When Nature's Healing is Disrupted: New Research Changes How We Think About Forest Therapy Settings
When Nature's Healing is Disrupted: New Research Changes How We Think About Forest Therapy Settings
A Forest Therapist's Learning Journey
As a forest therapy guide who has led hundreds of sessions over the past years, I've often wondered about the impact of environmental disruptions on our work. A new study published in July 2024 has provided compelling evidence that confirms what many of us have intuitively felt: the condition of our therapy environments matters significantly more than we might have realized.
Understanding the Research: A Practitioner's Perspective
When I first read this study examining how open dumps in forest environments affect psychological restoration, I found myself nodding in recognition. How many times had participants' expressions shifted upon encountering litter during our walks? Now we have scientific validation of these observations.
The Study Design: Simple but Revealing
The researchers conducted a straightforward experiment that mirrors many of our therapy sessions:
Participants viewed both pristine and disrupted (waste-containing) forest environments
They measured psychological responses using tools we're familiar with in practice
They controlled for variables like time of day and weather conditions
What strikes me as particularly valuable is how closely this mirrors real-world situations we encounter in our practice.
What We've Learned: Key Findings for Practitioners
The Impact of Environmental Disruption
The findings are striking and relevant to our practice:
Negative Changes After Viewing Disrupted Forests:
Increased tension and anxiety
Higher levels of depression and anger
Greater confusion
Decreased vitality
As someone who guides others through forest experiences, these results help explain the subtle shifts I've observed when our groups encounter disturbed areas.
The Power of Pristine Environments
Perhaps most affirming for our practice, the study showed that undisturbed forest environments supported:
Enhanced relaxation responses
Improved mood states
Better psychological restoration
Practical Implications for Our Practice
Location Scouting Takes on New Importance
This research has changed how I scout locations for sessions. I now:
Arrive early to check for new disruptions
Map alternative routes if needed
Document seasonal changes that might affect the therapeutic experience
When Disruptions Can't Be Avoided
In urban and semi-urban practices, we can't always avoid environmental disruptions. I've developed several strategies based on this research:
Pre-session Preparation:
Acknowledge potential disruptions in pre-session briefings
Frame encounters with disruption as opportunities for discussion
Have backup locations identified
During Sessions:
Guide attention toward restorative elements
Use mindfulness techniques to process negative reactions
Transform encounters into environmental awareness discussions
Personal Reflections on Practice Evolution
This research has profoundly impacted my approach to guiding. Where I once might have quickly directed participants away from disrupted areas, I now understand the importance of:
Carefully selecting primary therapy locations
Developing specific protocols for encountering disruptions
Creating discussion frameworks for processing negative environmental encounters
Moving Forward: Implications for the Field
For New Practitioners
If you're just beginning your forest therapy practice, consider:
Developing a thorough location assessment protocol
Building relationships with local environmental groups
Creating a database of pristine locations in your area
For Experienced Guides
We can use these findings to:
Refine our location selection criteria
Develop new protocols for managing environmental disruptions
Advocate for better forest conservation
Practical Action Steps
Based on this research, I've implemented several changes in my practice:
Pre-Session Planning:
Complete environmental audits of therapy locations
Document and report disruptions to relevant authorities
Develop alternative routes and locations
Session Modification:
Include environmental awareness in orientation talks
Prepare mindfulness exercises specifically for processing disruptions
Create reflection opportunities around environmental stewardship
A Call to Action
As forest therapy practitioners, this research challenges us to:
Be more intentional about our location choices
Advocate for forest conservation
Develop protocols for working with less-than-pristine environments
Contribute to community clean-up efforts
Looking Ahead
This study opens new questions for our field:
How can we maintain therapeutic benefits in urban forests?
What role should practitioners play in conservation?
How can we better prepare participants for environmental realities?
Closing Thoughts
As I continue integrating these findings into my practice, I'm reminded that our work exists at the intersection of human wellness and environmental health. This research not only validates the importance of pristine natural settings but also calls us to be active stewards of the environments that facilitate healing.
Keywords: forest therapy, environmental disruption, therapeutic environments, forest bathing, nature therapy, therapeutic practice, environmental psychology
