Healing Through Nature and the Practice of Shinrin Yoku

In an increasingly urbanised world, the need to reconnect with nature is more important than ever. Originating from Japan, Shinrin-Yoku (translated to ’Forest Bathing’) is a therapeutic invitation to immerse oneself in the embrace of the woods and wild places.
Covering both the philosophy and the practicalities, this is an evidence-based guide for practitioners seeking to increase their ecological awareness, explore the mental, emotional, and immunological healing capabilities of Shinrin-Yoku, and learn how to incorporate it into their practice. Building on the necessary in-person training, this book will help practitioners feel confident in guiding others in the woods as they discover their own connection to nature and is underpinned by a thorough understanding of the science behind the healing.
Practical in its approach but spiritual and poetic in its nature, this timely book provides the knowledge and skills required to adopt Shinrin-Yoku into any therapist’s toolbox.

Stefan Batorijs has been exploring wild places for over 50 years and is the founder and director of Nature and Therapy UK. He is trained in Countryside Management, Conservation and Environmental Education, Integrative Psychology, and as a Mountain Leader. In 2008 he established the acclaimed Ecotherapy Project with Plymouth NHS for people with severe and enduring mental health needs. He is currently Associate Lecturer at Plymouth University in Nature and teaches the benefits of natural immersion for mental health and trauma in Clinical Psychology Doctorate Training.