Where do sessions take place?

Sessions can be held in a public green space that is local to you or your organisation; making them accessible and easy to fit into a demanding schedule. 

They can also take place in private settings where you have sole use of the space, or large green settings situated further out of the centre. I can discuss this with you and research an ideal setting to suit your needs.

Forest Therapy can also take place online!

What happens in a typical forest therapy session?

Forest therapy sessions can be tailored to your needs. Supported by current research, it is recommended that sessions are a minimum of two hours, but can also be longer for a more immersive experience.

You will be warmly greeted and made to feel at ease. Once everyone has arrived, the session begins with a short introduction, including what to expect, housekeeping and any hazards to be aware of; some information on what forest therapy is and a bit more of the inspiring scientific research that underpins it. You will then be guided through some simple invitations that are carefully designed to help you to settle in and relax into the natural surroundings in incremental stages. This forms the majority of the session and can last for anything between 1-4 hours. The session ends with a hot drink and biscuit whilst we debrief on our time in the woods and how it has impacted us.

Can forest therapy support other forms of work with people?

Absolutely, forest therapy sessions can provide a brilliant foundation for further group work, whether that is in terms of support and recovery, organisational development, team building, strategy days, coaching or educational sessions, for example, at the Human Nature Project we have an hour of forest bathing followed by an hour of group discussion exploring concepts relating to mental wellbeing like confidence, creativity and choice.

What are the benefits of forest therapy compared to other therapeutic interventions?

Forest therapy, or forest medicine combines all the benefits of mindfulness practice with the calming additional benefits of spending time with others in a safe environment and in contact with nature.

Forest bathing is free to access and can be enjoyed almost anywhere outdoors at any time once you know how to do it. 

Finally, building relationships with the natural world in this way can support us more broadly in the fight to combat climate change; studies tell us that the more we care about the natural world, the more we are likely to look after it.

Who is Forest Therapy for?

This practice is for those in need of connection, relaxation, rejuvenation, healing, rest, restoration, rest bite, slowing down, grounding - or coming back to a sense of centeredness. In other words, that’s anyone living in the modern world!

You’re welcome if you have zero experience or connection with nature, and you’re welcome if you have a lot of experience with nature. You’re welcome if you are feeling totally out of step with yourself and you are welcome if you are in a good place and wanting to delight in the pleasure that connecting with nature can be.

This can be a gentle and safe introduction between you and the natural world, or it can be a deeper exploration and a strengthening of your relationship with nature. How much or how little you submerge yourself is up to you, and perhaps the natural world that day! 

Can forest therapy work for people 1:1?

Yes. Forest therapy can be highly enriching and offer great healing potential for people who prefer to access the therapy individually.