Please note that this blog post reflects the author’s perspective is not a substitute for individual therapy or support. If you need immediate support, please connect with your local crisis support (such as calling or texting 9-8-8 within Canada) or emergency services (such as 9-1-1).

Over the past month, the world outside has seemed like a full canopy of yellow leaves, painting the landscape with the vibrant hues of autumn. But now it’s December, and the leaves have long since fallen, leaving the trees bare and the landscape transformed. This seasonal shift has me reflecting on the name of our clinic: Yellow Leaf Therapy.

Like trees with their yellow leaves in autumn, we all go through periods of change. Perhaps we are starting or ending an important relationship, entering a new phase in life, or experiencing shifts in the way we relate to ourselves and others. These moments of transition often lead us to seek therapy as a place of support and strength.

Yet, it may surprise you to know that these big moments of change were not what I originally had in mind when naming Yellow Leaf Therapy. While therapy can undoubtedly be a place to navigate significant life changes, the name was inspired by something quieter, subtler, and perhaps less visible.

I wasn’t picturing a majestic canopy of yellow leaves under a crisp autumn sky. Instead, I was thinking of a sleepy houseplant—the kind that might sit quietly on a shelf, often overlooked as we move through our daily routines.

Therapy for the garden of your wellness - therapy for trauma, anxiety, people pleasing

Many of us have shared space with such plants, perhaps passing by them without much thought. But when we pause to truly observe an indoor plant, we often notice details we’ve missed: the texture of a leaf, the dryness (or oversaturation) of the soil, or the delicate variations in color and pattern.

Sometimes, amidst this close observation, we might notice a leaf beginning to yellow. Perhaps it’s just the edges, or perhaps an entire leaf has changed color. And if your mind is like most human minds, your first reaction might be something like a wave of worry or anxiety (“What’s wrong with this plant? I need to fix this right now”), numbing or distraction (*scrolls on phone*), or feeling of hopelessness (“How could I have forgotten to water it? I never get anything right”).

But here’s the invitation: take a breath. Drop the judgment. Simply notice the yellow leaf.

Yellow Leaf Therapy - mindfulness and acceptance based therapy in Burlington and Toronto — Invitation to simply notice and breathe.

In this space of non-judgmental observation, curiosity has room to grow. What is the plant communicating through this yellow leaf? Perhaps the soil isn’t getting enough water—or too much. Maybe the plant needs more light, or less. Perhaps its pot is too small, or too large.

I’ll admit: I’m no expert gardener. And I’m certainly not the first person to think about mental health through the lens of gardening metaphors. But what I’ve learned is this—a yellow leaf isn’t a sign of failure. It’s an invitation. It’s the plant’s way of telling us something about its internal and external conditions, offering us insight into its needs.

At Yellow Leaf Therapy, this is exactly how I approach our work together. Therapy is a space to notice and attune to the yellow leaves in your life. It’s about gently observing where those spots of yellow are showing up, being curious about their message, and building the skills to respond with care. In this process, you are both the plant and the gardener.

Yellow Leaf Therapy - Mindfulness and acceptance based therapy in Ontario

This work doesn’t only prepare us for big, sweeping changes (though certainly, this is also the space for that!). When we tend to and become curious about the feelings, patterns, and thoughts that have become our normalized understanding of who we are, we develop the groundedness to navigate life’s bigger transformations with curiosity and spaciousness.

So, where in your life might there be yellow leaves waiting to be noticed? Where are the places that invite stillness and curiosity? When we start with awareness, we open the door to deeper insight and, ultimately, meaningful action.

If you haven’t noticed, I also love a good metaphor (or a mixed one!). Thank you for sharing this space with me today.

Be well and take care.