Forest Therapy
Welcome home.
That feeling you have, that craving for something different,
for a moment to reconnect, recharge and breathe?
That's the forest calling you home.
Despite what the world today tries to tell us, we are all nature.
We always have been.
We are not separate from the trees, the mountains, the animals, the water or the insects.
We are not meant to be apart.
I'd love to be your guide.
What is Forest Therapy?
What it is not.
Perhaps the easiest place to start is by describing what it isn't. Forest Therapy isn't a hike or a trek, it's not a naturalist experience, expedition or counselling. Forest Therapy is less about accomplishing, or doing, and is more about dropping into your senses right here, right now, and to stepping into relationship with the natural world. Forest Therapy is an invitation for you to reconnect, recharge and breathe.
What happens on a Forest Therapy Walk?
During a Forest Therapy experience, you will be guided through a structured sequence of invitations by an experienced guide. Imagine slowing down, engaging your senses, and truly connecting with the natural world around you. Forest therapy walks usually cover one to two kilometres and last between two and three hours ending in a Forest Tea. Walks are suitable for all ages and abilities.
The research.
There is a growing body of research detailing the physical, emotional and mental well being of being in nature. Reconnection in relationship with nature has been shown to:
- Reduce Stress
- Boost Immune System
- Improve Cognitive Function
- Ease Pain
For a consolidated look at the research by topic check out: https://anft.earth/research/
Where it started.
The understanding of humans as being interconnected with nature has roots in Indigenous wisdom the world over since time immemorial. Only in the most recent breaths of our collective human existence have we started to live apart from a reciprocal relationship with nature. In the 1980's the Japanese government sought out to specifically develop a practice called Shinrin-Yoku (or Forest Bathing) with the intent to scientifically measure, prove and promote the physiological benefits of immersive nature experiences.
ANFT Relational Forest Therapy.
The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) offers an integrative approach that honours elements of Shinrin-Yoku, and incorporates learning from the field of ecotherapy including roots in Carl Jung's depth psychology to inform the standard sequence that make up all ANFT walks. A third core premise of ANFT is that "All of our efforts to become an environmentally sustainable species must be rooted in deep relationship with nature..." -Amos Clifford.
Forest Therapy with Jo.
Coming Summer 2026 I will be offering 2-3 hr Group Forest Therapy Experiences and Individual Forest Therapy walks in a variety of locations in Calgary, Alberta.
"The Forest is the therapist,
the Guide opens the door"
-Amos Clifford (ANFT Founder)
Join the waitlist for Forest Therapy with Jo
Registered ANFT Forest Guide (In Training)
I am currently in the process of completing my Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) Guide Training, Wilderness First Aid Certification and obtaining the relevant insurance and association memberships to safety and ethically offer Forest Therapy.
Reach out to day and be the first to know when spots open up!
Jo
JoAnn Reynolds (she/her), MC
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying),
Registered ANFT Forest Therapist (In Training)
Narrative Roots Therapy
