What is Guided Forest Therapy?

A Certified Forest Therapy Guide FTG provides a relaxing, refreshing & safe experience, inviting space for quiet listening, reflection and inquiry through all the senses. Feedback suggests that slowing down without a guide, can be a very challenging experience. The guide is an experienced professional, qualified with specialist skills, knowledge and competencies in the application of Forest Therapy as a Public Health practice in suitable forests and nature settings. The activities follow the standard set by the International Core Curriculum for Forest Therapy, as specified by the International Nature & Forest Therapy Alliance INFTA. 

• You will be contacted by your guide the day before & will receive a confirmation on the day of your walk.
• On arrival, you will be greeted & have the opportunity to chat with a small group, before our quiet immersion.
• We will begin with some gentle warm ups to get our blood flowing & release any tension we may be carrying.
• We will tune into each of our five senses.
• You may notice the birds singing, the sun & breeze touching your skin, the scents & aromas of the plants, the various shapes & colours of leaves, the taste of the air around us.
• We will walk slowly & quietly, covering under 2km in 3hours.
• You may begin to feel relaxed, as nature unfolds around you. 
• You will be offered a range of physical, sensory & creative activities to explore.
• You may follow your own curiosity to engage in what feels good for you, including pausing, sitting or laying down. 
• As a group, there is also the opportunity to connect and share your experiences with each other.
•  At the conclusion, we will thank nature for this beautiful day & indulge our sense of taste with bush tea & light refreshments. 

1. The event will go ahead even in rainy weather. However, if we need to cancel due to dangerous conditions, participants will be notified on the morning by 8:00 am. 
2. Carry a small day pack with sunblock, a raincoat, water, a mask, insect repellent, sanitiser and personal medications with you for the trail. You may also like to bring something to sit on, if the ground is wet or it is more comfortable for you.
3.  As the saying goes in Sweden, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!”. Rain often enhances the sensory experience and makes for some of our most memorable walks. Please wear layers which can be taken off & put back on.  We recommend wearing closed, sturdy shoes.
4. This is not a bush walk but participants should be able to travel at a slow pace, over gentle terrain. Where a trail is wheelchair accessible, the symbol WC will be advertised.
5. This is a digital detox opportunity. Phones/cameras must be turned off.
6. Walks are suitable for people 13 years and over.
7. Please be on time. If you are running late, contact your guide on 0425 717 639. The group can wait for 10 minutes only.

• Green Prescriptions
• Light Refreshments & Bush tea
• COVID Safe Plan
• Full public liability & Indemnity Insurance 
• First Aid Certificate
• Mental Health First Aid
• Qualified Creative Arts Therapist 
• Certified Forest Therapy Guide.

Nature Mentoring is an experiential & educational alternative to therapy.  Spending time in nature, while mindfully engaging through our senses, builds a meaningful relationship with our natural surroundings, develops a sense of belonging and has direct benefits to our physical and mental health. Nature Mentoring can be a powerful way to deepen the positive effects of psychotherapy. As Nature Mentoring, does not follow the standard activities set by the International Core Curriculum for Forest Therapy, it is more spontaneous & flexible. This is offered through our NDIS Services.