Forest Therapy is a practice that supports health and wellness through guided immersion in forests and other environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land. It is inspired by Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of “Forest Bathing.” In Forest Bathing, people spend time in forested areas to enhance health, wellness, and happiness. In Forest Therapy, people are guided through a clearly defined sequence of invitations to slow down, allow the senses to open, and experience the environment to deepen the reciprocal relationship between participants and the forest. This supports the wholeness and well-being of both. These Slow Walks in the Forest are typically one- to two-kilometers long and fit for all ages and physical conditions. Invitations are open-ended. There is no expectation for what participants should experience or receive. Rather, participants spend time in silence, listening and feeling with a quiet and accepting presence. They become reconnected with their senses and their innate creative potential is tapped, which allows the imagination to awaken.

The improvement of human health. People are more stressed, anxious, and depressed and have more chronic health conditions. Forest Therapy provides a pathway for people to remember how to immerse themselves in nature to rest from all that consumes them in their daily lives. A greater sense of connectedness. Jacques Cousteau once said, “People protect what they love.” A heartfelt, embodied relationship with nature naturally leads to a love of nature and recognition that we are nature. A greater sense of compassion. Somatic work with the Earth and our bodies provides participants the opportunity to remember the nature of relationship and the way we are all connected. The sense of connectedness leads toward compassion and away from apathy, greed, and selfishness. This deeper compassion supports the kind of relational values that will support new solutions for the health of people and the planet.

Doing Forest Therapy with a trained Guide may help you to get more out of the experience through helping you connect to and stay in your senses and body and feel less distracted throughout your time in nature. You can definitely practice Forest Therapy on your own, and once familiar with the practice, it is lovely to use some of the techniques you learned with your guide to enhance your time in nature.

No, a guide does not diagnose or treat anyone, nor are they trying to fix anyone or anything. The Guide’s objective is to help you feel safe and comfortable as you connect to your senses in the natural world, and hold space for whatever arises, with non-judgment and acceptance. In Association of Forest Therapy training, we like to say: “The forest is the therapist; the guide opens the doors.”

Everything about this practice is invitational, which means that you are free to respectfully adapt any invitations to what feels good and right to you. Forest Therapy is truly not prescriptive, and you will not be judged on how you experience the walk or what you do during the walk

Alaska Nature Immersion is suggesting that participants be old enough to listen quietly and follow guidance during the walk. For that reason, it is not recommended to bring toddlers or babies on the walks. Participants must feel comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, as the forest has rocks, roots, moss and uneven ground.

As we spend the entire experience outside, it is important to dress appropriately for the weather. Since it is not a hike, but a slow walk/experience in nature, the participant is encouraged to wear multiple layers of clothing, raingear if appropriate, good sturdy walking/hiking shoes and warm socks. A backpack for your layers is a good idea, and a water bottle.