What weāre about
š± Unplug & recover the peace of presence with Forest Therapy.
Forest Therapy is a practice that supports health and wellness through guided immersion in forests and other environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land.
Itās time to make peace with your body and mind.
If youāre looking for a gentle way to naturally balance your nervous system, shed the emotional heaviness of pandemic life and feel truly present, alive and at peace again, this is the group for you.
I'm Jess, ANFT Certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide and IIN Certified Holistic Health & Wellness Counselor, Iām on a mission to help busy people living in urban (and suburban) environments recover peace in the present moments.
We think we have to drive far away from the city to really immerse ourselves in nature (and claim the numerous health benefits of doing so) but the truth is, we can reap the same health benefits by working with the local green spaces in our own backyard and local parks and neighborhoods.
Forest Therapy is a practice that supports health and wellness through guided immersion in forests and other environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land. It is inspired by Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of āForest Bathing.ā In Forest Bathing, people spend time in forested areas to enhance health, wellness, and happiness.
In Forest Therapy, people are guided through a clearly defined sequence of invitations to slow down, allow the senses to open, and experience the environment to deepen the reciprocal relationship between participants and the forest. This supports the wholeness and well-being of both. These Slow Walks in the Forest are typically a mile or less long and fit for all ages and physical conditions.
Invitations are open-ended. There is no expectation for what participants should experience or receive. Rather, participants spend time in silence, listening and feeling with a quiet and accepting presence. They become reconnected with their senses and their innate creative potential is tapped, which allows the imagination to awaken.
Join us on May 3rd at The Nature Institute in Godfrey, IL, just 40 minutes from the city, for a Spring Renewal Forest Bathing + Nature Therapy Walk.
Guided by Jess Thenhaus, Certified Forest and Nature Therapy Guide, this walk is an invitation to step away from the noise of daily life and immerse yourself in the reawakening beauty of spring.
Spring is a season of growth, renewal, and possibilityāa time when nature bursts back to life in vibrant greens, fresh blossoms, and birdsong. This guided Forest Bathing experience offers a gentle, sensory-based immersion in nature, helping you release stress, deepen presence, and connect with the energy of new beginnings.
šæ What to Expect:
- A slow, intentional walk designed for relaxation and connection.
- Guided invitations to engage your senses and experience the renewal of spring.
- A chance to unplug and unwind in a private nature sanctuary.
Spots are limited.
šļø Registration Through the Nature Institute is required.
$30/members, $35/non-members
2HR Guided Forest Bathing + Nature Therapy Walk : 10am - 12pm
This is not a strenuous hike in the woods, but rather a gentle, leisurely walk designed to allow time and stress to melt away as you sink comfortably into the peace of presence that nature can provide. šæ
Join Jess Thenhaus with Urban Forest Therapy a certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide, for a unique outdoor experience at The Nature Institute.
Forest Bathing is a practice that supports health and wellness through guided immersion in forests and other environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land. Experience the healing and wellness- promoting effects of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing), the practice of bathing in the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Learn more about this experience here >>
*This walk is suitable for all fitness levels. Please reach out if you have any accessibility requests or questions.
Many people find that they experience; a sense of deep relaxation, renewed connection with themselves, slower and deeper breathing, slowing of heart rate, and heightened feelings of creativity, focus, and awareness.
In a safe and welcoming environment, you'll be guided through a series of invitations that will allow you to let go of time, tune into your surroundings, and explore nature through your senses.
Each walk provides a totally unique experience for everyone.
Wear shoes that you are comfortable walking in the grass in (the grass may be damp in places so keep that in mind). Dress appropriately for the weather. Dressing in layers is recommended so you are ready for any weather changes during the walk.
About Jess Thenhaus & Urban Forest Therapy
I'm Jess, ANFT Certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide, and Nationally Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Iām on a mission to help busy people living in urban (and suburban) environments recover peace in the present moments.
We think we have to drive far away from the city to really immerse ourselves in nature (and claim the numerous health benefits of doing so) but the truth is, we can reap the same health benefits by working with the local green spaces in our own backyard and local parks and neighborhoods.
š² How can you benefit from a Guided Forest Therapy Walk? There is no lack of scientific data that proves that intentional time in nature can improve both physical and mental health & well-being. Many people find that they experience; a sense of deep relaxation, renewed connection with themselves, slower and deeper breathing, slowing of heart rate, and heightened feelings of creativity, focus, and improved cognition and awareness.
š² Who is Forest Therapy for? Anyone who wants to slow down, de-stress, heal, and connect with nature. Each walk provides a totally unique experience for everyone.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Forest Bathing + Nature Therapy at The Nature Institute - Spring RenewalThe Nature Institute, Godfrey, IL
Join us on May 3rd at The Nature Institute in Godfrey, IL, just 40 minutes from the city, for a Spring Renewal Forest Bathing + Nature Therapy Walk.
Guided by Jess Thenhaus, Certified Forest and Nature Therapy Guide, this walk is an invitation to step away from the noise of daily life and immerse yourself in the reawakening beauty of spring.
Spring is a season of growth, renewal, and possibilityāa time when nature bursts back to life in vibrant greens, fresh blossoms, and birdsong. This guided Forest Bathing experience offers a gentle, sensory-based immersion in nature, helping you release stress, deepen presence, and connect with the energy of new beginnings.
šæ What to Expect:
- A slow, intentional walk designed for relaxation and connection.
- Guided invitations to engage your senses and experience the renewal of spring.
- A chance to unplug and unwind in a private nature sanctuary.
Spots are limited.
šļø Registration Through the Nature Institute is required.
$30/members, $35/non-members2HR Guided Forest Bathing + Nature Therapy Walk : 10am - 12pm
This is not a strenuous hike in the woods, but rather a gentle, leisurely walk designed to allow time and stress to melt away as you sink comfortably into the peace of presence that nature can provide. šæ
Join Jess Thenhaus with Urban Forest Therapy a certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide, for a unique outdoor experience at The Nature Institute.
Forest Bathing is a practice that supports health and wellness through guided immersion in forests and other environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land. Experience the healing and wellness- promoting effects of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing), the practice of bathing in the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Learn more about this experience here >>
*This walk is suitable for all fitness levels. Please reach out if you have any accessibility requests or questions.
Many people find that they experience; a sense of deep relaxation, renewed connection with themselves, slower and deeper breathing, slowing of heart rate, and heightened feelings of creativity, focus, and awareness.
In a safe and welcoming environment, you'll be guided through a series of invitations that will allow you to let go of time, tune into your surroundings, and explore nature through your senses.
Each walk provides a totally unique experience for everyone.
Wear shoes that you are comfortable walking in the grass in (the grass may be damp in places so keep that in mind). Dress appropriately for the weather. Dressing in layers is recommended so you are ready for any weather changes during the walk.
About Jess Thenhaus & Urban Forest Therapy
I'm Jess, ANFT Certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide, and Nationally Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Iām on a mission to help busy people living in urban (and suburban) environments recover peace in the present moments.We think we have to drive far away from the city to really immerse ourselves in nature (and claim the numerous health benefits of doing so) but the truth is, we can reap the same health benefits by working with the local green spaces in our own backyard and local parks and neighborhoods.
š² How can you benefit from a Guided Forest Therapy Walk? There is no lack of scientific data that proves that intentional time in nature can improve both physical and mental health & well-being. Many people find that they experience; a sense of deep relaxation, renewed connection with themselves, slower and deeper breathing, slowing of heart rate, and heightened feelings of creativity, focus, and improved cognition and awareness.
š² Who is Forest Therapy for? Anyone who wants to slow down, de-stress, heal, and connect with nature. Each walk provides a totally unique experience for everyone.
