Forest Therapy Victoria: Health and Wellbeing in Nature
Welcome to Forest Therapy Victoria
FTV believes that the key to better health and wellbeing lies in reconnecting to nature. Science is starting to agree!
Whether you’re looking for some individual counselling, wanting to join one of our public walks, running a school program, or are searching for a unique professional development experience for your team, there’s a Forest Therapy experience here for you.
Take a look at what’s currently on offer, but also sign up to our newsletter to get monthly updates on new programs before they are publicly available.
About Forest Therapy
FTV recognises that our health and wellbeing is linked to the amount of time we spend in nature. In 1984 biologist E.O. Wilson proposed the idea of biophilia, an inherent attraction to nature that is deep within all of us. He believed that we feel most comfortable in nature because that is where we evolved. There is something deep within our genetic makeup that is linked to the natural environment.
FTV is the first organisation in Australia to combine traditional counselling with the practices of Forest Therapy.
Experience Forest Therapy
Forest Therapy suits all ages and all abilities. You don’t need special equipment or high levels of fitness, just a willingness to slow down and accept whatever nature has to offer you in that moment.
Over time FTV will offer programs around the state of Victoria, including individual and group sessions, professional development workshops, wellbeing days and retreats.
Don’t succumb to Nature Deficit Disorder. Join us for a Forest Therapy experience and discover the healing effects of nature.
Click here to find out more about Forest Therapy Victoria.
Click here to find out more about the history of Forest Therapy.
Click here to see an overview of our programs and acitvities.
Forest Therapy for Female Survivors of Domestic Violence
Friday January 19th, 2024 (9am – 12pm)
Led by Gail Ackroyd of MGA Counselling Services, this gentle walk is held in the Urban Forest surrounding the Narr-Maen Wetlands where there is numerous native bird life.
The focus of this walk is on healing and safety, of letting go and of choosing what we hold on to as we move ahead.
There will be times to create, to connect with nature, to reflect and to draw strength from community.
If you would like to attend or have a friend or a client who you think would benefit then please be in touch or book a place. Numbers are limited to a small group. A great use of NDIS funding and we can cater for various abilities but please be in touch to discuss this prior to booking.
Walking with the Mystics: An Immersive Forest Therapy Experience
Walking With the Mystics: an Immersive Forest Therapy Experience
“Think of the soul as a tree made for Love and living only by Love.” -Catherine of Siena, The Dialogue 10.
Join theologian and forest therapy guide Dr. Rachel Davies for a series of immersive forest therapy experiences in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges. These walks will use imagery from different medieval mystics to help you explore your own deep nature connection. Come for just one walk or enjoy all six! Participants can choose to receive short video introductions and/or to participate in free Zoom discussion groups about each featured mystic, hosted by Rachel after each walk.
Rachel Davies is a certified forest therapy guide and Research Fellow in spirituality, theology and religion at the Australian Catholic University.
The Mystics Schedule (2024)
January 27th: Meister Eckhart (Ground)
February 17th: Marguerite Porete (Water)
March 23rd: Catherine of Siena (Tree)
March 30th: Cloud of Unknowing (Sky)
April 27th: Teresa of Avila (Garden)
May 18th: John of the Cross (Night)
To book your place in all or some of the “Walking with the Mystics” events, please visit our Eventbrite page.
Note: These walks will be fully inclusive, welcoming people from all religions as well as those without faith. Anyone with a history of religious trauma should know that featured mystics use broadly Christian language and concepts. Proceeds beyond administrative costs will be donated to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, to support traditional land management methods: https://www.wurundjeri.com.au/
Give the Gift of Forest Therapy!
Give your friend or family member a Forest Therapy experience this Christmas.
Vouchers are available for $60, $100 or any amount of your choosing. They can be used at any FTV event and never expire.
Suitable for people of all ages, Forest Therapy has scientifically proven benefits for our health and wellbeing, including lowering stress levels and boosting our immune system.
To purchase a FTV voucher, click here.
All text and images copyright Forest Therapy Victoria 2023.
Forest Therapy Victoria is a division of MGA Counselling Services and works in partnership with Nature Play 4 Kids.
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