Frequently Asked Questions

You can absolutely connect with nature on your own. My goal is for everyone to feel empowered to start their own nature connection practice. Having a certified guide further enhances the experience. A guide ensures that the experience is safe and accessible and introduces you to new ways of connecting with nature that you might not come up with on your own. Going on a guided, group experience is good for building social bonds and community as well.

Every nature connection experience has a similar flow, but is tailored based on the group, the setting, and the season. After a short introduction, I offer invitations to connect with nature using your senses. Invitations vary from mindful to playful, allowing you to focus on the present and connect with nature in a way that feels authentic. Participants are invited to share what they are noticing with the group. The experience ends with tea, snacks and community conversation.

Nature connection experiences are not hikes. They are at an intentionally gentle pace and there are plenty of opportunities to stop, sit and soak in your surroundings.

Nature connection can happen anywhere: in a neighborhood park, an open space preserve, sitting in a garden, or even “urban forest” like sidewalk parkways. It is beautiful and exciting to visit wild areas, but it’s not required to get the benefits of forest bathing.

I had the same question at first too! Forest bathing just means being immersed in nature. Sort of like how you’re soaking up the sun’s rays when you’re sunbathing. While you may be invited to touch the water in a creek or dip your toes in the sea, there’s no bathing.

For public nature connection events, I strive to maintain a relaxing atmosphere for all, so I ask that you please leave kiddos or doggos at home. Consider this an opportunity for a well-deserved break. Dogs can also run through poison oak or pick up ticks in the brush, which can transfer to others.

For employee wellness experiences in urban nature, pets that are well-behaved office regulars are welcome to join.

If you would like to bring your human and/or furry family members, I would be happy to put together a private group experience that is memorable and suitable for all!

In advance of any experience, I’ll inform you of anything you need to bring or be aware of based on the location. In case any accidents happen, I carry a first aid kit and am certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. My training prepared me to anticipate and handle many situations. If you have any specific concerns or health issues, I invite you to reach out before or during the experience.

I intentionally select locations that are accessible for people of different ages and abilities/mobility. That means natural areas that have flatter trails and are easier to get to via transit, bike or car. WheeIchair accessibility is, very unfortunately, not always possible due to uneven, sandy terrain.

I’ll always share in advance if there is something to be aware of (e.g., stairs) or things to bring for your comfort (e.g., a mat or stool for sitting). If you’re concerned about whether a particular experience will be accessible, please reach out and I am happy to help answer your questions.

I think therapy is wonderful, but I am not a psychotherapist — I am a guide. Nature connection has many benefits for mental and emotional well-being, but it is different from psychotherapy. Nature connection is sometimes described as “nature therapy,” “forest therapy,” or “eco-therapy,” but it is being used in the same spirit as “aromatherapy” or “light therapy.”