Hiking, Nature, and The Exercise Effect.
I am a proponent of nature for self-soothingand well being care..
Physical activity, such as hiking, provides the exercise effect, which research says is beneficial in managing the mind, body, and soul. (Please click on the above link to read the article by .Kirsten Weir.)
When the five senses are engaged, we are present in the moment, better enabling us to seek clarity and change for what needs to be addressed andmanaged.
All of the above is why I utilize being out in nature, hiking, walking, instead of the “4-walls of the office,” when working with my clients. As a Life Coach and a Certified Addictions Specialist, I can offer guidance and support with:
- Self-Esteem
- Support in Defining Objectives, Tackling Challenges, and Building Effective strategies for Personal Growth.
- Understanding how blame holds us back.
- Getting Your Needs Met: Learning to Set Boundaries with people, places, and things in your life
- Steps to Take to Achieve Service and Purpose
- Are The 3 Pilars in Balance: Relationships, Work, Home
- Maintaining Recovery From Substance Abuse and Addiction
- Relapse Prevention Planning
- H.A.L.T (hunger, anger, loneliness, tired)
- Families in Recovery
The hikes I plan for us are done at a length and activity level comfortable with each client.
By changing the “office” we work in a new dynamic takes place, transforming the individual differently.
I also offer tele-health and park sessions ( of course, being considerate to privacy, confidentiality, and client location.)
Mission Statement
To engage the 5-senses in nature, with a hike or walk, is a serene gift for the mind, body, and soul.
For more information please call me at 760-215-2112
Mark Lees, MA., CADC_CAS
Testimonials
I love the outdoors, and I love hiking. Hiking offers me a safe place to be myself. I feel comfortable enough to share my feelings and concerns without judgment. Mark is a great counselor, facilitator, and guide. – Wendy S
We just wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your guidance and support during a very, very difficult time in our lives. You have an amazing ability to address the core issues and provide us tools on how to deal with them. You showed us the good, the bad, and the ugly parts in both our relationship and ourselves that needed to be tended to and healed. – Jennifer and Rob M
“Hiking for recovery is such a great idea. As someone in recovery, I needed an outlet to fill the void of abstaining from narcotics. Hiking and nature answered this for me. Mark’s style and non-judgmental ways only added to the value for me. Mark’s knowledge of the world of addiction and recovery was huge for me. He knew when and where to call me out on my shit. And he did. Great experience and I’m sober and learning how to live, as Mark would say, with Service and Purpose. I recommend this service to anyone in need of recovery. “– David L
About Me
My name is Mark Lees, and I was born in Detroit, Michigan. I now live in Oceanside, California, on the coast 35 miles north of San Diego. I have a son and am a Grand Pop.
I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor – Certified Addiction Specialist, CADC- CAS, with the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and professionals, CCAPP.
I have a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Chapman University.
*Full disclosure, I am not a licensed therapist.
Besides my education, I also have 20 years of experience working with diverse populations in need of substance abuse and addiction recovery: adolescents, families in recovery, young adults, LGBTQ individuals, Veterans, seniors, and families dealing with AOD (alcohol and other drugs) abuse or addiction.
My interventions include a motivational Interviewing approach, meeting clients where they are at. I do not know what is better for a client than they do. But I can help guide them to be the best they can be on their journey, which guides my client to build upon the positives and a promising future.
For fun and well-being care, I like to hike, gym, get into the Eastern Sierra as much as I can, meditate, and see as many San Diego Padres baseball games as I can each season. I love the calming and healing powers of music and consider Jazz my go-to genre.
I am currently editing POP’S TAKE US TO THE TOP: The Story of how Father and Son reconcile their fractured relationship through the sport of hiking, culminating in the attempt to summit Mt. Whitney, the highest Mountain Peak in the lower 48 states.
E @760-215-2112 SO THAT I CAN WORK WITH YOU TO GET YOUR GROUP OUT ON THE TR
My North County Top 5 Hikes
(click on hike for link)
Lake Calavera Preserve; Oceanside, CA
Double Peak Mountain; San Marcos, CA
Stanley Peak, Daly Ranch; Escondido, CA
Monserate Mountain; Fallbrook,CA
Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, Carmel Valley. CA
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For more information please call me at 760-215-2112
Mark Lees, MA., CADC_CAS
