Nature-Based Mindfulness Series with Dr. Melissa Sapio
Using the natural environment of the farm, we will nurture ourselves for increased resilience, belonging, and well-being. Three outdoor group experiences and seasonal offerings will invite connection through guided practices in community.
Session 1: Nature Walk with Grounding Exercises
Grounding exercises are simple, practical tools that help pull your mind back to the present moment when you feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. They use your body and your senses to disrupt stress and increase calm.
Session 2: Birding at the Farm
Searching for and listening to birds helps to lower stress, reduce anxiety, and restore mental focus.
Session 3: Apple Meditation
This mindfulness experience will offer a Riamede-inspired variation of the mindful eating practice called the raisin meditation. The goal will be to cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress, and enjoy everyday pleasures.
Each session will end with a cup of apple cider and Riamede's famous apple cider donut.
Melissa Sapio, PhD, NCSP, is a licensed psychologist in New Jersey and New York and is credentialed by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. She is also a certified school psychologist in NY and NJ and holds the highly qualified credential of Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP).
Dr. Sapio works as a psychologist with individuals, couples, and families. Her specialties include child and adolescent psychology and the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, Attention/Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, post-concussion symptoms, and weight and health management.
Dr. Sapio offers walk-and-talk/nature-based therapy for mood and health management (chronic pain, mobility). This modality may support goals for behavioral activation, cognitive processing, neurodivergence support, and somatic processing for stress reduction. She incorporates the humanities (literature and bibliotherapy), nature, art, and mindfulness awareness practices in her therapeutic work.
Melissa Sapio, PhD, NCSP, is a licensed psychologist in New Jersey (#5244) and New York (#020257). Her website is https://sapiome.wixsite.com/hope.
