As we enter the holiday season and the final weeks of the year, I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to you. To my clients, fellow clinicians, and the incredible community that follows and supports Heal Wellness—thank you. Your trust, engagement, and presence mean more than you know, and they continue to inspire the work we do every day.

It’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters when we’re moving through daily responsibilities and the inevitable annoyances of life. But this season invites us to pause, take a breath, and reconnect with gratitude—both for the big milestones and the quiet moments that sustain us.

As we transition into winter, many of us naturally begin reflecting on the goals we set at the start of the year, the achievements we’re proud of, and the lessons that shaped us. This is also a powerful time to ask ourselves how we want to care for our minds, bodies, and spirits moving forward.

Thank you for being part of the Heal Wellness community. I’m honored to walk alongside you in your journey toward growth, balance, and healing. Wishing you a season filled with rest, joy, and meaningful reflection.

Warmly,
Flo Leighton
Founder, Heal Wellness

Protecting Your Peace This Holiday Season

The holidays can be joyful—and they can also be overwhelming. Between family dynamics, packed schedules, and expectations, it’s easy to forget your own needs in the process.

This season, give yourself permission to protect your energy and honor your capacity:

✨ Set boundaries early

It’s okay to say no, limit your time at gatherings, or step away when you need a breather.

✨ Check in with your body

Notice when you’re tense, tired, or overstimulated. Your body often knows before your mind does.

✨ Plan small self-care moments

Five minutes of grounding, a short walk, or intentional quiet time can help you reset.

✨ Release the pressure to “perform”

You don’t owe anyone perfection. Show up as you are, not as who others expect you to be.

✨ Choose connection that feels safe

Prioritize the people and spaces that support your well-being.

The holidays don’t have to drain you. With thoughtful boundaries and meaningful rituals, you can navigate the season with greater ease, presence, and compassion for yourself.

What’s one boundary or self-care practice you’re committing to this year?

Important Practice Announcements

DEA Update: Upcoming Changes to Telehealth Flexibilities

The DEA has announced plans to end the COVID-era telehealth flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances. While final guidance is still pending, current expectations are that any patient receiving a controlled substance prescription will be required to have an in-person visit within 6 months of the end of these flexibilities.

To prepare for this transition, I will be opening limited in-person office hours at 26 Court Street, Brooklyn, in January and April 2026 for patients who will need to meet this requirement. We will continue to keep you updated as soon as more definitive guidance becomes available.

End-of-Year Scheduling Reminders

As we move through the holiday season and winter, appointment availability may be limited. Please reach out early if you need to schedule or adjust sessions.

Procedure Code Update (Effective December 1, 2025)

Clients receiving combined medication management and therapy will begin to see two separate billing codes on statements and superbills. This will not change your current rate. For reimbursement questions, please contact your insurance provider.

New Clinical Supervision Offerings

Heal Wellness is expanding services for mental health professionals. Our monthly peer supervision group for BIPOC therapists launched in November, and a prescriber-focused group will begin in early 2026.

When I’m not in session, much of my time is devoted to supporting the next generation of mental health professionals, work that brings me immense joy and fulfillment. This fall, I launched a monthly peer supervision group for BIPOC therapists, and November marked our very first gathering. In the new year, I’ll be expanding this work with a dedicated supervision group for prescribers as well.

Many of you know that before 2023, I served on the faculty at New York University. I deeply miss the energy of academia; the curiosity, the collaboration, and the opportunity to help clinicians grow. Offering clinical supervision has allowed me to reconnect with that part of myself while continuing to support students, trainees, and early-career providers in strengthening their clinical skills and enhancing the patient experience.

And when I’m not teaching, mentoring, or building new programming, you can usually find me embracing the colder side of Maine life. It’s cold-dipping season, and I’ve been loving my morning (or sometimes afternoon!) plunges into the ocean, even when the water hovers at a brisk 50 degrees. It’s been a grounding ritual that brings both clarity and calm.

Mentorship—and a little cold ocean therapy—have been bringing me a lot of joy lately, and I’m grateful to weave both into the rhythm of this season.

In-Person Availability

Share Your Story!

Have a small win from therapy or coaching you’re proud of? Or maybe a funny therapy moment that still makes you laugh?

We’re putting together a “Therapy Wins” section—and we’d love to include yours!

✨ You can remain anonymous or share your name—it’s up to you. Your journey might be just the thing someone else needs to hear right now.

Submit your story here.

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