Forest therapy is inspired by forest bathing, a practice rooted in the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku. On a forest therapy walk, participants come together to slow down, step away from everyday stress, and reconnect with the present moment in nature.
As you spend time in the forest, many people begin to feel a sense of being refreshed, grounded, and supported by the natural world around them. Slowing down helps us notice more—our surroundings, our breath, and our connection to all living things. Time with trees, plants, animals, rocks, wind, water, and sunlight becomes an invitation to remember our place within the wider web of life.
As a certified Forest Therapy Guide, I offer a gentle, structured experience that helps you engage with nature using all of your senses. Along the walk, I share simple invitations that encourage you to notice, wander, and discover the moment through sight, smell, touch, sound, and even taste. You’re always welcome to share what you notice with the group, in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
Many people find that slowing down in nature creates a positive ripple effect that carries into their daily life and relationships. Research shows that spending time in green spaces can support physical, emotional, and mental well-being. You can learn more about this on the Research page.

 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
 This practice is informed by Jungian psychology, Ecopsychology, and Shinrin yoku. The Japanize phrase "Shinrin yoku" translates to English as "forest bathing" and means to take in the forest atmosphere with all of ones senses. This was first defined in 1982 by Akiyama Tomohide, director of the Japan Forestry Agency. The term "forest therapy" was first used in 2003 by Miyazaki Yoshifumi, who studied the physiological and psychological effects of forest immersion experiences.