Forest Bathing and Nature Informed Therapy Information

Shinrin-yoku, otherwise known as Forest Bathing, is the act of mindfully spending time among trees, most commonly in a forested or wooded area. Unlike hiking or other outdoor exercises, Forest Bathing emphasizes using the senses to slowly, mindfully and intentionally engage with the natural environment.

Forest Bathing, when combined with mental health counseling, can promote overall wellness by facilitating healing, growth and distress tolerance. While counseling alone can be beneficial, engaging the body and nervous system through mindfully connecting to nature may enhance distress tolerance, emotional processing, and the capacity for change. In this way, Forest Bathing can act as a natural catalyst, supporting therapeutic work rather than replacing traditional counseling approaches.

Research suggests that Forest Bathing is associated with a range of mental and physical health benefits, including:

• Improved stress tolerance and emotional regulation
• Enhanced concentration, memory, and mood
• Support for healthy sleep–wake rhythms
• Positive effects on cardiovascular health
• Regulation of the autonomic nervous system (fight-or-flight response)
• Improved immune functioning and increased overall vitality

Nature Informed Therapy is an evidence-informed approach to counseling that integrates principles learned from nature to improve therapeutic outcomes. These strategies are drawn from neuroscience and somatic psychology and focus on supporting the nervous system to shift out of chronic stress responses to allow for better emotional regulation and resilience.

Nature-Informed Therapy also adapts Forest Bathing principles for:

• Indoor sessions
• Telehealth settings
• Independent, mindful nature practices between sessions

Clients learn practical ways to engage with nature, both outdoors and in daily life, to support mental and physical well-being beyond the therapy hour.
This approach may be especially helpful for individuals experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, emotional overwhelm, or difficulty settling their nervous system.