Shinrin-Yoku is like abridge. By opening our senses, it bridges the gap between us and the natural world.

Forest Therapy is a guided relaxing immersion in forest like surroundings. It is also known as Shinrin-Yoku 森林浴 or Forest Bathing. Unlike a bush walk or a hike, the aim is to slow down your movement, so you may notice what you are experiencing. You tune into your senses, follow your curiosity and connect to the present moment. By relating to nature, you may restore awareness of yourself, others and the wild world. Your guide supports you, by describing physical, sensory or creative activities. They open the door for you, so the forest can be the therapist. 

Forest Therapy is growing as a research based, Public Health practice for reducing stress related illnesses and enhancing well being.

Forest Therapy or Shinrin-Yoku 森林浴 comes from Japan and translates as ‘forest immersion’. 

Japanese people have an ancient connection with nature through their indigenous religion, Shinto. But in the early 1980's modern life was taking its toll on mental and physical health. Their fast paced, urban based, technology focussed lifestyles were unsustainable. The Japanese Government recognised this. They encouraged people to return to the forest for their health and to protect the forests. Since then research has confirmed the physiological and psychological benefits of Forest Therapy.

We all know that being in nature can make us feel rejuvenated & the research confirms it. Being in nature supports our physiological and psychological health.

1. The immune systems of plants and trees support our immune systems.

In nature we immerse in the healing properties of phytoncides. Phytoncides are aerosols emitted by trees and plants. They protect them from attack by insects, animals and germs. They protect us also. They increase the number and activity of white blood cells, called Natural Killer or NK Cells. These white blood cells increase in number and activity, to attack tumours and germs in our own bodies. The properties of phytoncides are: 

• Anti-bacterial, 
• Anti-microbial, 
• Anti-fungal and 
• Anti-inflammatory &
• Anti-viral.

2. Having a mindful connection with nature, develops a sense of belonging and has direct benefits for our mental health. Ways to mindfully connect with nature include:

• Listening to the calming sounds of bird calls & flowing water.
• Touching different textures.
• Smelling different aromas from plants, flowers & the earth after rain.
• Seeing different shapes & colours, especially green.
• Tasting herbal teas & treats.
• Following our curiosity & wandering. 

• Boosted immune system functioning, with an increase in the count of the body’s Natural Killer (NK) cells.
• Reduced blood pressure.
• Reduced stress & production of the stress hormone, cortisol.
• Reduced anxiety & depression.
• Increased ability to focus, including children with ADHD.
• Increased energy levels.
• Increased overall fitness
• Improved sleep.

Source: International Handbook of Forest Therapy (edited by Kotte, Lin, Shin and Michalsen 2019).

A Certified Forest Therapy Guide FTG provides a relaxing, refreshing & safe experience. A guide invites you into a space for quiet listening, reflection and inquiry. 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.
 

An INFTA Certified Forest Therapy Guide follows the standard set by the International Core Curriculum for Forest Therapy, as specified by the International Nature & Forest Therapy Alliance INFTA. 

1. The event will go ahead even in rainy weather. At some locations there is the opportunity to continue under cover. However, if we need to cancel due to dangerous conditions, participants will be notified on the morning of the event.
2. “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes," as the Swedish saying goes. 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 and wearing a hat.
3. Keep your hands free. Carry a small day pack with sunblock, a raincoat, water, insect repellent, sanitiser and personal medications. You may also like to bring something to sit on, if the ground is wet or it is more comfortable for you.
4. We walk slowly. 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. Phones/cameras must be on silent or turned off. Enjoy a digital detox opportunity. 
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
• Materials & handouts, as required
• Full public liability & Indemnity Insurance 
• First Aid Certificate
• Mental Health First Aid
• Qualified Creative Arts Therapist 
• Certified Forest Therapy Guide.

• The day before - You will be contacted with updated information.
• The day of the walk - You will be contacted with a confirmation/cancellation.
• On arrival - You will have the opportunity to chat with a small group, before our quiet immersion.
• We begin - with some gentle warm ups to get our blood flowing & release any tension we may be carrying.
• We 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.
• You may begin to feel relaxed, as nature unfolds around you. 
• We walk slowly & quietly, covering under 2km in 3 hours.
• 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. 
• You have the opportunity to connect and share your experiences.
• At the conclusion - We thank nature for this beautiful day & indulge our sense of taste with bush tea & light refreshments. 

Creative Arts Therapy is an experiential psychotherapeutic approach. It uses a range of creative modalities (drawing, writing, sculpting and movement) to help explore feelings that may be hard to put into words. Creative Arts Therapists help clients to reduce anxiety, improve self-awareness and find new pathways to healing. It is holistic – attending to emotional, cognitive, physical and spiritual well-being.

Creative Arts Therapy uses the creative process of making art as a safe way to represent your inner experiences, develop awareness and support personal change. Creativity harnesses the imagination and a sense of play. This can help to open up possibilities in a safe supported therapeutic space.

Nature Based Creative Arts Therapy brings Creative Arts Therapy & Forest Therapy practices together in the great outdoors. It is a guided session exploring a variety of nature based physical & creative experiences, through gentle sensory pathways. In a session, you will be will guided, in a safe and calming environment, to represent and explore different textures, movements, shapes, colours, sounds and materials to encourage the awareness of sensation in the body and your implicit felt sense. Through this awareness and the awakening of the senses, emotions may be more easily processed. This helps you to experience yourself, your relationships, and the environment in new ways. You may feel a part of something bigger and notice the ways in which you are supported. The experience is kinaesthetic and tactile, opening up your embodied intelligence and reducing stress.  

Creative Arts Therapy methods may by used on a guided mindful wander in the more than human world. As we wander, we tune into our senses, allowing nature to connect with us creatively. We may pause to create or move creatively. 

Forest Therapy may include Creative Arts Therapy activities within the recommended sequence of activities. 

When combining Creative Arts Therapy & Forest Therapy, nature works with us as co-therapist.

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.