Forest Therapy
“We have forgotten how to slow down and rest. We are generally overexposed, over-scheduled, overworked, chronically busy people, and we exist in a state of stress almost all of the time… Ultimately, any health practice that does not include deep rest is unsustainable because our bodies are nature and the pace of nature is dynamic, sometimes moving quickly and sometimes slowly, but never maintaining a breakneck speed for long periods.”
- Ben Page, Healing Trees: A Pocket Guide to Forest Bathing
What is Forest Therapy?
Nature & Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which literally translates to “forest bathing.” The practice was developed in Japan as a response to the negative health outcomes the population was suffering due to increasing urbanization and a tech-based economy. People were spending much more time inside doing stressful jobs, and stress-related illnesses and chronic disease were on the rise. Several studies were conducted to determine the effects of spending time in nature, and—no big surprise to any of my fellow nature lovers – research has consistently shown that spending time in nature has positive impacts on both our physical and mental health.
The Transformative Benefits of Forest Therapy for Purpose-Driven Leaders
The specific research that originally brought me to Forest Therapy is called “Attention Restoration Theory,” which demonstrates that spending time in nature, or even spending time looking at nature, can help reduce mental fatigue and improve our ability to focus and concentrate. I first learned about ART and forest therapy during my brain-science coaching certification program; after experiencing forest therapy firsthand, I knew immediately that I wanted to add this to my “toolbox” so I would have a structured way of supporting my clients in this area. If you’re a mission-driven leader who is feeling burned out, distracted, or struggling to focus given *everything* that is coming at us in the world today, forest therapy can help support your ability to operate at a high level and make a sustainable impact.
In early 2025, I began my training to become a certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. The form of forest therapy we practice encourages us to spend nature in a time that is healing for both us and the earth. Business has extracted plenty from the earth, and it’s time to give back.
How Forest Therapy Works
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The Experience
While any time spent in nature is beneficial, often we need a little help slowing down, quieting our minds, and remembering how to just “be.” The type of forest therapy I guide is a lightly structured sequence that is specifically designed to help us do just that.
I often tell people that one of the benefits of coaching is a planned and structured time to think. Forest therapy is a planned and structured time to not think! It’s always about balance. We need both in our lives.
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The Rhythm
Forest walks generally last 2-3 hours, but you probably won’t get as many steps in as you think – we’re more focused on reconnecting to nature through our senses than reaching a destination. With no expectations or goals, this is an opportunity to slow down, unplug, de-stress, and be present on our beautiful planet.
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Where It Happens
I offer in-person walks in the Kansas City area, remotely-guided walks that can be done anywhere you can access the outdoors and have cell service, and walks at leadership retreats and conferences I facilitate or attend.
What past walk participants want you to know about it
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“It is a wonderful exercise in mindfulness, being present, and appreciating the natural world.”
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“It’s an opportunity to take a break from the day to day, but also I feel like I will be more mindful when in nature.”
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“It’s a chance to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature.”
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“It’s super-relaxing and a great way to reconnect with nature.”
Ready to go on a journey together?
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In-Person Walks
View upcoming in-person walks in the Kansas City area.
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Remotely-Guided Walks
Request a remotely-guided walk for yourself or your team.