Forest Therapy
Forest Therapy is based on Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to Forest Bathing in Japanese, and is gaining global recognition as an evidence-based approach to health and wellness.
Experience Nature with a certified, trauma informed Nature Guide trained by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy!
What is a Forest Therapy Nature Guide?
A Forest Therapy Guide facilitates safe & gentle walks, providing invitations for sensory opening activities along the way. Each walk begins with establishing contact with the present moment and place. Next comes a series of connective invitations, often improvised in the moment and adapted to the needs of participants. These may be followed by wander time and/or sit spot. The walks end with a ceremony of sharing tea made from foraged local plants.
Forest therapy walks are not hikes in the traditional sense. An entire walk is typically 1 to 2 hours in duration and often covers no more than a mile in distance. In that short distance most people experience contact with nature in a much deeper way than they ever have prior to the walk.
On Forest Therapy walks, people have a wide range of experiences, some of which they feel are significant, even profound. Guides are trained in the skills and perspectives needed to be supportive witnesses of these experiences.
What does research show?
Scientific research shows that even a small amount of time in nature can have a positive impact on our health. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce concentrations of cortisol, lower pulse rate, lower blood pressure, increase parasympathetic nerve activity, and lower sympathetic nerve energy.
What are the benefits?
A forest bath will help you to unplug from technology, slow down and re-calibrate you. It will bring you into the present moment and de-stress and relax you. It will get you out of your head and bring you back into the body, calming the mind and will increase your connection to Nature.
What does a walk consist of?
During a guided forest therapy walk, people experience the therapeutic power of the forest.
A guided walk invites people slow down, helps them to notice where they are and what is around them, and helps them to make a deeper contact with the forest and with themselves through somatic awareness and a series of invitations. You are free to create your own experience as this is not a prescriptive walk.
The forest is the therapist, I am merely the guide. Guides open the doorways to lead you through the forest so the forest can accomplish its healing work. Each walk is unique to each person and no two walks are alike!
Currently hosting both group & private guided walks. Please contact me directly to schedule.
Sliding scale fee available as well as discounts for seniors, BIPOC, LBGTQ, active or retired Military.