Forest & Nature Therapy walks with Peter Hehl & Kelly Kiss,
ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guides.
Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) on Salt Spring Island,
the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island, BC.
​Come walk with us...
Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing. Shinrin-Yoku means to “bathe in the atmosphere of the forest” and is a term that was originally used by the Japanese government in the 1980”s, "to describe the practice of spending time in the woods to soak up its health benefits”. The Japanese have thoroughly researched and discovered many positive health benefits of spending time in nature.   Research shows that if practiced regularly, forest “bathing”  can improve your health, wellness and happiness!

Benefits of regular Forest Therapy Walks:
  • Decreases stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels.
  • Boosts the immune system by increasing natural killer cells.
  • Heightens mood and enhances creativity.
  • Improves sleep and increases energy levels.​
  • Helps you to feel a greater sense of peace and calm.
  • Deepens your connection with yourself, others and the natural world around you.

​Spending quiet, thoughtful time in the forest feels in many ways, like coming home to a peaceful place inside your heart. The practice of forest bathing is a mindful “immersion” into the space of trees, plants and the beings of the forest. It's not about getting to a place, rather it's about slowing down, and using your senses to mindfully notice and connect with the natural world, and yourself.

Look, touch, feel, smell, listen and taste.  What are you noticing?  

During a guided walk, we will offer you a series of “invitations” to help you to do this. You are then invited to do what feels comfortable to you. We merely hold the space for the deepening and connection to happen. 

The forest is the therapist, and we are the guides.  

To learn more about what to expect on a Forest Therapy walk, click here.
Introduction to Forest Therapy by the founder of ANFT,
M.Amos Clifford
How Forests Heal People, Short Documentary
​https://healingforest.org/
To schedule a one-on-one, family, couple, or private group walks, on Salt Spring Island, the Gulf Islands or Vancouver Island, please contact us. Or see our upcoming scheduled walks.

YOUR FOREST THERAPY GUIDES

Peter Hehl

The Forest

Kelly Kiss
~dendrophile, someone who loves trees and forests.
"The forest is the therapist. The guide opens the doors."
~ANFT Founder M. Amos Clifford