What is Nature & Forest Therapy all about?
Are you seeking a deeper embodied connection with nature and the ecosystems you're a part of?
Desperately need some "me time" in nature where there's no pressure to perform, achieve any goals, meet any expectations, or do any mental work?
Join me for a guided forest therapy walk
Is Guided Forest Therapy the same as Forest Bathing?
You may be familiar with the term “forest bathing” or Shinrin-yoku, as it is called in Japan, which is a practice that started developing in the 1980s as response to a decline in public health. It’s good to know that while guided forest therapy practice through ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) is inspired by Shinrin-yoku, it isn’t exactly the same. While forest bathing focuses on sensory immersion and well-being, in our walk we will focus on a relational experience with invitations to help you deepen your embodied connection with the nature around you.
AND we don’t have to be IN a forest to do nature and forest therapy walks. There are many types of natural environments suited to these experiences, even if you’re in a more urban area.
Is it hiking and is it strenuous?
No! Our goal with forest therapy is to SLOW down and connect. We take a very slow pace for a short distance. Depending on the trail or area where we are spending our time, I’ll provide information upfront about the type of trail and anything to watch out for. We'll end our walk by sharing some herbal tea and light snack that I will bring along. There is no goal for distance, pace, or exercise level, as this is not a "hike".
Not every trail will be “accessible” to everyone, but again, I’ll provide that information upfront for each walk.
Will we do plant and animal ID on walks?
This is not a naturalist walk in the classic sense, in that we won't be focusing on plant and animal ID or classification, or taking photos during our time together.
However, after the walk is completed you are more than welcome to nerd out on all the nature you made connections with during out walk.
Depending on the location or associated event, I may schedule walks that have a particular theme and they may include some activities related to nature spotting or art.
Note on phones: Ideally we’ll put our phones away so that we can connect with nature. Please silence your phones. There may be exceptions during a specific invitation where I’ll guide you to use your phone to magnify something very small or take a photo of it so you can examine it.
What do you charge for forest therapy walks?
Walk sessions typically cost between $29-39 per person. Rates will vary for group bookings, special events, or additional activities so please reach out and we can discuss a group booking rate if you’d like to provide a group walk for your special event or company.
Do you ever do free walks?
I do occasionally schedule free walks, but as all of our time is valuable, and a lot of time and overhead goes into organizing and facilitating each walk, I usually do charge for our sessions. I mean, where else can you get several hours of guided therapeutic wellness for an average of $35 bucks!
How long do the walks last?
Guided forest therapy walks typically last 2.5-3 hours, but that may vary depending on the location or associated event. Some walks may last longer (but will all have a scheduled start and end time), and some may be shorter. You can contact me about shorter walks AND virtual walks as well.
This amount of time can seem like a “long” time and it might bring up some anxiety for some of you - that’s natural. In the tended world we are always rushing to get to the next task or goal. Nature does not require this of us and it can often take several hours for your mind and body to recalibrate and SLOW down in new environments. Don’t worry, I’m there to manage the time for you and help you ease into the experience.
What is your cancellation policy?
Walks are fully refundable if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise you may apply a credit for your walk to an future walk of the same value. If you can’t attend you are also always welcome to gift your spot onto someone else, however they will need to contact me and fill out the required documents in advance.
What about weather??
If inclement weather, such as heavy rain downpours, extreme cold or heat, force me to cancel a walk I will alert everyone as early as I can and will reschedule the walk. If I am unable to reschedule with walk within a reasonable time you will be fully refunded.
What do I need to bring with me?
Wear comfortable weather appropriate clothing (jackets, raincoat, gloves - layer if need be -be sure to check the weather!)
Comfortable walking shoes, hiking sandals, or waterproof hiking shoes OR mud/rain boots if it's been raining as trails can be muddy.
I like to bring a small seat mat (that you can take hiking) as we/you may want to sit here and there, especially if it's wet.
Water bottle
If you need them bring sunglasses, sunscreen and bug repellent.
Feel free to bring your journal or small sketching supplies, but only if you feel like it, and only if it's easy for you to carry along while you walk.
Additional snacks or medication you need.
Walking stick or hiking poles if you need more stability.
Safety Notice
I do require all participants to sign a waiver for our walks. You’ll receive this as a download link when you book your session, but you can review the waiver HERE. Please email me back your signed waiver, or bring it with you to our walk - otherwise you will not be able to participate.
Please note that while I am certified in wilderness first aid, and I will provide details about our walk area upfront, I cannot be responsible for any medical conditions or disabilities you may bring with you to our walk, and cannot guarantee your personal safety or health during our walks. You must be responsible for your own safety and well-being during out activities. Please make sure to be mindful of any conditions you may have that could be an issue (i.e. please make sure you bring your own necessary medications, epi-pen, etc. if needed). Also be mindful of your physical abilities and exertion levels when choosing walk sessions.