Frequently Asked Questions

Forest Bathing refers to the English translation of the Japanese phrase, shinrin-yoku. Shinrin-yoku is a wellness practice that originated in Japan in the 1980s, which encourages people to immerse themselves in the forest atmosphere to take in the physiological and psychological benefits that trees and forests offer us.

Forest Therapy is a research-based wellness practice inspired by shinrin-yoku. The practice incorporates a researched-informed structured experience developed to help participants quiet their “monkey minds” and awaken their senses. On a forest therapy walk, participants are guided to slow down, become present in the moment, and supported so that they can more easily and readily tap into the health benefits of nature.

Forest therapy guides are not therapists; the forest is the therapist and the guide opens the door!

I refer to forest bathing and forest/nature therapy interchangeably.

Forest bathing is a slow, meditative practice proven through decades of research to lower blood pressure, reduce the production of stress hormones, boost the body’s immune system, improve mood and memory, along with a host of other physiological benefits. The broader scope of the practice helps us deepen our connection to nature and each other through time spent together in nature, opening our awareness to what the natural world offers us, and gently reminding us that we are very much a part of the natural world! There are many resources out there for you to learn more about the physiological and psychological benefits of the practice, and I’m happy to send you resources if you are interested in learning more after joining me on a walk!

Forest bathing can be done once, occasionally, or consistently. As with any wellness practice, the more you do it, the more benefits you will reap. Most individuals find that every forest therapy experience is unique, and they take away different experiences and benefits from every walk.

Actually, no. While the practice of forest therapy and a lot of scientific research has been focused on the incredible wellness benefits of trees and wooded areas, the practice of forest therapy can be done alongside a body of water, in a park, near a prairie or meadow, in your own backyard, and even indoors with plants and other natural objects. You can still enjoy the wellness benefits of this practice even if you do not live near a forested area.

Forest therapy walks are not hikes. We won't be moving very fast, and we won't cover much more than a half mile on a guided walk. The practice of forest therapy is intended to help us slow our bodies down and experience the natural world around us in a deeper way than we normally would on a typical nature hike. This is why forest therapy walks last 2 to 3 hours, allowing us time to awaken our senses, find presence in nature, and experience new elements of wellness.

I do offer some events for adult/child pairs, and am planning to offer more in the future for youth and teens! If no age range is listed for an event, then the minimum age for guided walks is 16. If you are interested in setting up a guided walk for a group of youth, please contact me to discuss details!

I absolutely love animals and would love to meet your special pet, but unless an event specifically indicates that pets are allowed, please leave your beloved animal at home for our walk. I would be very happy to set up a guided walk for a group of individuals and their pets. Contact me to make arrangements!

Yes! The practice of forest therapy is designed to be accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities. Many forest therapy walks incorporate times for sitting, standing, or lying down, and participants determine their chosen speed and range of mobility on a guided walk. Guides typically choose trails with light, easy terrain. Please reach out to me with any questions or accommodation requests as I’m happy to customize experiences to assure accessibility for all participants.

Forest therapy walks are typically 2-3 hours long, and offered in a group setting. After an introduction to the practice, I will guide you through a series of invitations that are designed to help awaken your senses and slow your mind. Throughout the walk we will pulse back and forth between our time together as a group and time for you to wander on your own, experiencing the invitations in a way that works for you. Forest therapy walks always incorporate time to gather as a group after each invitation. These circles are designed to be safe, no-pressure spaces to quietly listen to what others may wish to share and for you to be authentically heard.

I will provide all supplies for the walk that you may wish to utilize, such as sit pads or stools, bug repellent, and so on. All you need to do to prepare for the walk is to register, dress for the weather, and show up!

Absolutely! Once you have joined me on a guided walk, you will have a greater understanding of the practice and I will be happy to give you some pointers as to how you might incorporate this practice into your life when you are spending solo time in nature.

As with wellness practices like yoga or meditation, many people find that they are more likely to commit to the practice and experience a fuller range of benefits if they go with a competent, certified guide.

Guides handle all the planning, time-keeping and trail knowledge, and are trained in research-informed methodology designed to guide participants in tapping into the wellness benefits of nature.

I received my certification from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). I completed an intensive immersion training in September 2019, followed by a 6-month practicum, before receiving my certification in March 2020. I was trained in the history and scientific research behind forest bathing as a wellness practice, as well as the intentionality of structuring forest therapy walks in a way that allows participants to tap into those benefits. My ANFT training included trail awareness and safety, extensive research on safe foraging of local plant species, facilitation methodology that fosters welcoming, safe and open environments for walk participants, and instruction in the rigorous competency standards for forest therapy guides. I maintain Wilderness First Aid training to continue in my certification through ANFT.

As a certified guide, I scout out trails in our local area that are best suited for forest therapy walks, partner with local park agencies to schedule and plan walks, familiarize myself with native plants, wildlife and awarenesses along the trail, provide sit pads and stools, and any other supplies for our time together. I provide a safe container for you as a participant where you have no expectations, destinations or responsibilities to tend to other than being present and open to what nature may offer you during our time together.