Author uses her clinical psychological expertise combined with Christian spirituality to offer framework for mental wellness

URBANDALE, Iowa, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Using the metaphor of a garden, "Grounding" is a concept focused on personal growth and empowering individuals with strategies for healthy thinking and living from a Christian perspective. The context addresses the widespread feeling of being "un-grounded."

In "Grounding: Gardening Your Life," author Heidi Vermeer-Quist shares ten sessions of skill training intended for both individual and group study. It provides readers with tools for developing a healthy self-concept, establishing boundaries, and managing emotions. Key concepts include practicing mindfulness, adopting a "victor" mindset over a "victim" mindset, and cultivating healthy communication. Vermeer-Quist ties these concepts to biblical passages from the Old and New Testaments, and together it all illustrates the "gardening" analogy.

"I want to equip people with the grounding skills they need to connect well with God, others, and themselves," said Vermeer-Quist, "manage their feelings, thoughts and behaviors with confidence; and experience more moment-by-moment joy and peace."

Drawing from over 25 years of experience in the psychology field, Dr. Vermeer-Quist integrates professional insights with a strong religious background. One of her passions is to serve the church and train the general population with Christ-centered practices of psychology. She actively provides clinical services through Heartland Christian Counseling, as well as organizational consulting services through VQ Consulting.

"I designed this book to work best with small groups and it's appropriate for mental health treatment programs, churches, community support groups or informal groups with family and friends." 

"Grounding: Gardening Your Life"
By Heidi Vermeer-Quist Psy.D.
ISBN: 9798385017539 (softcover); 9798385017546 (electronic)
Available at WestBow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author
Dr. Heidi Vermeer-Quist is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of clinical, teaching and consulting experience. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College, Wheaton, Ill. She has provided psychological assessments and psychotherapy to people struggling with depression, anxiety, relational conflicts, trauma recovery, unresolved grief and adjustment, and personality disorders and served for nine years on the Iowa Board of Professional Psychology. She resides in Urbandale with her husband and three children. To learn more, please visit www.gardeningyourlife.com.

General Inquiries:
LAVIDGE – Phoenix
Ziggy Goldfarb
zgoldfarb@lavidge.com

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SOURCE WestBow Press