22/03/2024
Not everyone follows the advice "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all," so Amanda Stemen shared some responses with Time magazine to use if people say rude things to you.
Fundamental Growth
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In-person, nature- based, mindful movement, and virtual talk therapy, coaching, and consulting
I believe in a compassionate, holistic, and personal approach to healing and growth. I know that the outdoors, play, and creative expression are crucial to development and reaching one’s highest potential, even for adults. The combination of my life passions, education, and career experience has inspired me to merge more traditional talk therapy with mindfulness, play and the outdoors. I frequentl
y incorporate hiking, running, surfing, art, writing, and other forms of creative and active expression to best serve my clients. I have extensive professional training and significant experience with these activities and am able to easily adapt them for therapeutic and team building purposes. In addition to psychotherapy/coaching, I also consult and collaborate with businesses, non-profits, and other organizations to develop a more innovative, nurturing, and fulfilling work environment. As I have transitioned from the standard 9 to 5 job to more flexible contracts, I'm now able to pursue my own creative outlets professionally and am blessed that I can incorporate all of my passions into supporting others in the pursuit of theirs. Overall, my enthusiasm and empathy create a warm and comfortable environment for clients to step outside their comfort zone and move toward their highest potential.
27/12/2023
Wondering if your New Year's resolutions are attainable? Amanda and other therapists shared some thoughts on how to best reach your goals with HuffPost.
Therapists score New Year’s goals and offer tips on making them realistic.
17/11/2023
Happy National Hiking Day! I'm about to get out and celebrate on my one of my dog's local favs. How are you celebrating today?
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23/08/2023
I haven't been very active on social media for a bit now, but wanted to at least make a brief reappearance to share this podcast episode of Mindstories where I speak with Josephine McNary of CalPsychiatry about ecotherapy/urban outdoor therapy. When I was first started out as an ecotherapist, I struggled to find anyone doing this type of mindful, movement, and nature-based therapy so, although, there was some excitement around the idea, overall, I got a lot of push back. And I had to figure it out mostly on my own. So it's really exciting to see all the attention it's now getting in research and practice, especially since COVID. Listen to learn more about what I do and the rest of the episodes are a fantastic way to learn about all of the different types of psychotherapy out there!
Our latest episode of CalPsychiatry Presents: Mindstories features Amanda Stemen, MS, LCSW, whose therapeutic approach focuses on Urban Outdoor Therapy.
"I've found that when I meet with my clients outdoors and they actually get the experience in real-time with me talking about it and doing it, they come back the next week and had gone to the park three times."
Stemen is a licensed therapist and owner of Fundamental Growth, a therapy, coaching, educational, and consulting business based out of Los Angeles, CA. Her background in psychology, education, outdoor and therapeutic recreation, and athletic coaching has led her to develop a unique way of supporting healing and growth.
She takes people off the couch and out into the natural world to help them connect more deeply with themselves, others, and something greater.
Learn more by watching the episode on the CalPsychiatry blog:
https://calpsychiatry.com/mindstories-video-urban-outdoor-therapy-amanda-stemen-ms-lcsw/
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Listen to the latest CalPsychiatry Presents: Mindstories episode on your favorite podcast app.
23/06/2023
For any healing professionals who use nature in their practice or are interested in learning more about how to do so, Amanda started a group on here for you. Reach out if you'd like to join!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/naturebasedhealingprofessionals
Send a message to learn more
19/06/2023
Happy Juneteenth! And here's the history behind it for those who aren't sure what we're celebrating.
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) is a holiday commemorating this day, which marked an effective end of slavery in the United States.
21/11/2022
For everyone (Including myself!) who uses the excuse of being too old...
If you’re waiting for a sign this is your sign
17/11/2022
So freaking cool!
18/09/2022
Proof that what one person does matters.
15/09/2022
We've been more focused on in real life IRL things so haven't posted on here in forever, but thought this was well worth sharing. Cheers to the earth, compassion, and mindful decision making!
Patagonia Chair Charles Conn explains why the company's owners are donating all their equity to climate and conservation efforts.
12/02/2022
For anyone who could use a bit of peace and quiet right about now, here's a little mindful minute for ya.
Mindful minutes are an opportunity to take a one minute break from life and be in the present moment. This mindful minute honors this season of winter with s...
12/01/2022
Climate change getting you down? Amanda spoke with Nicole Karlis of Salon about how eco-therapy can help with that. And many, many other things. Check out the article and contact us to find out how eco-therapy might be helpful to you.
The nascent field of eco-therapy is arising in response to the existential horrors posed by climate change
20/12/2021
The holidays are supposed to be a joyous good time, but instead they can often be a big ol' pain in the butt. Here's how mindfulness can help you not only survive these winter holidays, but perhaps even thrive during them! The full video is below.
28/11/2021
This is as important as anything else we as humans can be taught.
Children in Denmark are taught about empathy from a young age, both inside and outside of school.
24/09/2021
Anyone need a bit of wonder this Friday afternoon? Check out the latest mindful minute using the link below for a quick break.
18/09/2021
Who's been feeling tired lately?
🙋♀️
If so, Amanda shares how to still be mindful when you have less than 100% of your energy. Link to full video below.
11/09/2021
A new mindful minute for some letting go and relaxation this weekend! As usual, full video link in the comments below.
20/08/2021
Most of us have a chore (or more) that we cannot stand. For Amanda, it's washing the dishes. So here she is sharing how to be mindful of doing them. The complete video is in the comments below.
06/08/2021
New Mindful Minute up at Mindfulness IRL! Link below leads to your minute of relaxation.
02/08/2021
Amanda had some more to say about quitting: Quitting isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes we need to quit. To stay safe, make space for something new, and move forward. When we're mindful of the decision to quit we can know when it's best to push through the challenges and when it's time to move on. The link to the full Mindful Quitting video is below.
28/07/2021
I've seen some people today call Simone Biles a quitter, but luckily I've seen far more validating and supporting her. We're fed a myth in this country that quitting is bad. While it isn't useful to quit everything without giving anything a fair shot, mindfully quitting something can sometimes be the best thing to do for ourselves. When something's run it's course or is causing us harm, it might be the only way we can take care of ourselves and the only way we can move forward. There would be no change without quitting. There are tough decisions in life and she has every right to choose herself and her well-being over the expectations of others. Living our own truth is the only way to find peace and happiness. And that is true courage. Not simply landing a perfect dismount.
26/07/2021
A new Mindful Minute is up and ready to give y'all a quick break today. Check it out using the link below.
14/07/2021
If our emotions are so dang useful, why do we avoid them? And how do we stop avoiding them? Watch this latest Mindfulness IRL video to learn how. Full video in link below.
15/06/2021
Why do we have emotions? Amanda shares the answer to that and more in her latest video. Link to full video in comments below.
11/06/2021
For all you marathon runners, or any runners, if you find that running causes problems in your relationship, this is the article for you. Marathon runner and therapist, Amanda, shares how having an open conversation with your partner can help you solve this problem.
Training for a marathon is time-consuming and demanding. And, parents are already time-poor. Learn secrets to maintain a healthy marriage when training for a marathon or race.
26/05/2021
Want to start meditating, but don't know where to begin? Or have tried meditating and it was too much sitting still, quietly for so long? It can definitely seem overwhelming at first, so why not start small, with just one breath and work your way up. Full video in link below.
25/05/2021
Having trouble talking to your teen? Here are some suggestions, including a few from Amanda.
25/05/2021
Amanda shares how she practiced mindfulness when being interrupted by construction. Link to full video in comments below.
11/05/2021
Everyone wants that honeymoon period to last forever. Not only is that not realistic, but it would likely be detrimental to other areas of life if it did. Still, there are ways to prolong and recreate it with a teeny bit of effort. Amanda shares some of her thoughts on this with WeddingWire.
There's nothing more exciting than the buzz of a new romance. But how long does this honeymoon phase actually last? Experts tell all.
10/05/2021
We didn't forget about all you mothers out there! (We're just trying not to work on the weekends.) So Happy Mother's Day again today and every day to all those who are mothering, whether you fit the mold or not. Holding space for others, listening to understand, giving hugs, feeding, and nurturing in all ways is being a mother whether or not you've given birth to, fostered, or adopted an actual human being. Thank you for making our world just a little brighter with each loving gesture!
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Videos
The holidays are supposed to be a joyous good time, but instead they can often be a big ol' pain in the butt. Here's how mindfulness can help you not only survive these winter holidays, but perhaps even thrive during them! The full video is below. #mindfulholidays #holidaystressrelief #mindfulnessirl
Who's been feeling tired lately? 🙋♀️ If so, Amanda shares how to still be mindful when you have less than 100% of your energy. Link to full video below. #exhaustion #mindfulness #mindfulliving
A new mindful minute for some letting go and relaxation this weekend! As usual, full video link in the comments below. #mindfulness #mindfulnessmeditation #lettinggo
Most of us have a chore (or more) that we cannot stand. For Amanda, it's washing the dishes. So here she is sharing how to be mindful of doing them. The complete video is in the comments below. #mindfulness #mindfulnesspractice #mindfulnessirl
Amanda had some more to say about quitting: Quitting isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes we need to quit. To stay safe, make space for something new, and move forward. When we're mindful of the decision to quit we can know when it's best to push through the challenges and when it's time to move on. The link to the full Mindful Quitting video is below. #mindfulquitting #mindfulness #mindfulliving
How to Be Mindful of Emotions
If our emotions are so dang useful, why do we avoid them? And how do we stop avoiding them? Watch this latest Mindfulness IRL video to learn how. Full video in link below. #mindfulness #feelings #emotions
Why We Have Emotions
Why do we have emotions? Amanda shares the answer to that and more in her latest video. Link to full video in comments below.
How to Meditate: Start with One Breath
Want to start meditating, but don't know where to begin? Or have tried meditating and it was too much sitting still, quietly for so long? It can definitely seem overwhelming at first, so why not start small, with just one breath and work your way up. Full video in link below. #mindfulmeditation #meditation #breathing
How to Be Mindful When Being Interrupted (by Construction)
Amanda shares how she practiced mindfulness when being interrupted by construction. Link to full video in comments below. #mindfulness
It seems like every day we hear a new story of people hurting other people. And these are just the big hurts. The most glorified and dramatic ones. There are less dramatic acts of violence that happen so often we've come to see it as almost normal. We seem to have forgotten how to be present with one another in a mindful way. In her latest video, Amanda talks about how to be mindful of others so that we can have healthier interactions and relationships. This is just the teaser, but there's a link to the full length video in the comments below.
Feelings vs Emotions: What's the Difference?
We use the words "feelings" and "emotions" interchangeably, but they're actually two different things. In this video Amanda talks about these differences as a start to her Mindfulness of Emotions video series. Link to full video below.
The Dark Side of Mindfulness
You've heard all kinds of good things about mindfulness. Today we take a trip to the dark side... Link to the full video is in the comments.
How to Meditate: Walking Meditation Exercise
When you're new to meditation (or not), sometimes it's hard to sit still. Well, great news! Meditation doesn't just have to be done while sitting. There is also walking meditation. And Amanda made an instructional video on how to do this so that you too can have all the benefits of meditating without all the sitting! The link to the full video is in the comments below.
Mindful Minute Meditation: Candle Flame
It's only Monday, but you might already be needing to take a break! If you don't have time for a longer break, take one minute to participate in this mindfulness meditation of a candle flame flickering. This is just the teaser, but the full video is in the comments below. Feel your stress melt away!
Onions Being Sautéed: A Mindfulness Meditation to Relax and Focus
Another Mindful Minute here! This time it's onions being sautéed to show you that anything can be an opportunity to practice mindfulness. So take a one minute break out of your day and notice what you can with your senses. If you find your attention wandering, totally fine, just bring it back to observing the video. Then move on with your day, hopefully with a renewed sense of calm and ability to focus. Full video link is in the comments.
How to Make the Right Decision Every Single Time Using Mindfulness
Do you ever have trouble figuring out whether you’re making the right decision? We all make thousands of choices each day. Sometimes it's really hard to decide so we remain confused and stuck. In this video you'll learn how to use mindfulness to make the best decisions for yourself. This will empower you to take control and feel much more confident in your choices so that you can move forward in life. The full video link is in the comments below.
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We believe in a compassionate, holistic, and personal approach to healing and growth. The outdoors, play, and creative expression are crucial to development and reaching one’s highest potential, even for adults. FUNdaMENTAL Growth merges more traditional talk therapy with mindfulness, play and the outdoors. We frequently incorporate hiking, running, surfing, art, writing, and other forms of creative and active expression to best serve our clients. All providers have extensive professional training and significant experience with these activities and are able to easily adapt them for therapeutic and team building purposes. In addition to psychotherapy/coaching, we also consult and collaborate with businesses, non-profits, and other organizations to develop a more innovative, nurturing, and fulfilling work environment. We believe in incorporating our passions into supporting others in the pursuit of theirs. Overall, enthusiasm and empathy create a warm and comfortable environment for clients to step outside their comfort zone and move toward their highest potential.
