Are forest therapy guides therapists?
No, we are not licensed therapists and forest therapy walks are not “therapy” in the sense most people think of (i.e., psychotherapy). They are, however, powerfully therapeutic, and the job of the guide is to provide an opening for you to experience whatever wisdom the forest has to share with you. ANFT has a motto: “The forest is the therapist, the guide opens the doors.”
How far will we walk?
Not very far! And definitely not very fast! It depends on the group, setting, and any mobility concerns of participants. In a three hour walk we may cover 1-2 miles with lots of seated time in between, or we may walk to a single point and “pulse” out from there, in which case you can control how far you go.
What should I wear/bring?
No special clothing necessary, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Just dress for the weather so you can be cool if it’s warm and cozy if it’s cold. It is generally a good idea to bring water, bug spray for buggy months, and sunscreen. We will be sitting throughout our walk, so if you don’t like sitting on the bare ground you can also bring a small towel or tiny mat to sit on. If getting up and down from the ground is challenging for you, you can also bring a small folding chair (that you feel comfortable carrying throughout the walk) or just choose to stand!
Are forest therapy walks the same as hiking?
While hiking is a wonderful activity and we all need to exercise our bodies, these walks are about slowing down and noticing the journey rather than getting to a particular destination.
Will I learn naturalist knowledge on a forest therapy walk?
Learning how to identify different plants and animals is a great way to get more in touch with nature, but these walks are about connecting with nature in a more personal and imaginal way, so if you are someone who loves to identify every bird you see (me too!) I might invite you to turn that part of your brain off so you can see what it’s like to encounter each living thing as an individual.
Why is it also called forest “bathing”?
The term forest bathing is a translation from the Japanese shinrin-yoku. In the 1980s, Japan transitioned from a largely agrarian economy to a tech-based economy, which led more people to live in cities and work indoors. The Japanese government noted a spike in chronic diseases afterwards and began researching ways to counteract this trend. One question they asked was “what happens to people when they spend time in forests?” They found that spending time in nature allows your nervous system to relax, which in turn leads to improved mental health, lower blood pressure, and lower heart rate. When we spend time in the forest we also inhale and absorb aromatics released by trees called phytoncides, which the trees use to protect themselves from pathogens. Because our ancestors evolved in the forest, these chemicals stimulate special white blood cells in our bodies called NK cells, which help destroy virus-infected and precancerous cells. That is why the Japanese name their practice shinrin-yoku, or forest-bathing, because being in the forest is like bathing in these phytoncides.
Does forest therapy have to take place in a forest?
No! This practice can be done almost anywhere: in a public park, in your back yard, or even on your couch with a house plant.
Is this really for me?
Yes, whatever your background, age, gender, physical ability, occupation, even if you have never stepped foot on a forest trail, the forest will welcome you, and I will do my best to accommodate any barriers to your participation. Please just reach out with any concerns ahead of time.
Restore Forest Therapy 