Me Tiaki, Kia Ora!
In Māori culture, this means 'we must look after our environment, so all life will flourish.' With this ethos in mind, I invite groups and individuals who are curious about how nature can act as our therapist, with a holistic approach to health.
Located in Ede, the Netherlands, I specialize in teaching nature connection techniques and activities designed to alleviate the stresses of modern society - be it work, studies, too much screentime, too many choices at the supermarket... Learning how to slow down, and connect with nature, can create a domino effect of positive changes in your life - such as improved sleep, a strengthened immune system, increased creativity, and a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
My mission is to foster a deeper connection between humans and our natural surroundings and to work for improved public health while contributing to planetary health.
My approach is rooted in science, drawing upon my background in research communication and certification in Forest Bathing from an international academic network. Translating research into actionable practices is my passion!
Scroll down to learn more about the many health benefits of forest bathing and nature connection. Which benefits resonate most with you at this moment?
Slow down
and come closer
The Benefits of Forest Bathing
From reducing stress to strengthening our immune system,
forests and natural environments offer a range of benefits for our mental and physical health. When we spend unhurried time in nature, whether it's listening to the birds, standing in the presence of towering trees, or feeling the earth beneath our fingertips — this has a profound and lasting impact on our overall well-being.
Forest Bathing is a health-promoting and research-based practice that involves spending time outdoors in nature, sitting peacefully or walking slowly through a forest or park, immersing yourself in the natural environment and mindfully using all your senses.
Why would I need a guide for that?
We usually move too quickly in nature, and lack the tools to actively connect and take in our surroundings on our own. For this reason, guide training started (and is now running all over the world). Similar to a yoga instructor or mindfulness coach, the guide in the forest is there to ensure that you fully benefit from the health effects that forest bathing can provide.
A guide will gradually slow you down, and create a calm and safe space, where you can strengthen your own forest bathing confidence.
"It was a very special and beautiful experience.
The build up is good, it gradually slows you down more and more. During the last exercise I wanted to stay seated even longer :)
I want to do a number of exercises myself, to free up more time for that. Because it really brought me a lot of peace!"
Elske
Shinrin-Yoku, Forest Bathing, Forest Therapy?
Shinrin-yoku - 森林浴 - is the Japanese origin of
Forest bathing. The two terms are often used synonymously, but you can say that Forest Bathing today includes a more comprehensive scientific methodology, compared to its origins in the 1980s.
Both Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy offer nature connection activities structured in carefully designed sequences.
Forest Bathing primarily focuses on health promotion, aiming to reduce stress and prevent illnesses, including burnout.
Forest Therapy operates on a deeper level, with health and rehabilitation intervention (treatment), and is facilitated by a practitioner trained to work with nature as a therapeutic partner. Forest Bathing is one of the most important components of Forest Therapy.
HEALTH
PROMOTION
Forest Bathing
DISEASE
PREVENTION
Forest Bathing
Forest Therapy
HEALTH AND REHABILITATION INTERVENTION
Forest Therapy
"In every walk with nature
one receives far more than he seeks."
John Muir