Jamie Lynn Langley, LCSW

10/11/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day. 💚

Time spent in nature can help decrease depressed mood and stress, while increasing creativity, concentration, and focus. Read more below:

Today is World Mental Health Day. 💚 Each year, World Mental Health Day is celebrated to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

Evidence shows that nature acts as a natural buffer against stress, supporting mental health and emotional resilience.

Mental health isn’t just about clinical care — it starts in the environments where people live, learn and grow. This can be especially important for children’s mental health and well-being, making nature more than just a “nice to have.”

We’ve pulled together a suite of resources highlighting the importance of nature access for the mental health and well-being of children — the evidence and stories behind its value, as well as strategies and tips for integrating nature into the everyday. Check it out here: https://www.childrenandnature.org/resources/fnn-mental-health-awareness-month/

World Federation for Mental Health

10/10/2026

Currently on my fall break visiting our oldest and enjoying the beautiful autumn hues in New England. This is our first time to visit this area in the fall and it did not disappoint. I love the fall season and am enjoying being a “leaf peeper”! 🍁

I have been out of the office since Wednesday and will be back this coming Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Hopefully we will get some of this great fall weather soon in Tennessee. 🍂

10/02/2026

Here is the second section of HBSE I and their hand games and playdoh play breaks! We have been talking about how much creativity and creative problem solving is needed, and both are one of the best benefits of play.

This class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They were able to be creative when our computer wasn’t working to have a playful image behind us- they created one!

They got it! A+ for them! 😊

10/02/2026

One of the most important things we talk about regarding childhood development in HBSE I (Human Behavior and Social Environment) is the importance of play. And what better way to learn than to do! So we have played hand games and then with playdoh! Next week we will play outside too!

This is the first section of HBSE I that meets on Mondays and Wednesdays. I love being able to share about Dr. Schaefer’s Therapeutic Powers of Play and for my college students to experience them too. I think they had fun! 💗

10/02/2026

Oh how I love October! 🍁🧡🍂

This month begins my favorite time of the year, as fall begins to unfold, and ends after the holidays are fully over and the new year begins. October is the month my husband and I got married, and continues to hold our wedding anniversary- no 37 this year- often with amazing fall trips to the mountains. It is truly such a beautifully wonderful time of year!

09/27/2026

I had a wonderful conference experience this weekend at the Tennessee Environmental Education Association annual conference. Yesterday was such a full day. I presented about “Creative Nature Play as Brain Fuel for Students of All Ages” to a great group of participants. I love sharing about the ways nature can positively impact children and teens’ mental health and emotional wellness, which in turn impacts their learning experiences.

I also attended some amazing sessions, including one about nature-based bibliotherapy called: “Books as Bridges: Award-Winning Literature for Nature Connection” by my MTSU colleague Dr. Kat Mangione who teaches in the College of Education. She gave us each a children’s book! Mine is a wonderful one called “Mara Plants a Seed” and in the process her garden instills hope.

There were two sessions that included puppets! One was about assisting with children fearful about going out into nature and the other was about puppet plays for storytelling and learning about nature.

We also had a very compelling lunch keynote by a writer and naturalist from Tremont, Jeremy Lloyd. He has been there for over twenty-five years, which means he was there when my oldest went there on his fifth grade school trip!

Last night I went to our mixer where we are also gathering by geographic areas for our taco bar dinner and met several others from Murfreesboro.

I am very grateful for this experience- so many great discussions and conversations about nature, children, and learning- and the beautiful nature surrounding us. 🩵

09/24/2026

We are full! I am so excited for our group of 17 this year! 🩵

Since today is the first day of fall, it is a good day to announce about my upcoming retreat in November. There is one room remaining! 🍂🍁

This is my sixth annual Sanctuary & Self-Care Retreat for social workers, therapists, and mental health practitioners! This time of respite is held at a lovely inn which we have all to ourselves!

This year we are exploring about the Danish and Norwegian practice of “Hygge”- which is all about coziness, comfort, and connection. There will be 10 CEs by NASW-TN (approval pending) available- including 2 in ethics.

I love the groups we gather with each year. We have a great one coming together- several participants are the same, and some are new.

We have room for one (or two) more. 💙

09/23/2026

Since today is the first day of fall, it is a good day to announce about my upcoming retreat in November. There is one room remaining! 🍂🍁

This is my sixth annual Sanctuary & Self-Care Retreat for social workers, therapists, and mental health practitioners! This time of respite is held at a lovely inn which we have all to ourselves!

This year we are exploring about the Danish and Norwegian practice of “Hygge”- which is all about coziness, comfort, and connection. There will be 10 CEs by NASW-TN (approval pending) available- including 2 in ethics.

I love the groups we gather with each year. We have a great one coming together- several participants are the same, and some are new.

We have room for one (or two) more. 💙

09/23/2026

The first day of fall arrived! Now ready for the fall weather to get here soon. 🍁 🧡 🍂