Forest Therapy FAQ
What is forest therapy?
Forest therapy, also known as forest bathing is the practise inspired by the Japanese form of healing called Shinrin-yoku, which literally translates to "bathing in the atmosphere of the forest" . It involves immersing oneself in a natural forest environment for the purpose of improving one's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It's not a therapy in the traditional sense, but rather a form of nature-based therapy that emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature.
How does forest therapy benefit health?
Spending time in nature, has been shown to reduce stress, decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve mood and overall well-being.
Forest therapy is associated with various health benefits, including improved immune function, increased energy levels, enhanced creativity and better sleep.
Forest therapy aims to foster a deep sense of connection with nature, which is believed to have a calming and rejuvenating effect on the mind and body. When practised as a group, it can foster meaningful connections with self and others.
How does it work?
The key aspects of forest therapy include:
Partnership. Nature is the therapist, and the guide simply opens the door.
Slow Movement. Forest therapy involves slow, deliberate, and aware movements as individuals explore their natural settings. This can include walking, sitting, or simply being still.
Sensory Engagement. Participants are encouraged to engage their senses by observing the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the forest. This sensory experience can help reduce stress and promote deep relaxation.
Invitations. A guide will offer participants to engage in a series of invitations, though these are simply invitations. There is no right or wrong way to practise forest therapy. "All is welcome".
About us
Forest Roots Consulting is a British Columbia-based company specializing in forest therapy. Dedicated to promoting the healing benefits of nature through guided forest bathing walks, workshops, and retreats. We believe that spending time in nature is essential for our mental and physical well-being, and are committed to helping individuals and communities connect with the natural world.
Located on the unceeded ancestral lands of the Secwépemc Nation, we respectfully acknowledge caretakers of the land, both past and present, and further acknowledge the importance of education, respect and putting reconcilation into action. At Forest Roots, we prioritize sustainability and responsible stewardship of the natural world. Our goal is to create a harmonious relationship between people and nature, one that benefits both.
Services
Guided Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing is a holistic wellness practice that uses nature connection as a way to promote mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Explore the healing and restorative benefits of spending time in nature. Find connection, calm and clarity.
This practise is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Forest bathing for children will include aspects of forest play. For those with mobility challanges, the practise can also be offered remotely or indoors.
Contact for details.
Workshops/Retreats
Guided forest therapy walks are the perfect compliment to your health retreat or as a corporate wellness activity. Time connecting in nature is proven to restore, heal and energize the body and mind.
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Climate Trauma/Disaster Recovery
Solastalgia is a term that describes the feeling of grief or despair when our sense of place, our connection with the land, has been detrimentally impacted by environmental events such as wildfire, floods or other natural or man-caused catastrophic events. This can include post traumatic stress symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. It may include a loss of joy associated with natural elements such as wind and campfires.
How do we grieve? How do we heal? How do we come together to find hope, connection, and peace in the aftermath of these events? How does the land recover and heal? How can we work in partnership with nature, to heal together?
Forest therapy can be a very gentle and impactful practise to help heal people and communities. This is done in partnership with the land itself, as we heal together.
Contact for details.
Meet Your Guide
Welcome and thank you for visiting my page. My name is Nicole and I am a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and Professional Forester, with over 30 years experience working in the interior forests of British Columbia. The forests and grasslands are my favorite place to work, explore and play. I believe that movement and nature connections are the doorway to a joyful life and good health.
I received my education from the University of British Columbia, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry in 1992. I was initially drawn to this profession as I wanted a career where I could work in the outdoors. The focus of my education and professional career was natural resource management, which was taught and practised through the lens of maximizing forest productivity to increase benefits of resource extraction. In my experience, there was little emphasis or discussion about the importance of human/nature relationships with the exception of what was articulated by many indigenous peoples. Working with indigenous communities inspired me to practise greater humility, to be curious, and consider other ways of knowing and different world views, particularily when it comes to our nature relations.
My training with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT) lead me to a community of people that shared the same passion, and helped broaden my understanding of the importance of natural ecosystems and human health, the intelligence of the forest, and health benefits of being in nature.
Like most people, I have had my road bumps in life, and found practises such as forest therapy and yoga to be incredibly impactful on my journey to wholeness and wellbeing. I have been witness to healing, and know that forest therapy can foster renewal in our relationships with ourselves, our relationships with others and a more meaningful and deeper connection with our natural world. I feel grateful to be able to share this practise with others.
Contact Us Today
Fill out our contact form below and let us know how we can assist you with your forest therapy needs. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.