Forest Therapy as a Global Movement

I was inspired to share a recent LinkedIn post by Tamberly Conway, whose reflections following the recent World Forum on Forest Therapy (WFoFT) Board meeting in South Korea beautifully capture the momentum our field is experiencing.

The information below regarding the recent WFoFT Board meeting, the 3rd World Forum on Forest Therapy, and the Forum's vision is summarized from Tamberly's original post and shared with appreciation for her leadership and communications on behalf of the World Forum on Forest Therapy.

I encourage you to read her original post here:
https://lnkd.in/gJYRriti

The reflections shared under "My Reflections" are my own.

Highlights from Tamberly Conway's Post

The World Forum on Forest Therapy Board recently gathered in South Korea as planning continues for the 3rd World Forum on Forest Therapy, taking place October 23–27, 2026, in Cheongju, South Korea.

In her post, Tamberly writes:

"Forest Therapy is no longer an emerging conversation—it is becoming a global movement."

Her words reflect what many of us are witnessing around the world.

Across countries and disciplines, there is growing momentum around:

• Nature-based health and preventative care

• Forest welfare and healing forests

• Conservation and forest stewardship

• Wellness tourism

• Urban forestry and healing landscapes

• Research and evidence-based practice

• Public policy

• Community wellbeing

Her post also highlights South Korea's global leadership in forest welfare and healing forests and extends an invitation for practitioners, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, conservation leaders, educators, and organizations to gather for the upcoming World Forum to learn, collaborate, and help shape the future of this important work.

My Reflections

Reading Tamberly's post inspired me to think about another opportunity that is growing alongside this global movement—workforce development.

As communities search for innovative responses to rising levels of stress, burnout, loneliness, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, I believe we will need many more people trained to bring nature-based wellbeing into their communities.

This includes not only Forest Therapy Guides, but also park professionals, trail stewards, healthcare providers, educators, recreation leaders, hospitality professionals, conservation organizations, and community wellbeing ambassadors.

I see Forest Therapy becoming more than a profession. I see it becoming part of a larger ecosystem of care—one that supports healthier people while simultaneously strengthening our relationship with the natural world.

In my own work, I have witnessed how Forest Therapy creates meaningful bridges between healthcare, public health, parks, hospitality, universities, conservation organizations, and local communities. It creates opportunities for collaboration while helping people rediscover something we have always needed: a relationship with the living world.

As the mental health crisis continues to grow, I believe nature-based approaches will become an increasingly valuable part of the solution.

At the same time, Forest Therapy offers something equally important—it helps people fall back in love with nature.

When we slow down enough to truly experience a forest—not as scenery, but as a relationship—we often begin caring more deeply for the places that care for us.

Perhaps that is one of Forest Therapy's greatest gifts.

It reminds us that we are not separate from nature—we are part of it.

From that renewed relationship comes gratitude. From gratitude comes stewardship.

Many of the environmental challenges we face today have developed gradually through countless individual actions and larger systems that have separated us from the natural world—often without us even realizing it. My hope is that by helping more people reconnect with nature, Forest Therapy can become part of the solution—not only supporting human health, but also inspiring a deeper commitment to caring for the Earth that sustains us.

Growing the Profession

As interest in Forest Therapy continues to expand around the world, so does the need for thoughtful, well-trained guides.

For those considering this path, I encourage exploring the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). ANFT has played a significant role in establishing professional standards for Forest Therapy guide training and has helped cultivate an international community of guides dedicated to relational practice, ethics, safety, and the growing science of nature and health.

Whether someone hopes to guide professionally, integrate Forest Therapy into healthcare, parks, education, hospitality, or simply deepen their own relationship with nature, I believe we are only beginning to discover the possibilities this work offers.

Experience Forest Therapy for Yourself

Reading about Forest Therapy is one thing.

Experiencing it is something entirely different.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the pace of modern life, navigating stress or burnout, or simply longing to reconnect with yourself and the natural world, I warmly invite you to join me for a guided Forest Therapy experience.

Together, we'll slow down, awaken our senses, restore attention, and discover what the forest, the ocean, and even the open water can teach us about living well.

Join Me

🌲 Forest Therapy at Chaminade Resort & Spa

Experience one of California's Certified Forest Therapy Trails nestled among the beautiful redwoods of Santa Cruz. These immersive guided walks are open to both resort guests and the public and offer a peaceful opportunity to restore attention, reduce stress, and deepen your relationship with nature.

https://www.chaminade.com/spa-fitness/forest-therapy/

🌊 Beach Forest Therapy

Discover the restorative power of the coastline through guided Forest Therapy experiences that weave together nature connection, gentle movement, mindfulness, and the healing qualities of the ocean.

⛵ Blue Mind Sailing Experiences

Experience Forest Therapy from an entirely new perspective aboard a sailboat, where the rhythms of wind and water create space for reflection, restoration, and connection.

Explore Upcoming Events

To view upcoming Forest Therapy walks, beach experiences, retreats, and special events, visit:

https://somaticecotherapy.com/events

Whether you're joining your very first Forest Therapy walk or returning to deepen an existing practice, I would be honored to welcome you.

Together, we can cultivate healthier people, stronger communities, and a healthier planet—one relationship at a time.

When we nurture nature, nature nurtures us in return.