In honor of Tu Bishvat, today’s post is devoted to trees and psychological healing.

Serendipity struck today as I opened the book of Proverbs (Mishlay):

A tree of life is a healing language (Proverbs 15:4).

The more I work in this business, the more I realize the healing (and destructive) power of language. Lives are broken and repaired with language. Relationships are destroyed and healed through language. The old adage that sticks and stone may break my bones but words can never hurt me is wrong; words can send us into a suicidal tailspin of self destruction. Just ask any of our clients whose lives have been nearly destroyed with the words of disrespect and disapproval.

In our work as therapists and healers we have the amazing opportunity to give our clients the ability to develop new words and ideas. These new ideas form the tree or ladder that they use to climb out of their personal Egypts. With love and patience, we help them to disassemble the messes that their lives have become; we support them as they find new, life giving ways of living. Their lives bear the fruit of their bravery and our support.

And what can be better than that?