Forest Therapy: Seasonal Ways to Embrace Nature for a Happier You

I have been a Psychotherapist for about 25 years and an avid hiker/backpacker for about as long. So, as you can imagine, I was intrigued by the title of Sarah Ivens’ new book “Forest Therapy.” I’m a backpacking-gearhead and a clinical nerd. I’m always reading books about trails, gear, and current clinical interventions. But I’m also looking for inspiration. This book made me yearn for the forest.
Iven’s work could be summed up as a book that inspires you to get more of you into nature and to get more of nature into you. It begins by thinking about ways to embrace nature. Ivens prescribes a sort of baptism by immersion, immersing ourselves in the dirt, the air, the water, the hills and valleys and all that nature has to offer. For the those that have never hiked a trail, she also suggests a less “hilly” approach or a baptism by sprinkling.
Ivens has structured most of book around the seasons. If you’ve spent much time in the forest know that every season brings different treasures, from fungi in the summer to Ice Ribbons in the winter. Her book has a pleasant, sentimental tone and personal style that reminded me of a series of journals, that I inherited from my mother. I was thinking of “Stillmeadow Seasons,” written by Gladys Tabor, as read “Forest Therapy.”
I discovered her Mindfulness Exercises and the Testimonials from “embracers” throughout the book. They were akin to finding those delicate woodland flowers or nervous little toads. You stop and embrace and move on. Ivens provides several ideas for getting you into nature. These include hiking, walking on a beach, or visiting a farm. Camping near a stream is one of my ways to embrace nature.
If you want to get more of nature into you, Ivens suggests bringing the smells of nature into your home, and adding plants that add green to the color palate. I bring nature to me by opening the windows on cool nights and wrapping up with a heavy blanket.
Ivens has provide a map for finding nature, a legend for overcoming obstacles and waypoints to help orient us to where we are and where we’re going. In her introduction, she suggests that this book isn’t necessarily for outdoor extremist. I beg to differ. Everyone is looking for inspiration and simplicity. “We are,” she writes, “creatures wrapped in walls and trapped by to-do list, hibernating while the world sprouts, grows, and changes.” “Forest Therapy” is an invitation to wake up from our hibernation and embrace the forest. In return, the forest embraces us and helps us sprout and grow in a very hectic world.

Mark K. Neese, LCSW, BCBA
Clinical Director
True North Counseling
Louisville, KY

Disclaimer- I purchased this book with my own funds with no expectations from the author and/or publisher for a positive review.

A good read if you plan to be in a forest. Smooth writing and inspirational. Quick delivery!

If you live in a big city with huge buildings all around you, that you live in also, and work in a office ( as she does ) where the sun does not shine you will like this book.
Its about getting to the woods, mountains with your kids, feel the quiet get the earth beneath your feet, and breath in real fresh air,
And Learning how to slow down with your children etc. you will like this book.
Have not noticed she talks about a man!

She talks allot about Statistics, or piece of data from a quanity numerical data through out this book. Its getting old to me!
I’m older, use to do yoga, meditate, but We still eat healthy, garden, have a small veggie & herb garden. I, and my hubby still have
Fun going to concerts, socializing etc.

I grew up in the suburbs in Los Angeles when life was slower, and you didn’t have to worry about your children being kidnapped when they played outside, and ran barefoot all day.
Now I live in the mountains on a river with my husband, my kids, and now with my grandchildren near by, and have a place at the beach, in California. Yes I’m blessed, but a 2, 3 day little vacation away from home restores you also.
Your backyard can be your oasis, and do what she talks about in this book.
We all need some quiet time.
This book might explain to you how to get that for your self and your family.
How children need to play outside more, and get away and unplug from everything.
I agree 100% with that idea.
Our children are so Scheduled out, maybe some need to Rethink what to really do When they have a free day!

I think We need to embrace all the seasons, and not wait just for summer to go away for a couple of days when its so darn crowded and hot.
Or just find a out of the way place..

You should not feel guilty if you do not want to go to the mountains.

After re exploring nature, I just knew I had to buy this book! It really is great and explains a lot of the health benefits of getting out into nature. It includes lots of beautiful illustrations as well as ideas and activities for outdoors. Perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts who like to take it easy and just explore.

La edición Británica es preciosa, la tapa, las guardas, el papel…una absoluta maravilla. El contenido no se queda corto, su autora nos aporta datos científicos, opinión personal, anécdotas y tips para aplicar la terapia del bosque en nuestras vidas todo el año. Nuestra sociedad necesita ser capaz de sacar el tiempo de leer más libros cómo este.

A very nice book, given as a gift but much appreciated. Relevant in today’s age of mindfulness and getting away from our hectic lifestyle to take time to enjoy and nurture nature.