The difference between Forest Therapy and forest bathing

KARE 11 featured forest bathing in a beautifully-shot story the other weekend. It was great, included interviews with what sounded like a great retreat center in northern Wisconsin, and made you want to learn more.

But there are some key differences between the experience Belinda and Julie reported on and a Forest Therapy Walk in the fashion that Wild Path and other Association of Nature and Forest Therapy-certified practitioners facilitate.

Forest Therapy is a facilitated, luxurious experience deliberately structured according to a researched and tested "standard sequence." Time is built in for the facilitator to choose certain invitations that help you to focus your senses on the world around and inside of you. These invitations are designed in conversation with walk hosts, considering group desires, and are contingent on what the "more than human world" of the land, flora and weather offer at the time of the walk.

Forest bathing, what one interviewee referred to as an "awe walk," is a good individual practice. Many forest therapy guides choose to forest bathe for 20-minute stretches on the regular as a personal discipline. As a Forest Therapy Guide I do enjoy forest bathing as described in the story - a simple intentional walk through green space is healthy and relaxing. It is fun to listen for birds, notice blooming plants, breathe in the scents of changing seasons. Forest bathing is something anyone can do on their own. Forest Therapy, however, is a guided experience.

A Forest Therapy walk is a 2-4 hour structured, facilitated, bespoke group adventure in the more than human world. It is made possible by the Guide's hours of preparation. And Forest Therapy Guide preparation enables a capital-S Significant experience. In every walk I have led there has been at least one participant who described it as "transformational" with long-term positive impact. (Even in sub-freezing temps!) Forest Therapy walks strengthen relationships, build community, and foster spiritual renewal.

The story itself is here. Watch it if you like. And know that a Wild Path Forest Therapy Walk is so much more: https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-extras/wandering-for-joy-kare-11s-julie-nelson-belinda-jensen-try-forest-bathing-bayfield-wisconsin/89-9fd3f7c6-b33a-4291-a446-baf7cc7a9863