Reconnect with nature to promote overall well-being and healing.
Join me for a guided experience in nature!
I am a lover of nature who grew up being the last one to come inside. I have a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver and am a certified forest therapy guide from the Forest Therapy School. I created Nature Therapy from the Heart to offer a variety of opportunities for individuals, groups, and organizations to experience the profound healing benefits of nature.
Nature Therapy
is perfect for personal growth, team wellness, or professional development.
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Nature therapy is a nature based holistic practice that reconnects human beings to nature. The practice is based on simply being in nature, connecting with it through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Nature therapy provides an opportunity to be away from the stress and demands of everyday life.
Nature therapy is an umbrella term that includes forest therapy, which is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku or “taking in the forest atmosphere.” This is a healing practice that involves immersing oneself in outdoor environments with the aim of improving mental and physical health while enjoying and appreciating the natural world.
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Research confirms what people have known throughout history – the time we spend in nature is good for our wellbeing. Benefits include lowered stress, reduced heart rate and blood pressure, improved mental clarity and creativity, improved sleep and mood, and a boost to immune functions.
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Nature therapy walks are designed to bring you into the present moment and connect you with nature in a deeper way. The walks are less than a mile and offer a slow pace. They are suitable for all levels of fitness. Guided walks last about 1½ to 2 hours. There is time to rest, explore and connect with the natural world. During a walk, your guide invites you to participate in sensory based invitations which are designed to help you slow down while focusing on the present. The walks end with sharing tea. At the conclusion of the session, you’ll leave feeling relaxed and restored.
Services Offered
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Private Walks
The walks can be tailored to each participant’s needs. Each walk can be a way to celebrate a special occasion, an important milestone, or simply to have the opportunity to take a break from the stress of everyday life. Forest therapy walks offer participants time for slowing down, reflection and provides a restorative experience.
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Community Presentations
These presentations will introduce you to the practice of nature therapy and its impact on the physical and emotional benefits that promote overall wellbeing. These presentations may be of interest to a variety of community organizations, wellness retreats, and professional conferences.
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Custom Programs for Schools, Businesses & Non-profits
Programs can be individually tailored to meet organizational goals and can be part of a wellness program, retreat, or staff development day. The programs can include a presentation about nature therapy along with an outdoor experience that helps participants experience the restorative benefits of spending time in nature.
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Professional Consultations for Mental Health Providers
Individual consultations are available for mental health professionals who are interested in learning more about nature therapy. Consultation can include learning ways to incorporate nature therapy principles and tools into professional practice. These can be a one-time consultation or can be on an ongoing basis based on each practitioner’s needs.
Testimonials
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"Annemarie lead a walk for our organization as part of a staff development day, and it was a wonderful experience for our team. It helped us unplug, de-stress, and connect in a meaningful way. Everyone left feeling refreshed, inspired, and more grounded."
— Jerry
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“As a person with a chronic illness, I was spending most of my time inside. Annemarie crafted a forest therapy walk that met my physical needs. Most importantly, the guided walk met my emotional needs and gave me confidence to spend more time in nature.”
— Eileen
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“Annemarie’s forest therapy walk was a relaxing and different way to experience a walk in the woods, tuning into the surroundings more intentionally with a sweet ending having tea with the group in a beautiful setting.”
— Linda
