What is Forest Therapy, and is it different from Forest Bathing or Shinrin Yoku?

Shinrin Yoku began in Japan, it is a process of relaxation and being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you. It's translation to English is 'Forest Bathing', which can be misleading as it does not involve bathing in water, so leave your swimwear at home! 

The term forest therapy is used by some accredited practitioners, forest therapy recognises the therapeutic benefits of time spent intentionally in nature. Forest Therapy Practitioners draw upon the growing evidence base from science, psychology and philosophy within their practice. 

Is this therapy?

Forest therapy is not a replacement for counselling, clinical therapy, or mental health treatment. Like with the physical health benefits of forest therapy, is can complement other treatments but should not be considered a replacement treatment, please follow guidance from your health care professional. As an Occupational Therapist I will bring with me some of my skills in this role, however in these sessions my role is as facilitator to guide your experience of nature connection.

Will we being doing a walk?

There may be a short 5-10 minute walk required to reach the location of the session. Once the session beings there may be some invitations that involve slow walking or wandering but distance covered is very limited. 

Will I need to know about plants and nature?

Not at all. Discussions in the group may move towards nature and plant species but there is no pressure to share. Forest Therapy does not involve plant identification or foraging. The tea at the end of the session may be made for foraged plants but the focus is on the health benefits of the tea.

What happens in a session?

The session will last approximately 2- 3 hours and will consist of what I will refer to as ‘invitations’. There is no right or wrong way to participate, however they are done in silence to allow opportunities for thoughts and reflections. You can choose whether you want to engage in the invitations. They are opportunities you can take to help deepen your nature connection and your connection to yourself. They purposefully open to allow you to interpret them in a way that works for you.  There will be opportunities to feedback and share our experiences, if you choose to during the session. We often close the session with a cup of herbal tea.

What if it rains?

Sessions will go ahead in most weather conditions, with the exception of high winds, thunderstorms, extreme heat or where it is otherwise deemed unsafe, e.g. weather warnings etc.

What do I need to wear?

Weather appropriate clothing to keep comfortable whilst we are out. I recommend bringing extra layers, as our body temperature can drop when you slow down and engage in mindful activities. Waterproof clothing e.g. jacket and/or trousers and walking boots/shoes may be worth considering. I would recommend long trousers, to reduce the risk of tick bites. Try to avoid wearing any strong scented products e.g. perfumes and hair sprays.

What do I need to bring?

• a mug if you would like some herbal tea at the end of the session 
• Something to sit on. I will have a few sit mats you are welcome to borrow if you are happy sitting on the ground. They are fairly small and made of foam. You might prefer a small camping stool or chair (if you struggle to sit on the ground or would just prefer not too) or old exercise mat for extra comfort and the option to lie down during the session
• Extra layers

Can I take part if I have additional health needs?

Yes, anything that has a low risk of impacting the session please share, if you are happy too, at the point of booking. Anything you have concerns about that will impact your ability to participate, please get in touch and we can discuss adaptations that may work for you. 

Is there anything else I will need to do?

I will circulate feedback forms post session, I would really appreciate if these could these be completed and returned in order for me to develop and grow my practice, thank you.