Nov-Dec 2025 Mental Health Book Club
Book Selection: Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience
In Atlas of the Heart, Brown takes her readers on a journey through 87 of the emotions that define us as human beings. This group will focus on focuses on seven of these emotional experiences in which to ground our 7-week community experience. Each group session will blend thoughtful group discussion with nature-based art practices that allow participants to explore and express their inner experiences.
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As we move through the chapters of Atlas of the Heart, you'll be invited to reflect on how these concepts show up in your own life—and to translate those insights into meaningful creative expressions using natural and synthetic materials. Whether you're seeking emotional clarity, creative inspiration, or a supportive group to grow alongside, our Mental Health Book Club offers a refreshing and engaging approach to book club connection. No prior art experience is necessary—just a willingness to be curious, courageous, and open to discovery.
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Location
All book club discussions will meet in-person on the second floor of the Outdoor Therapeutics Office at 1707 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD 21702.
Book Club Schedule
* Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm - Boundaries
* Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm - Vulnerability
* Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm - Self Trust
* Tuesday, Nov 25, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm - Connection
* Tuesday, Dec 02, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm - Love
* Tuesday, Dec 09, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm - Contentment
* Tuesday, Dec 16, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm - Participant's Choice
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Your Host
Krista Bajgier, LCSW-C, is a certified nature-informed trauma therapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner in training. She will help guide group discussion about the book chapters from week to week and offer artistic activities to help group members construct a map of their own emotional experience using natural and synthetic art materials. She encourages participation from anyone interested in gaining insight about their emotional experience through non-verbal means because sometimes talking falls short. Kris enjoys hosting these therapeutic discussions because she believes in the idea that group environments can build confidence and self-esteem. Community - even short-term experiences of belonging and connection - are beneficial for emotional well being.
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Book Club Costs
Participation in this club is $115.00 for the entire 7-week program including art materials. Participants are required to purchase their own copy of Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown. Hardcopy books can be purchased online for under $20. Digital copies of the book are free at: https://archive.org/details/atlas-of-the-heart-by-by-bren-23/page/n397/mode/2up
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Registration
Anyone participating in this group must be registered by October 31, 2025. Please contact info@outdoortherapeutics.com if you have questions before committing to the group.
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