Nature Therapy

In Your Own Backyard

Nature Therapy at Agrestal Gardens: Reconnecting with the 'More-Than-Human World'

Agrestal Gardens is delighted to offer Nature and Forest Therapy to your own back yard! This is a profound and restorative practice guided by ANFT Trainee Forest Guide, Nick Simms. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing), this is an invitation to slow down, disconnect from the hustle and bustle, and intentionally re-engage your senses to cultivate a deeper, more therapeutic relationship with the natural world around you.

What is Nature and Forest Therapy?

Forest Therapy is a guided, slow, and gentle walk that focuses on sensory immersion and bodily connection with nature. It is not a hike, a strenuous workout, or a lesson in botany. The intention is to promote the well-being of both the people and the land by facilitating a relational experience.

Your Guide, Nick Simms, an ANFT Forest Guide, will "open the doors" for you, offering a series of simple, sensory-focused invitations that help shift your attention from the thoughts and demands of daily life to the immediate environment.

It is relational: We seek a connection with the "More-Than-Human World"—the trees, plants, water, and soil.
It is sensory: The practice is rooted in exploring nature through all your senses from the heart: sight, sound, smell, touch, and even taste (through a final tea ceremony).
It is scientifically validated: The slow pace and sensory engagement allow you to be fully immersed, a process backed by decades of physiological research

The Science Behind the Calm: Benefits of Forest Therapy

Decades of research, particularly around Shinrin-yoku, have demonstrated measurable physiological and psychological benefits from spending time mindfully immersed in nature.

Every Experience is Unique

While the framework of the guided walk is consistent (a series of invitations, slow walking, and a sharing circle), your experience will be entirely your own.

The Forest is the Therapist: The land changes daily—with seasons, weather, light, and time. Therefore, what nature presents to you will always be fresh and new.
Your Inner State Matters: You arrive as you are—with your current thoughts, emotions, and energy. The same patch of moss might look different to you on a sunny day versus a cloudy day, or on a day you feel rushed versus a day you feel peaceful.
Invitations are Flexible: The invitations are offered to deepen your sensory experience, but you are always encouraged to follow what draws your attention. You might be called to sit and watch a bird, or perhaps you'll spend the entire time focused on the texture of bark. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to experience the walk.

Your Safety and Peace of Mind

At Agrestal Gardens, your well-being extends beyond the therapeutic benefits of the forest; it includes your absolute safety during the guided walk.

Your Forest Guide, Nick Simms, holds professional certifications to ensure that your experience is as worry-free as it is enriching:

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certified: Nick is trained to assess and treat injuries and illnesses that may occur in a remote or natural setting. This training covers injury management, environmental emergencies (like heat or cold exposure), and crucial decision-making until professional medical help is available.
Trained in CPR: Nick is also trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), providing a critical layer of preparedness for emergency response.

The Focus is on Presence, Not Worry.

With Nick's training, you can relax and truly immerse yourself in the present moment, trusting that a knowledgeable and prepared guide is leading your journey. These certifications allow us to confidently hold space for a deep and restorative nature connection, knowing we are prepared for unexpected situations.

Your only job is to slow down, breathe, and connect. We handle the rest.

One-on-One Sessions At your Home

$75 for 90 minute Session

$150 for 120 minute Session

$200 for full 3 hours

Ready to Connect? Contact Us Today!

Whether you are seeking a profound session of Nature Therapy, interested in our ecological gardening services, or in need of garden answers...we would love to hear from you!

Agrestal Gardens is committed to cultivating well-being—for you and for the land.

How to Reach Us:

Nick@Agrestal-Gardens.com

Phone: Call or Text

‪1-(831)-772-4743‬

1-(831)-PRAIRIE

For More information about the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Programs (ANFT) hit the button below to their website:

ANFT WEBSITE

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