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. Payment is not required, 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 4, 11, 18 at The Manitou Project in Williamsville, Vermont (aka Newfane).

June 25 location TBD

Directions:

Please enter "The Manitou Project" into your GPS if possible to avoid being directed to the wrong town at the other end of Sunset Lake Road.

There are two ways to get there.

From Western Ave/ Route 9 (exit 2 off 91): Turn onto Sunset Lake Road (near The Royal Dinner) and drive 5.6 miles. The entrance to Manitou is on the left. Keep left for the parking area.

From Williamsville Road (via route 30): Turn onto Sunset Lake Road (near the one lane, non-covered bridge) and drive 1.5 miles. The entrance to Manitou is on the right. Keep left for the parking area.

The address is 300 Sunset Lake Road, Williamsville or Newfane depending on your GPS. There is no cell service in the area -- please plan your route in advance!

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 peaceful presence and a vibrantly green forest. Cancellation decisions are made the morning of the clinic, not based forecasts, and are posted on this page.

Bring a friend! Bring any necessary medications, inhaler, epipen, etc. Pack 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. This location is chosen specifically because we do not have any experience with ticks there. However, take whatever precautions you are comfortable with. Please contact Amanda if you would like suggestions. You may also opt to bring a bug head net. 

Optional to bring: water, journal, 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.