chase the old light and instead trust (accept) that this slower rhythm has meaning of its own. And though the days may be shorter, the light we do receive takes on a new richness—a quality that feels sacred, fleeting, and worth noticing. The slow retreat of the sun reminds us that even in loss, beauty and purpose remain.

Fun Fact About Marie: I enjoy playing video games. I prefer side scrolling games vs. FPSs. My favs are classics like Mario, Tetris and PacMan. I even have an “extra life” tattoo. We have a vintage arcade table. IYKYK. (pictured: vintage video game images like pacman and an extra life; tetris blocks; arcade).

Family Friend Joke: What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Frosted flakes.

(Hospice Group Flyer) The Child Loss Group that I facilitate for Hospice of the Chesapeake is growing. Grieving parents gather, share, and support one another in a space that truly understands. Remember: make time for your grief, or it will demand time from you — usually when you least have it. If you’d like to join or learn more, reach out!

(Group photo under a large tree) Huge thanks to everyone who joined me for my October Nature Event: The Wisdom of Trees! We learned how trees gracefully let go (hello, abscission 🍂), made new friends and reflected on the relationship between trees and humans. Here’s to listening to the quiet wisdom all around us and for reconnecting with Mother Nature. ❤️

(Purple ribbon and golden sun) I was recently a guest on Wellness Rising, a podcast by Wellness House Annapolis. On this episode, we talk about the kind of loss that shakes your soul and the quiet, aching question: “Will I ever feel okay again?” “Marie offers more than answers She offers comfort. Gentle wisdom. A path forward. Through nature. Through compassion. Through hope. If you're carrying pain from grief, this conversation is for you.”

(Pictured, Marie’s headshot in a circle with this heading “NBCC Voluntary Audit, Commitment to Excellence” with this quote: Being a “forever learner” makes continuing education...not so bad! I’m required to complete 100 hours every five years to maintain my national counselor certification. This cycle, I completed 130 hours in brainspotting, nature-informed therapy, and grief education (not counting consultation teams!). Learning new things that I want to learn AND getting work to pay for it? Definitely a win. 🎉 PS: It’s me. I’m work. I’m paying for it. LOL.

Dive into these stories & more at the LINK LIBRARY Your one-stop hub for all links to Marie’s interviews, podcast appearances and collaborations. Find everything in one place—insights, features, and commentary on grief, healing, and mental health.

(Photo of Marie and two colleagues in nature; Marie presenting to a group of therapist) I had the honor & privilege of leading a NIT Logistics “Lunch & Learn” at Camp Puh’Tok with the Center for Nature Informed Therapy during the Fall 2025 Foundational Training. I answered the “how-to” questions for newly trained clinicians. My goal was to boost their confidence when implementing nature-informed therapy and interventions “out in the wild.” It’s always inspiring to support new therapists as they bring nature-informed therapy into their practices.

Pushing Daisies Spring 2026 Dates: Pushing Daisies is a group for parents navigating life after the death of their child. Groups provide an opportunity to connect with others who are facing similar challenges in life. This group provides a space for honoring our individual journeys while allowing us to learn from one another. Consider this group to supplement individual therapy or as a self-care option. Dates: Feb 2, March 2, April 13, May 4th

I had the privilege of teaching master’s-level clinicians at the University of Maryland about traumatic grief. We explored a detailed case study, discussing assessment, diagnosis, rule-in/rule-out considerations, and PTSD symptoms, while highlighting key supports and best practices for grief-informed care. It was inspiring to see future therapists engage deeply with these concepts and strengthen their skills in compassionate, evidence-based practice.

This past August, I had the privilege of being part of Camp Nabi, a truly inspiring grief camp for kids hosted by Hospice of the Chesapeake. Witnessing these children find connection, reclaim their stories, and realize they are not alone in their grief was nothing short of life-changing. When you get to be part of another’s healing journey, it changes you — for the better. The weekend was filled with courage, compassion, laughter, and tears — reminders that while grief is hard, it’s softer when shared. To learn more or find ways to get involved in future camps, visit my Hospice page. (picture of “My Loss Elevator Speech” from Camp Nabi).

Embedded Links:
Learn more about Pushing Daisies: https://www.genuineconnectionspsychotherapy.com/groups
Learn more about my relationship with Hospice: https://www.genuineconnectionspsychotherapy.com/hospice
Find “My Loss Elevator Speech” at my Resources page: https://www.genuineconnectionspsychotherapy.com/resources

It’s like “Where’s Waldo?,” except it’s “Where’s Marie” Initially, I RSVPd no but WAS able to attend this Community Open House for Hospice of the Chesapeake. Unsurprisingly, I found myself giving tours to community partners, donors, other volunteers and supporters of Hospice of the Chesapeake. The entire campus has had a facelift! The building that houses my office is one of them. The new “Children's Studio” is therapeutic & fun! (Pictured: Marie and several supporters of Hospice).

I was honored to facilitate a meeting for Anne Arundel County Chapter of The Bereaved Parents of the USA in October. We laughed, we cried and we honored our children.vThe community created by grieving parents is one of healing and hope. If you are in need of grief support, consider this local chapter or search for a chapter near you at www.bereavedparentsusa.org (Photo of the Bereaved Parents logo).

This September marks 10years that I haven't been able to fluff Harvey's hair. In this article, I write about how grief shows in familiar and different ways each year — sometimes we are hit before, when we know what’s coming, and sometimes after, when the sorrow leaves us drained. My heart remembers the tears, the deep loss, and the way everything changed. Read for insights on our journey of love and loss with Harvey, our Brave Little Warrior. (Photo: Marie’s arm with a spoon tattoo).

Embedded Links:

If you are in need of grief support, consider this local chapter or search for a chapter near you at www.bereavedparentsusa.org

Article: The Day That Changed Everything: https://www.genuineconnectionspsychotherapy.com/announcements-media/the-day-that-changed-everything

I recently attended Hospice of the Chesapeake’s inaugural Sip & Savor: A Taste of Prince George’s at the beautiful Newton White Mansion in Mitchellville. The event brought together incredible local chefs, delicious food and drinks, and meaningful connection — all in support of compassionate hospice and palliative care. I volunteered to share my experiences with Camp Nabi at a table in the “program showcase” area. You know me, talking about grief is my jam! It was a wonderful celebration of community and purpose, raising funds to provide care, counseling, and support for patients and families across Prince George’s County. Truly an afternoon to remember! Fun Fact: This property is home to an old growth stand of trees thought to be some of the oldest on the EAST COAST! I’ll be back to visit the trees soon. (Pictured: Marie in front of Newton White Mansion).

In October, I was invited to facilitate an environmental wellness event on behalf of Community Initiatives at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. This hands-on gathering invited participants to slow down, connect with the earth, and create nature art using found natural items. I had so much fun preparing for this event! Leaves and twigs became tools for reflection, creativity, and conversation as we explored how simple acts of creation can strengthen our relationship with nature and each other...and ultimately improving our environmental wellness. Participants voted for the “fan favorite,” who got to go home with this bouquet of wild flowers from my meadow. (Pictured: nature crafts made with found nature items).

Embedded Links:

Learn more about my work with nature: https://www.genuineconnectionspsychotherapy.com/nature-workshops

Marie Burgess
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The day that changed everything