Forest/Nature therapy is time spent intentionally slowing down in nature and opening the senses to expand our awareness of nature and our relationship with plants, animals, rocks, wind, water, and sun. It is an opportunity to be in the present moment, to recognize the many ways we are connected to and are part of the natural world.   Forest/Nature Therapy is facilitated by a guide who holds space for participants by following a standard sequence of invitations to interact with nature and reflect and share with others. Invitations are suggestions of ways to engage nature to allow you to experience nature in a new way.  Slowing down, taking time to notice, wander, and discover the gifts of interacting with the natural world is a gift to yourself that has a ripple effect into all of your life and interactions.  There are many benefits of slowing down in nature and research has shown that there is a wide range of physical, emotional, and mental health benefits to increasing time spent in green spaces.  You can learn more about this by going to the research page tab.
 Forest therapy, as facilitated by an ANFT guide, is more than a walk in the woods, it is the intentional slowing down in nature to increase well-being and connection with oneself and the natural world.  
Nature and Forest Therapy is an opportunity to connect with nature, with oneself, and others.  Like roots grounded to bring nourishment to trees, a pause in nature brings grounding through discovery, beauty, and wonder that nourishes our connection to life. 
 "Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “forest bathing.” Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition. We build on those benefits and look beyond, to what happens when people remember that we are a part of nature, not separate from it, and are related to all other beings in fundamental ways." 
https://www.natureandforesttherapy.earth/about/the-practice-of-forest-therapy