Nature Therapy Clinic

Every Wednesday in June, a group nature therapy clinic will be offered. We begin promptly at 10:30am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign-in, prepare yourself, and to ask any questions of your guide. The clinic will last about 90 minutes. The clinic meets for 4 sessions in June 2025 (4th, 11th, 18th, 25th). No registration is required. Drop-in for any session. You may attend one or all sessions. You are encouraged to attend as many as possible to gain the most benefit. Nature therapy has a cumulative benefit.

The session includes walking, sitting and exploration in a small section of a woodland nature sanctuary.  The format is based upon the popularized concept of shinrin-yoku, "forest bathing". There will be a guided meditation and mindfulness-based prompts that individuals can explore on their own. While this is not talk therapy, you will have the opportunity for brief, optional sharing with the group, while we all practice listening with mindful presence and avoid dialogue. 

This is not a hike with a destination to accomplish. We move at the pace of the group and spend more time immersing ourselves in one place and less time walking. Foldable stools and sit mats are available for the seated meditation portion. The intent is to establish a deep presence with the natural world and awareness of your inner world and connection to Nature. Therefore, Nature is your therapist. You will be guided by Amanda Kenyon, Certified Forest Therapy Guide. Amanda is a trained forest bathing guide, not a therapist. She will offer guided meditations and creative invitations to mindfully connect you to the moment and Nature, but will not offer counseling. Facilitating connection, safety, and comfort are the main foci of your guide.

This clinic is for anyone seeking physical healing or personal growth in the emotional, mental or spiritual aspects of their life. Benefits of nature therapy are listed here. Please contact Amanda or talk to your healthcare professional or therapist if you are unsure if it is right for you. The clinic is designed to accommodate most levels of ability, physical mobility and health, although the terrain is not suitable for wheeled mobility devices. The hilliness is gentle with just one short incline that has proven to be manageable for people with a variety of health conditions. 

$15-$45 suggested contribution, if you are able, no questions asked. You may make a contribution at the session via cash or check, or via Venmo or Paypal afterwards. (There is no internet service on site.)

June 25th meet in the parking area at the Stone Park at Scott Farm 

Directions:

707 Kipling Rd, Dummerston, VT

Look for the driveway with the red fire hydrant and follow it up hill to the parking area at the Stone Park (the artful stone walls). 

Coming from Putney Rd (Route 5), the driveway is 2 miles up on your left.

 If there is a cancellation, it is posted here by 8:30am on the day of the clinic. If there is on-going heavy rain on the morning of the clinic, it will not be held. Light intermittent showers do not cancel. During the warm season, rainfall can be a beautiful gift for meditative listening and a vibrantly green forest. Cancellation decisions are made the morning of the clinic, not based forecasts. Please bring a rain hat and rain jacket in case of showers. There is a shelter on site in case of an unpredicted downpour.

Bring a friend! Bring WATER and any necessary medications, inhaler, epipen, etc.  We will be in the sun for a brief period but mostly in the shade.  Pack any sun protection you may need and a hat in case of passing light showers. Wear shoes and clothes that are okay if they get dirty. Bring insect repellant and apply it in advance if possible.

Optional to bring: a journal and your favorite portable meditation seat.

Amanda will have on hand to offer: sit mats, stools, extra insect repellant and a few ponchos and bug nets.

If you're interested in the nature therapy clinic but this time doesn't work for you, we'd love to hear your preferred time. Email Amanda at landkindguide@gmail.com.