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
Forest Bathing and Nature Informed Therapy Information
Please see the information below to better understand the concepts of Forest Bathing as well as Nature Informed Therapy so that you may make an informed decision regarding selecting these to be part of your treatment. Several articles are linked at the bottom of this page for your viewing.
Forest Bathing
What is Forest Bathing?
A Unique Perspective
As both a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Forest Bathing Guide, I bring an understanding of human wellbeing alongside a deep respect for the traditions and principles of forest bathing. While these experiences are not therapy, my background informs the care, presence, and intentionality with which each gathering is facilitated.
My role is not to analyze or treat, but to gently guide the experience, create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, and offer invitations that encourage curiosity, reflection, and connection with the natural world.
Many participants find that this intentional approach allows them to slow down more fully, feel at ease in the space, and leave feeling grounded, restored, and connected.
Sincerely,
Katie Hubbard, MA LPC NCC
A Sample Forest Bathing Experience
Every forest bathing experience is unique. Invitations and activities are thoughtfully chosen based on the season, the landscape, and the needs of the group. While no two sessions are exactly alike, a typical experience may include:
Arrival & Settling In
We'll begin by arriving at the meeting location and taking a few moments to transition away from the pace of daily life. This is an opportunity to slow down, become present, and settle into the natural surroundings.
Welcome & Orientation
Before we begin, I'll provide a brief overview of the experience, answer any questions, review safety guidelines, and introduce the gentle principles of forest bathing.
Slow Guided Walk
Together we'll move at a relaxed pace along an established trail, typically covering less than half a mile over the course of the session. Rather than focusing on reaching a destination, we'll pause often to notice the beauty that surrounds us.
Guided Nature Invitations
Throughout the experience, you'll be offered a variety of optional invitations designed to awaken your senses and deepen your connection with the natural world. Depending on the season, these may include activities such as:
- Allowing your curiosity to unfold through the scents that surround you
- Discovering the many shades of green within the forest
- Observing naturally occurring fractal patterns
- Creating ephemeral nature art using fallen leaves, stones, or sticks
- Sitting quietly beneath a chosen tree
- Listening deeply to the sounds of the landscape
There is no right or wrong way to participate—you're encouraged to engage only in ways that feel meaningful and comfortable for you.
Reflection & Connection
Throughout the session, there will be opportunities for quiet reflection, journaling, or optional sharing with the group. These moments invite us to notice not only the forest around us, but also what may be unfolding within ourselves.
Tea Ceremony & Closing
We conclude with a simple tea ceremony and closing ritual that honors the time we've spent together. Participants are invited to consider one intention, insight, or quality they wish to carry forward into everyday life. Sharing is always optional.
Forest bathing is not a hike, fitness activity, or therapy session. It is an opportunity to slow down, awaken the senses, and cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world—and with yourself. Every invitation is optional, no experience is necessary, and you are welcome exactly as you are.
Benefits
How does forest bathing improve mental wellbeing?
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
What is Nature Informed Therapy?
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.
Information Sources
Learn More about Forest Bathing and Nature-Based Medicine
Ready to experience Forest Bathing?
Take the next step toward restoration.
If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling a session, feel free to reach out. We’ll work together to determine if this approach is the right fit for you.