As a Forest Therapy Practitioner, Janet will design and implement a Program suited to your group or organization.
What is Forest Therapy?
Forest Therapy is a nature based wellness intervention that considers the specific needs of individuals along with the natural and social environment in which they live. It is designed to promote positive mental health states, and enhance physical and social health by encouraging nature connectedness, interpersonal relationships, and social cohesion.
Forest Therapy consists of a series of guided nature immersion walks which are designed to address the specific mental, physical, and social health of the group. The goal is to assist the healing process and promote interpersonal relationships and inclusion.
What is A Forest Therapy Practitioner?
A Forest Therapy Practitioner carries out interventions based on nature connection activities, expressive arts, and mindfulness. They apply nature based interventions and evaluate the interventions with the specific group they are working with.
The role of a Forest Therapy Practitioner is not the one of a therapist. Rather, they collaborate with health professionals, public and private institutions, to help assure the suitability of the intervention.
I had the amazing opportunity to present my project at the 2nd International Conference on Forest Therapy. It was an energizing experience filled with fresh insights and new research on the benefits of Forest Therapy.
I also got to share my project with Molle Dorst of Project ReWild podcast. Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify.
Connect with Nature–6 Week Forest Therapy Program for Mothers with Post-Partum mood Disorders
Janet conducted a mixed-method study of Forest Therapy Interventions designed for mothers who may be experiencing mood shifts, depression, anxiety and/or other stressors during the postpartum period. The study consisted of a series of guided forest bathing walks led with the intention of increasing relaxation, deepening a connection to nature, and creating social cohesion.
The qualatative and quantatative results pointed to improved feelings of well being and deeper connections to nature.
- The guided walks were led at a slow and accessible pace. The walks ranged from a mile to 2 miles in length at the most.
- Each walk consisted of a series of sensory moments, Nature Connection Activities, quiet contemplation and a group circle to close the session. All participation was voluntary, open, and without judgment.
- Circle were formed after each activity and experience. Participants chose to share or chose to be silent.
- There were suggested Nature Based wellness activities during the week to help bring self-care into participants daily lives.
6 Week Intervention
The 6 Week Intervention consists of a once a week Forest Bathing Walk of at least 90 minutes in length. Each walk will follow the same format, but will focus on a different sense. A commitment to all 6 walks is desirable.
This intervention will also help participants discover how they can incorporate nature-based routines into their daily lives.
Contact me if you are interested in reading more about this project.
If you are interested in hosting a Forest Therapy program, please contact me about this opportunity. Please explore this site to learn more about Forest Bathing Walks and Janet MacFarlane.
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Forest Therapy and Forest Bathing Walks 