Forest & Nature Therapy walks with Kelly Hutchison,  ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide.
Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
(Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Courtenay-Comox)
​
All images are copyright protected by Dave Hutchison Photography.  For image use requests please contact Dave through his website.
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." ~John Muir
Forest Therapy Guide | Nature-Based Wellness on Vancouver Island
​
Slow down. Breathe deeply. Reconnect.
Join me on beautiful Vancouver Island for a journey into the heart of nature—and into yourself—through the practice of Forest Therapy. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku , or “forest bathing," which means “to bathe in the atmosphere of the forest.” Following extensive research in the 1980s, the Japanese government formally recognized this practice for its health benefits—a recognition that continues in the world today.

Forest bathing isn’t about rushing or reaching a destination. This gentle practice is about slowing down and immersing yourself in the presence of trees, plants and all the life around you. Through a mindful immersion of your senses, you’ll rediscover the simple, healing connection between the natural world and yourself.

During a guided walk, you will be offered a series of gentle, open-ended invitations—ways to explore nature with curiosity; there is no right or wrong way to participate. As your guide, I hold space for your connection to deepen, with the forest, and with yourself. As Amos Clifford, the founder of ANFT, beautifully says, "the guide is not there to speak for the forest. The guide is there to create space for the forest to speak."

Walks are generally one kilometre or less in length, and between two and a half to three hours. We move slowly and mindfully, making the practice of forest therapy accessible to people of all fitness levels, ages and abilities.

Come walk with me and experience the healing power of forest therapy.
I am in the process of creating several forest therapy workshops that I will be offering this Spring and Summer. Information and dates coming soon—sign up for my newsletter in the footer below to be the first to know!!

May the Forest be with you,
​Kelly
Why Forest Therapy?
Spending intentional time in nature isn’t just calming—research shows that it can help to nourish body, mind and spirit.

Benefits of forest therapy may include:
  • reduced stress and anxiety through lowered cortisol levels.
  • strengthening of the immune system by boosting natural killer cells.
  • brighter mood, enhanced creativity and clearer focus.
  • better sleep and increased energy.
  • deeper sense of calm, presence and inner peace.
  • greater connection to yourself, to others, and to Mother Nature.
New Book! 
Forest therapy rekindled my creative spark. Immersing myself in nature brought me back to painting and writing. In collaboration with my husband, wildlife & nature photographer Dave Hutchison, we brought our shared vision to life in our first book, Vancouver Island: The Art of the Landscape. A 224-page hardcover coffee table book celebrating the beauty of this land through art, photography, and love. Our book is available in your local bookstore and, with free shipping in Canada, through Amazon Prime.
​
​“Not merely a collection of photographs, this book is a love letter, a tribute, to a place that has given us so much.”

​Over 42 weeks on the BC Bestseller list, and consistently in the top 10 of Canadian Travel Photography on Amazon.ca!


​"We all know how good being in nature can make us feel.  We have known it for millennia. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air—these things give us a sense of comfort. 
They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly. 
Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us." 
​
​~Dr. Qing Li, The Japanese Art and Science of Shinrin-Yoku: Forest Bathing, how trees can help you find health and happiness.