The term, “Forest Bathing” is something of an umbrella term that covers a diversity of techniques much as the term “Yoga” does. The practice of forest bathing originated out of the Japanese practice, Shinrin-Yoku which in English translates to Forest Bathing.

Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. It is inspired by Shinrin-Yoku. Forest therapy includes a clearly defined sequence of events. There are many wonderful health benefits attributed to forest therapy, including boosted immune function, improved cardiovascular and respiratory health, attention restoration and a reduction in stress and depression. Forest therapy differs in many ways from Wilderness therapy, most notably forest therapy is non prescriptive and is much shorter in duration with guided walks typically lasting 2 to 3 hours.

Wilderness therapy typically refers to a treatment modality that uses expeditions into the wilderness or other unfamiliar surroundings as a means of addressing behavioral and mental health issues. Participants in wilderness therapy typically sign up for long periods of time such as weeks to months where a therapist is working on specific treatment goals or behavioral interventions. Wilderness therapy has been used for treating substance abuse and other mental health challenges. Intuition Trails is not wilderness therapy.

Intuition Trails nature-based wellness programs are specific activities, workshops and games for kids that are more directive than forest therapy. Each program utilizes the therapeutic powers of play and nature to focus on skill building, including social skills, attachment relationships, coping skills, problem solving skills, increasing self confidence, etc.

Depending on the age range included in a specific nature-based wellness program, parents and children may participate together, though some are youth-oriented only. These programs are constantly added throughout the year and include an array of messy, creative and fun adventures to fit the interests and personalities of all kids. 

While many physiological and mental health benefits come from simple exposure to the natural environment, a guided Intuition Trails forest therapy walk also works to mend the damaged relationships humans have with themselves, with the concept of time, with their communities and with the more-than-human world. This is where a skilled guide, trained to work in partnership with the land, can open the door to a deep and more meaningful experience. By minimizing cognitive thinking and emphasizing embodied sensations, guides help people find themselves here and now. Relax, Restore, Release, Reconnect.

While therapists can be guides, guides are not therapists. This is important to differentiate to truly understand the guide’s role in forest therapy. Guided walks have as their sole aim creating and sustaining opportunities for safe, meaningful, and relational contact between participants and nature.

Guides do not diagnose, they do not analyze or hold value to anyone’s experience. A therapist enters into agreements with clients for specific complaints and goals for wellness. A guide aims to be agenda-free. An Intuition Trails and ANFT motto that best illustrates this concept is “the forest is the therapist. The guide opens the doors.”

It is a common misunderstanding that forest therapy can only be done in a forest. However, nature and forest therapy can happen anywhere humans and nature meet. This means it can be done in the Saguaro-filled landscape of the Sonoran Desert to the Pine tops of Mount Lemmon, to a park in the middle of town, etc.

No matter your age, physical ability, or experience in nature there is a space for you at Intuition Trails. These programs are not meant to be a physically extraneous activity, allowing this practice to be enjoyed by all. Typical forest therapy walks are a slow paced covering less than 2 miles of trail. While our nature-based wellness programs differ by group, it is important to understand this is not a fitness program.