Forest Therapy
Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, and invites you to gently immerse your senses in the healing atmosphere of the forest. Shinrin-Yoku, meaning “to bathe in the atmosphere of the forest,” was first introduced in the 1980s by the Japanese government, who recognized the profound benefits of spending time in nature.
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Research has shown that this practice can reduce stress, strengthen your immune system, spark creativity and nurture a deep sense of well-being. When practiced regularly, forest bathing becomes a pathway to greater health, happiness and harmony.
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Imagine stepping into the quiet embrace of the forest—a sanctuary that feels like coming home to a peaceful place in your heart. Forest bathing isn’t about rushing or reaching a destination—this gentle practice is about slowing down and immersing yourself in the presence of trees, plants and all the life around you. Through a mindful immersion of your senses, you’ll rediscover the simple, healing connection between nature and your true self.
Why walk with a certified guide?
While anyone can enjoy a walk in nature, choosing to experience forest bathing with a trained guide offers unique benefits—similar to attending a yoga or meditation class with an experienced instructor. I am a certified guide through the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT), completing my training in 2018 in Kenwood, California, the birthplace of ANFT, followed by a six-month practicum.
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Guided forest therapy walks are intentionally designed to help you slow down and fully embrace the present moment—a practice many find challenging on their own. The intentional flow and sequence of forest therapy creates space for the softening of the mind, and a deeper connection with the natural world. As your guide, I will offer a series of “invitations” to help you engage with nature through your senses—touch, taste, smell, sight, sound, heart and imaginal. You are always encouraged to follow what feels most comfortable for you, as I "hold the space" for connection and healing to naturally unfold. As Amos Clifford, the founder of ANFT beautifully says, "the guide is not there to speak for the forest. The guide is there to create space for the forest to speak."
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Every walk is a unique experience, tailored to the trail and the group. Guided walks are held at carefully chosen locations with qualities that enhance the practice of forest bathing. As a certified guide, I create a safe, welcoming and non-judgmental space for you to connect not only with nature but also with yourself and others. Additionally, I hold a 20-hour Remote First Aid and CPR Level C certification through the Red Cross, so you can relax knowing safety and planning are fully supported.
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Let me take care of the details, so you can simply immerse yourself in the gentle embrace of nature and the healing presence of the forest.
I offer walks for individuals and groups in the Greater Victoria area. Every guided walk includes a series of unique sensory invitations that help you to slow down, immerse yourself in the natural world and connect with yourself. Walks are generally one km or less in length, and between two and half to three hours. We move slowly and mindfully, making the practice of forest therapy accessible to people of all fitness levels, ages and abilities. Every forest therapy walk ends with tea and snacks.​​​​
The benefits of Forest Therapy
Forest therapy is an invitation to come home to yourself and the world around you. It offers a moment to step away from the busyness of life, breathe deeply and reconnect with the healing purity of nature. Spending two hours a week or more, slowing down and mindfully connecting with nature has been scientifically proven to:
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Reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels
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Boost the immune system by increasing natural killer cells
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Heighten mood and enhance creativity
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Improve sleep and increase energy levels​
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Promote a greater sense of peace and calm
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Deepen connection with yourself, others and the natural world
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What to Expect on a Forest Therapy Walk
A Slow and Gentle Journey: Walks unfold over an easy, welcoming landscape, typically covering no more than one kilometer in length over two to three hours. Moving slowly, you’ll feel free to savor each step, each moment, and each breath.
Guided Invitations: As your guide, I will offer a series of gentle invitations—simple suggestions designed to open your senses, deepen your presence and help you connect with the forest in your own personal way. There is no right or wrong way to experience the practice—it is entirely yours to shape.
Connection and Mindfulness: Forest therapy encourages you to slow down and immerse yourself fully in the beauty around you, fostering a deep connection with yourself, the forest and the life it holds.​
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A Practice Rooted in Accessibility and Inclusion
Forest therapy is for everyone. Its unhurried pace and intentional simplicity make it a practice that welcomes people of all fitness levels, ages and abilities. Whether you are seeking restoration, peace, or simply time to pause and breathe, forest therapy offers a nurturing space for all.
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A Personal and Sacred Experience
Each walk is unique because your connection with nature and the forest will always be deeply personal. The trees, the air and the sounds of the forest speak to each of us differently, offering their healing in ways that resonate with the heart and soul. As you explore this connection, you’ll find moments of stillness, joy, and awe—a rediscovery of the innocence and wonder of simply being.
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Closing with Community
Every forest therapy walk concludes with a heartfelt sharing of tea brewed from local plants and healthy snacks. This simple ritual reminds us of the importance of community and the joy of connection, strengthening the bond between participants and the natural world.
You can also learn more on my dedicated forest therapy website.
"The feeling of well-being we get from spending time in the woods is more than psychological. Trees release antimicrobial chemicals in the the air called phytoncides to help defend themselves against harmful insects and germs. These chemicals are closely related to essential oils. That wonderfully intoxicating scent of cedar, for example, is the result of phytoncides. When we breathe the forest air, phytoncides stimulate our "natural killer cells," white blood cells in our bodies that attack tumors and viruses.
So, when you walk among the trees, your immune system gets a boost from the trees' own medicine."
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​~Hannah Fries. Forest Bathing Retreat: find wholeness in the company of trees.
