We were lucky to catch up with Diana Lapp recently and have shared our conversation below.
Diana , we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
Nature as Self-Care: How Hiking Fuels My Effectiveness as a Therapist
Self-care isn’t just a buzzword for me—it’s a necessity, woven into the fabric of my personal and professional life. As a therapist, I hold space for others, helping them navigate anxiety, self-doubt, and life’s unexpected challenges. But to show up fully for my clients, I need to ensure my own well-being first. For me, that means embracing nature—hiking, walking, and simply being outdoors.
Hiking has been more than just a pastime; it’s been a grounding force. Ever since that first trek at Bear Mountain in 2015, I’ve discovered the power of movement in nature. The rhythmic pace of walking quiets my overthinking, helps me challenge anxious thoughts, and restores my sense of clarity. It’s in these moments—surrounded by trees, feeling the earth beneath my feet—that I reconnect with myself.
This connection isn’t just personal; it directly impacts my work. When I take time for myself on the trail, I return to sessions feeling more present, patient, and creative. It fuels my ability to hold space for others without burnout, to guide clients through their struggles with a renewed sense of calm and clarity. It’s also why I’m so passionate about integrating nature into my practice—because I know firsthand how transformative it can be.
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s what allows me to do this work sustainably. And while I still face moments of doubt or exhaustion, I remind myself: A walk in the woods, a deep breath of fresh air, or a simple moment of stillness outdoors can reset everything.
This is the foundation of my work, my passion, and my vision. And it’s why I continue to invite others to experience the healing power of movement—one step at a time.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Embracing Nature, Empowering Change: My Journey as a Therapist
My journey into social work began in college when I joined AmeriCorps and started volunteering at Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen. As a young adult, I was immersed in a world of giving back, meeting like-minded people who shared a vision of creating change. I traveled to different states, attended conferences, and learned about organizations dedicated to helping people and protecting the world around us. My biggest inspiration in this field is my aunt, a social worker with her own private practice. Watching her navigate the profession with compassion and strength fueled my passion for this work. My personal experiences further deepened my connection to social work, and I knew early on that this was my path. The road to where I am today has been full of twists and turns, but every challenge has strengthened me. I have learned to stand firm and be resilient, much like the journey of hiking—one step at a time, pushing forward despite obstacles.
Movement has always played an important role in my life. During my adulthood years, I began to experience burnout, and that’s when I realized how important self-care is. I needed to make changes to my life and prioritize my well-being. Before discovering hiking, I found release through dance, spending nights at clubs letting go of stress. While in college, I balanced a full-time job, volunteer work, and internships, and dance became my escape. As I transitioned into adulthood, I recognized how essential movement was to my mental health. I started going to the gym, walking, doing Zumba, and hiking occasionally. Over time, I realized I needed movement more frequently, and that’s when hiking became my sanctuary. It’s where I feel the most grounded, present, and free. It connects me to nature, challenges my limits, and strengthens both my body and mind. Hiking has become more than just a hobby—it’s an integral part of my well-being, reinforcing the importance of movement in mental health.
This passion for movement and healing is deeply woven into my work as a therapist. With over two decades in social services and 14 years in counseling, I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, self-doubt, overthinking, and major life transitions. My private practice is virtual for residents in NJ, FL, and SC, and offers Walk & Talk Therapy for those in Middlesex County, NJ, and surrounding areas. I incorporate nature into therapy, creating a space where clients can process emotions, reduce stress, and gain clarity while walking outdoors. Research supports what I have experienced firsthand—spending time outside can reduce symptoms of depression, increase self-esteem, and improve overall mental well-being. Walking alongside clients, I see how movement allows for deeper processing, clarity, and emotional release. Healing doesn’t always happen within four walls—sometimes, it happens under the open sky, surrounded by trees, with every step forward. I started my private practice, Inner Strength Counseling Services, LLC, on May 31, 2024, and have been on a journey of growth ever since.
As I continue growing my practice, I’m excited to expand my Walk & Talk networking meetups, offering professionals an opportunity to step away from screens and connect in an authentic, refreshing way. On May 4, 2025, I’m hosting Walk & Get Inked for Mental Health, a charity event in collaboration with Iron & Pine Tattoo, owned by Carol Jacky. My brother, who works there as an artist, will be a part of this special event, and I proudly display his artwork. This event is in support of HIKE for Mental Health, a nonprofit dedicated to trail conservation and funding mental health research. HIKE for Mental Health aligns with my passion for nature’s healing power, and I have been involved with the organization since my first hike in 2015. Their mission promotes outdoor experiences as a way to improve mental well-being while ensuring that trails remain accessible for future generations. This event will bring together the power of walking, the significance of tattoos as personal symbols of resilience, and a commitment to mental health advocacy.
Looking ahead, I am also excited to share a sneak peek of a new project launching in the fall of 2025—a women’s hiking support group. This group will offer a safe, supportive space for women to connect, heal, and grow while embracing the outdoors. Inspired by my own experiences and the strength found in movement, this group will combine nature, mindfulness, and shared stories to foster a sense of community and empowerment.
As I move forward, my focus remains on integrating nature, movement, and therapy in ways that empower others to find clarity, confidence, and peace. For those feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about their next steps, I encourage you to take that first step forward—because healing, much like hiking, is a journey best taken one step at a time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, there are three key qualities that have been most impactful in my path as a therapist and business owner: resilience, self-awareness, and a passion for connection with nature. These qualities have not only shaped my personal growth but have also influenced the way I support others in their own healing processes.
Resilience: The ability to navigate challenges and continue moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned, has been crucial. The road to where I am today has been full of twists and turns, but each setback has strengthened me. Whether it was adjusting to the demands of my full-time job while building my private practice or overcoming moments of self-doubt, I learned to stay grounded and keep going. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace challenges as learning experiences. Resilience doesn’t mean never facing difficulty—it’s about learning to move through obstacles with a sense of purpose and faith in your ability to adapt.
Self-Awareness: Understanding my own strengths and limitations has allowed me to be more effective in my work. For instance, recognizing how burnout affected me led to my decision to prioritize self-care, incorporating movement into my routine, and shifting my focus to something that aligned with my personal and professional passions. Self-awareness has also helped me understand my clients better, as I can relate to the challenges they face. For those starting out, I encourage them to take time for self-reflection and to listen to their own needs and desires. This not only fosters growth in your personal life but also enhances the way you show up for others.
Passion for Connection with Nature: Hiking and spending time in nature has become an essential part of my self-care routine, and I’ve integrated this passion into my therapeutic approach. Nature has proven benefits for mental health, and using it as a tool for healing has allowed me to offer my clients a unique experience. By incorporating Walk & Talk therapy, I’m able to help others process their emotions while immersed in the calming, grounding power of nature. For those in the early stages of their journey, I encourage them to find what inspires them—whether it’s nature, art, music, or any other form of expression—and integrate that passion into their work. It will give you purpose and help you connect with others in meaningful ways.
In terms of developing or improving these qualities, I’d recommend starting small. Don’t wait until everything is perfect before taking that first step. Practice resilience by stepping out of your comfort zone, learn self-awareness through regular reflection (journaling or mindfulness can be helpful), and seek out activities or environments that inspire and recharge you. Over time, these qualities will become second nature, and they’ll guide you in both your professional and personal growth.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m always open to collaboration and partnerships, especially with individuals and organizations that share a passion for wellness, movement, and mental health. My ideal collaborators are those who value the healing power of nature and believe in the importance of connecting the mind and body. I’m particularly interested in working with professionals in the wellness space—whether it’s in fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, or any other modality that promotes overall well-being. I believe that by working together, we can offer more holistic and comprehensive support to those who are seeking to improve their mental and physical health.
I’m also looking to connect with others who are passionate about movement. Hiking, walking, and other physical activities have had such a profound impact on my own well-being, and I want to create more opportunities for others to experience that same healing power. If you’re a fitness trainer, yoga instructor, outdoor enthusiast, or anyone else who integrates movement into their practice, I’d love to explore ways we can collaborate. Whether through events, workshops, or offering services together, I believe there is so much potential to create a space where movement and therapy come together to empower individuals.
Additionally, I’m always open to referrals, especially those who would benefit from Walk & Talk therapy or virtual therapy. My ideal clients are adults 18+ who experience anxiety, self-doubt, and challenges with overthinking or life transitions. They may be navigating personal or professional changes, feeling stuck or overwhelmed, and are looking for guidance to move forward with clarity and confidence. If you know someone who could benefit from these services, I encourage you to refer them to my practice.
If you’re interested in collaborating or referring clients, please don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact me directly via email, or through my website. I’m excited to connect and explore how we can work together to support people in their mental health and wellness journeys. Let’s create something impactful and meaningful together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.innerstrengthcounselingservicesllc.com/
- Instagram: @diana_lapp_lcsw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61565207529785
- Other: Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/inner-strength-counseling-services-llc-fords-nj/1341893
Email: diana.lapplcsw@innerstrengthcounselingservicesllc.com
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