Forest Therapy
Forest Therapy sessions will be announced in early 2024.
Discover the healing power of Forest Therapy
Forest Therapy is a gentle practice of mindful awareness and connection to nature that promotes mental and physical wellness. It is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku which translates as Forest Bathing (bathing the five senses).
The Forest Therapy walk is not a demanding physical exercise, covering approximately one kilometre in two hours.
Upcoming Sessions
Did you know that…
Phytoncides are antibacterial and antifungal essential oils that help plants and trees protect themselves from disease.
The benefits of humans breathing in these natural compounds include improved immune system function as well as decreased anxiety, depression, and anger.
Given that humans (Homo sapiens) lived within nature for approximately 300,000 years and it has only been the last few hundred years that we have moved to the concrete jungle, we are obviously deprived of our natural environment and some elements that enhance the quality of our health.
Phytoncides are naturally occurring elements that promote good health. Let’s return to the forest and experience the benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
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One of our founding family members, Dan Silver, will be leading the sessions. Dan is a mental health clinician with twenty-eight years of experience. He is currently training to become a certified Forest Therapy Guide with The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. His expertise in mental health adds valuable insights to the forest therapy experience.
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Research has shown that spending time in nature offers numerous health benefits. These include improving physical health, lowering blood pressure, strengthening the immune system, reducing pain, improving sleep, reducing depression and anxiety, decreasing stress, reducing feelings of anger and aggression, and improving concentration and memory function. The forest therapy walk provides an opportunity to tap into these natural health benefits.
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While there are similarities to mindfulness practice, a forest therapy walk emphasizes a slow, mindful way of being in nature. The use of silence during the walk enhances observations and helps quiet the mind from the overstimulation of modern society.
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Yes, the forest guide will carry a cell phone that is turned on during the walk in case of emergencies. Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance.
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No, the forest therapy walk is not group therapy. It is a guided experience in nature where participants are invited to slow down, connect with their senses, and interact with the natural environment. The group will have opportunities to share insights and learn from each other, but it is not a traditional therapy session.