Forest Therapy

Forest Therapy

Forest therapy (also known as forest bathing or Shinrin-Yoku), is a practice originating in Japan. It is led by a facilitator and involves sensory immersion in the sights, sounds, smells and ambience of the forest, to improve overall well-being. It is a mindful experience, a deliberate act of connecting with nature through sensory engagement. This is not just a walk in the woods, it is an opportunity to slow down, stop doing, and reconnect with your own ‘being’ in nature.

Forest bathing originated in Japan in the early 1980’s as a public health initiative that then evolved into a tourist attraction, to try and bring some money into the country and boost the economy. There has since then, been a lot of research into the benefits of forest therapy and it has become more of a wellbeing tool and resource,now being a more science backed than economy led practice, it has of course now expanded beyond Japan and is used all over the world.

Forest therapy is the antidote to the fast paced, high tech culture that we seem to be living in. It offers an opportunity to disconnect from that and plug into the healing and regenerative powers of nature.

There have been many studies that evidence forest therapy reducing stress (lowering cortisol levels, heart rate and blood pressure) and boosting immune function by increasing natural killer cell activity. It can improve mood state by reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and anger. It helps regulate the nervous system which will also assist with mood state and sense of wellbeing, safety and resilience.

Forest therapy has been shown to improve cognitive function and enhance focus, which is particularly helpful to those with high mental fatigue or ADHD, this also enhances creativity and problem solving.

Improved sleep and general better physical health from gentle movement are some other benefits. 

Time in  nature has always been important in my life, and has increasingly become essential as a way for me to feel grounded, calm and ‘well’. I feel passionate about sharing nature based therapies and tools with others so that they too can reap the rewards. 

I see forest therapy as naturally holistic, empowering and connecting practices. 

Anyone can benefit from forest therapy, however, I am especially interested in supporting women in peri/menopause, those who have experienced trauma or are experiencing anxiety and those that work in blue light services and counsellors/psychotherapists in private practice. I believe that these groups would benefit greatly from these nature based practice as a way to build resilience, regulate the nervous system, feel calm, feel supported and to cultivate a sense of community with like minded people and relationship with local woodland and nature spaces.

Forest Therapy Sessions

Forest therapy session can be carried out one-to-one or as a group session.

One-to-one sessions are 90 minutes and cost £75 per person.

2 person sessions are 90 minutes and cost £50 per person.

Group sessions are 2 hours and are £35 per person.

Please see the events page for upcoming dates and locations.

If you are an organisation that feels your staff or clients would benefit from this practice as a 1 off event or ongoing support, please get in touch so we can discuss what is possible!

If you own private land/woodland in North London, Hertfordshire or Essex and would love to have Forest therapy sessions run at your site, I would love to hear from you!!

(Please note, I am qualified, insured and have an up to date outdoor first aid certificate and current DBS check.)