What Is Forest Therapy?
Definition, Benefits & Science
Forest Therapy is a nature-based intervention that considers the specific needs of individuals and the natural and social environment in which they live. It aims to promote positive mental health states and enhance physical and social health by strengthening nature connectedness, interpersonal relationships, and social cohesion.
In FTHub’s framework, Forest Therapy is Forest Bathing put into practice as a standardized nature-based intervention, focused on specific mental, physical, and social health challenges. It considers the needs of people who experience these difficulties and promotes recovery, rehabilitation, and community inclusion.
Forest Therapy
is not a walk in the woods
It is not hiking, outdoor fitness, or passive nature exposure. It is a structured intervention with defined methodology, safety protocols, and measurable outcomes, delivered by trained FTHub Certified Forest Therapy Practitioners who collaborate with health professionals and institutions.
Watch
Forest Therapy in 2 minutes
A short introduction to the practice, the methodology, and what makes the FTHub approach distinct.
A Clear Distinction
Forest Therapy vs. Forest Bathing
These are related but distinct practices. Understanding the difference is essential for both professionals and the public.
Forest Bathing
FOREST THERAPY
What It Is
A nature-based well-being practice that enhances our natural ability to adapt to change, supporting a better quality of life. Underpinned by mindfulness, sensory and emotional connection with the natural and social environments.
A nature-based intervention focused on specific mental, physical, and social health challenges. Forest Bathing is put into practice as a standardized program with specific objectives.
Purpose
Health promotion, disease prevention, stress management, and quality of life. A healthy habit.
Treatment and rehabilitation alongside healthcare. Addresses specific health problems in collaboration with health professionals.
Who Delivers It
FTHub Certified Forest Bathing Guides offer Nature Connection Activities structured in a carefully designed sequence.
FTHub Certified Forest Therapy Practitioners deliver interventions through structured programs with specific objectives.
Health System Level
Health promotion and primary prevention.
Secondary and tertiary prevention, treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation.
Setting
Public sessions, corporate well-being, education, and ecotourism. With or without a guide.
Collaboration with public and private institutions: mental health, children, adolescents, social inclusion, immigrants, older adults, and other specific populations.
FTHub adopted these specific definitions for two reasons: to facilitate the integration of these practices into health systems, and to define terminology that supports and promotes rigorous scientific research.
Methodology
How does
a Forest Therapy Intervention work?
A Forest Therapy intervention is a structured program that articulates a set of activities applied to achieve specific objectives. Unlike a single Forest Bathing session, a Forest Therapy intervention is a multi-session program designed for a specific population, with clear goals, outcome measures, and collaboration with healthcare or institutional partners.
Forest Therapy interventions are built on the FTHub 5 Components of Nature-Based Interventions:
1
Nature Connection Activities, the foundational sensory-rich, engaging facilitated experiences
Sequence of Activities, a structured order following the Walk Activities Sequence
2
Noticing, conscious engagement, spatial awareness, and reflective work
3
Expressive Arts in Nature, creative practices that deepen self-awareness and emotional processing
4
Nature-Based Activities, practices that integrate nature connection into daily life beyond the intervention
5
The session structure
What happens in a Forest Bathing session?
While Forest Therapy involves multi-session programs, a Forest Bathing session is the foundational experience. FTHub’s Walk Activities Sequence structures each session, and like fractal geometry, it shapes a 10- to 15-minute Nature Connection Activity, a 2- to 3-hour Forest Bathing walk, and a multi-week therapeutic program alike.
EVIDENCE BASE
What are the Health Benefits?
A growing body of peer-reviewed research demonstrates measurable health benefits associated with structured nature-based interventions. Key findings include:
- Reduced cortisol levels and physiological stress markers
- Lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular indicators
- Enhanced immune function, including increased natural killer cell activity
- Improved mood, reduced anxiety, and decreased symptoms of depression
- Increased attention and cognitive restoration
- Greater nature connectedness and subjective well-being
- Enhanced social cohesion and interpersonal relationships
The Forest Therapy Institute Lab at FTHub conducts applied research in these areas, contributing to the evidence base through internationally funded projects across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Who Is This For?
Who is Forest Therapy for?
Forest Therapy sessions and programs can be designed for diverse populations:
People experiencing mental health challenges, chronic conditions, grief, or social isolation
The level of therapeutic intent determines which professional is appropriate: an FTHub Certified Nature Connection Specialist for introductory activities, an FTHub Certified Forest Bathing Guide for well-being sessions, or an FTHub Certified Forest Therapy Practitioner for population-specific interventions.
CAREER PATHWAYS
How do you Become a Forest Therapy Professional?
Forest Therapy Hub offers a fully established science-backed certification pathway, with 3 progressive levels.
All training programs are available in 100% online formats (start anytime, shape your own calendar) and in intensive in-person formats in the form of Summer Schools and Spring Schools held worldwide. Progression through these 3 levels is optional. You can enter directly at the Forest Bathing Guide or Forest Therapy Practitioner level.
A 6-hour introductory certification for leading nature connection activities.
12 weeks of training (24-week access) for designing and facilitating Forest Bathing sessions and nature-based workshops.
24 weeks of training (36-week access) for advanced therapeutic practice with specific populations. It includes a Forest Bathing Guide FTHub Certification.
What sets us apart
The FTHub Approach
What distinguishes FTHub’s approach from other organizations is the integration of proprietary, research-validated frameworks:
The FTHub Method
An integrated framework combining health science, environmental psychology, and neuroscience with field-tested facilitation techniques.
The Liquid Interactions Model (LIM)
An integrative framework connecting the individual, social environment, and natural environment, providing the theoretical foundation for designing Nature Connection Activities.
The FTHub 5 Components of Nature-Based Interventions
The only nature-based health framework being researched at scale through international public funding.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Forest Therapy and Forest Bathing?
In FTHub’s framework, Forest Bathing is a nature-based well-being practice focused on health promotion and disease prevention, a healthy habit that enhances our ability to adapt to change through sensory and emotional connection with nature. Forest Therapy is a standardized nature-based intervention focused on specific mental, physical, and social health challenges, delivered in collaboration with health professionals and institutions. Forest Bathing is the foundation; Forest Therapy puts it into practice as structured programs for specific populations.
Is Forest Therapy scientifically proven?
A growing body of peer-reviewed research supports the health benefits of structured nature-based interventions. Studies have demonstrated reductions in cortisol and blood pressure, improvements in mood and immune function, and increased attention and nature connectedness. The Forest Therapy Institute Lab at FTHub contributes directly to this evidence base through internationally funded research across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Take the next step
Train with FTHub, follow the science, or join the global network
