The word trauma has been thrown around a lot lately in many contexts. While I’m not a psychotherapist, I am deeply trained and certified as a somatic practitioner (Myofascial Release Therapist). Over the years, through many mind-body awareness practices and a year-long compassion study program at Stanford, I’ve become intimately familiar with my own trauma responses, often showing up as triggers. I deeply value the understanding that we are all wired differently, and I prioritize providing safe and inclusive experiences for my clients.
The path through the forest is more than a trail; it’s a journey to reconnect with ourselves, others, and the natural world we are a part of. After years of helping people find healing in their bodies and minds, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of slowing down and being fully present in nature. Forest therapy, also known as Shinrin Yoku, offers a unique, trauma-informed approach to well-being through the simplest yet most profound act: immersing ourselves in the natural world.
Unlike a typical walk in the woods, forest therapy invites us to experience nature with intention and deep sensory awareness. There’s no pressure to perform or achieve. Instead, there’s a gentle unfolding—a chance to let go, feel safe, and trust the process. This is why forest therapy is so powerful, particularly for those recovering from stress or trauma.
Trauma, whether it stems from acute events or chronic stress, can leave us disconnected from our bodies, emotions, and even the world around us. Forest therapy bridges that gap by offering a non-judgmental space to simply be. Through the guidance of a certified forest therapy guide, participants are encouraged to slow down, observe, and engage with their surroundings in ways that feel safe and supportive.
During my training with ANFT (the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy), I discovered how naturally the practice of forest therapy aligns with trauma-informed principles. Whether I’m working with healthcare providers, guiding a retreat group, or building certified trails, I incorporate these principles to create experiences that are as healing as they are grounding.
By gently encouraging people to connect with nature through their senses, forest therapy offers tools for self-regulation, grounding, and connection—tools we all need in today’s fast-paced, often overwhelming world. For me, it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued, where the land itself becomes a partner in the healing process. Reconnecting with ourselves, others, and the natural world we are a part of is at the heart of this practice.
If you’re curious about how forest therapy supports trauma recovery, here’s what makes it a trauma-informed practice:
Safety and Agency: Participants control their level of engagement, fostering empowerment and a sense of safety.
Pacing: The practice is intentionally slow, reducing overwhelm and promoting calmness.
Nonjudgmental Presence: Guides hold space with compassion and without expectations, encouraging authenticity.
Nature as Co-Therapist: The natural environment provides a grounding, non-threatening space for connection and healing.
Resourcing: Participants access nature’s sensory inputs as tools to self-regulate and process emotions.
Community Connection: Shared experiences with others cultivate support and reduce isolation.
Forest therapy invites us to return to ourselves, guided by the wisdom of nature and supported by practices designed to meet us exactly where we are. It’s an honor to guide others along this healing path—one step, one breath, and one forest at a time.
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