Kula Cloth For outdoor folk & Sweet wild Adventures

༄
Flow 
foREST 
Therapy
  • Sign In
  • Create Account

  • Orders
  • My Account
  • Signed in as:

  • filler@godaddy.com


  • Orders
  • My Account
  • Sign out

  • Home
  • Forest Therapy
    • All Services
    • Melbourne foREST
    • Yarra Valley foREST
    • Hobart foREST
    • NDIS
    • FAQ
    • Access
  • Kula Cloth +
    • Kula Cloth Australia
    • Loupe Magnifiers
    • Gift Vouchers
  • ABOUT
    • Your Guide, Leesa
    • Advocacy & INFTA
    • Blog
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Review Us
  • More
    • Home
    • Forest Therapy
      • All Services
      • Melbourne foREST
      • Yarra Valley foREST
      • Hobart foREST
      • NDIS
      • FAQ
      • Access
    • Kula Cloth +
      • Kula Cloth Australia
      • Loupe Magnifiers
      • Gift Vouchers
    • ABOUT
      • Your Guide, Leesa
      • Advocacy & INFTA
      • Blog
    • Contact
      • Contact
      • Review Us
༄
Flow 
foREST 
Therapy

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • Home
  • Forest Therapy
    • All Services
    • Melbourne foREST
    • Yarra Valley foREST
    • Hobart foREST
    • NDIS
    • FAQ
    • Access
  • Kula Cloth +
    • Kula Cloth Australia
    • Loupe Magnifiers
    • Gift Vouchers
  • ABOUT
    • Your Guide, Leesa
    • Advocacy & INFTA
    • Blog
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Review Us

Account


  • Orders
  • My Account
  • Sign out


  • Sign In
  • Orders
  • My Account

What is Guided Forest Therapy?

Forest Therapy (also known as Shinrin-Yoku 森林浴 or Forest Bathing) translates as ‘forest immersion’. It began in the early 1980's, when the Japanese Government noticed the high levels of stress being experienced by people due to their fast paced, urban based, modern, technology focussed lifestyles. According to the World Health Organisation, stress is the health epidemic of the 21st century & is responsible for many forms of chronic illnesses. Japan recognised the physiological and psychological dangers of stress & depression, and sought out a new, affordable and effective way to reduce it. Plus, by encouraging people to go to the forests, it was thought that the forests would be protected also. This led to the development of the Public Health practice of Forest Therapy. Through this practice, we learn how to slow down & connect through all our senses to create wellness & wellbeing.


We know that being in nature feels good & now the research confirms it. It is the combination of the biological properties of plants & the mindfulness practices of Forest Therapy which benefit us physically and psychologically.


On a Guided Forest Therapy walk, participants are immersed in the healing properties of phytoncides. These are the aerosols emitted from trees, which boost our immune systems. The properties of phytoncides are: 

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


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 for our mental health. The therapeutic or psychological benefits of nature connection, may come about by simply & mindfully slowing down to:

  • Listen to the calming sounds of bird calls & flowing water.
  • Touch different textures.
  • Smell different scents & aromas, from plants, flowers & the earth after rain.
  • See various shapes & colours, especially green.
  • Taste herbal teas & treats.
  • Follow our curiosity & wander.


Any time you spend in nature, whether it’s on a guided experience or simply wandering, is time well spent.    


  • 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).


What to Expect on a Forest Therapy Walk?

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 vs Forest Therapy?

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.


Back to top

Flow foREST Therapy acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation & the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn & work.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Contact
  • Refund/Return Policy

Flow foREST Therapy

Naarm / Melbourne, Vic, Aus.

+61 425 717 639

Copyright © 2020 Flow foREST Therapy.

ABN – 4883 4035 252

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

DeclineAccept