With all the noise and distraction of the modern world, it is easy for one to feel lost or overwhelmed. The ever-imposing technology has managed to creep its way into almost every aspects of the modern life, but one organization is offering a type of therapy to provide release from this stress and encourages a return to nature to provide solace.

The Association for Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs is an organization that promotes nature walks and ecotherapy. During an interview with Nadine Mazzola, the Director of Practicum & Certification for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, she was able to go into great detail to explain what ecotherapy is and what the organization is all about.

When asked what the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs is, Ms. Mazzola said,

“Our main thing we do is train forest therapy guides.”

Nadine Mazzola

She delved in further, detailing how their organization works to promote forest therapy. Forest therapy is a healing practice which involves taking slow walks through the woods with an emphasis on “taking in the atmosphere of the forest”.

The practice involves taking a slow quiet walk through the woods with a focus on breathing and taking in one’s surroundings. This is meant to be less intensive than a traditional hike, and have more of a focus relaxing in the peacefulness of the nature.

Forest therapy is an ancient therapeutic method and has been used by humans for centuries spanning across all customs and races.

The modern revival of this practice saw new light, Margaret Hansen published research which recorded the effects of Shinrin-Yoku or “Forest Bathing”. In the study they documented the physical and psychological effects of Shinrin-Yoku in transcontinental Japan. Their findings showed that the therapy can be successful in reducing stress.

Forest therapy can produce an almost meditative state, with focusing on the “sensory” elements of the forest surrounding those taking part in the therapy.

The central office for the organization is located in Santa Rose California with a satellite in Massachusetts. There are eight people employed with about thirty independent contractors.  

It is a busy time for the organization, with them recently completing a Puerto Rico project. Ms. Mazzola explained how they wanted, “To train a group of forest therapy guides”.

The project also looked to help the local people in the area reconnect to the land. Puerto Rico is world renowned for its natural beauty in its rain forests. There was also a focus on increasing diversity and to provide relief to those who were devastated by the recent Hurricane Maria.

More goals on the horizon include over 20 training sessions on schedule for 2020 and the organization hopes to launch a scholarship program that will be awarded to 12 “underserved” college students.