Welcome. Please read my Disclaimer
Forest Therapy is a research-based framework intended to support healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. It’s described as a sensory experience. Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “forest bathing”. Evidence-based research studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits in the practice of forest bathing. In addition, Forest Therapy creates opportunities for people to remember that they are part of nature, not separate from it. Therefore, Forest Therapy is a relational practice that can bring people into deeper intimacy with natural places. It is open-ended; there is no prescription for what a person "should" experience, or what benefits they "should" receive. Instead, it is a practice designed to develop a deepening relationship of reciprocity, in which the forest and the individual find a way to work together that supports the wholeness and wellness of each.
It’s also important to recognize how the practice can support every aspect of our well-being. There are many impressive health benefits that scientific research studies have attributed to Forest Therapy, including boosted immune function, improved cardiovascular and respiratory health, attention restoration, and a reduction in stress and sadness. But these effects are really the collateral impacts of a repaired relationship between people, nature and the natural world. Especially for those dealing with climate despair and ecological grief, the restoration of relationship with nature and the more-than-human-world can be the beginning of the healing process.
For more information about Forest Therapy and published scientific research about the health benefits of Forest Therapy, please visit www.natureandforesttherapy.earth.
Although Forest Therapy uses the term “therapy” and Forest Therapy can result in “healing”, it is not to be construed that Forest Therapy is the practice of medicine, psychotherapy, or any other licensed health care practice. Please refer to the Disclaimer for further information.
Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.” Robin Wall Kimmerer
In a Forest Therapy walk, there is a clearly defined sequence of guided events that provides structure to the experience, while embracing the many opportunities for creativity and serendipity offered by the forest and the more-than-human world. The primary goal of a Forest Therapy walk is not hiking, physical exertion, or identifying plants and animals. As your guide, Midge offer a series of specially crafted “invitations” with the intention to slow down, awaken your senses, and individually cultivate a relationship with the natural world. You will be encouraged to mindfully move through and interact with the forest, with time for stillness, silence, optional group sharing, and solo interactions with the forest and the more-than-human world.
A Certified Forest Therapy Guide has been specifically trained and offers the gift of time, space, specially crafted invitations to the participants, and permission to deepen your relationship with nature in ways that you would perhaps not do on your own. A regular practice of Forest Therapy can be powerful, and like yoga, meditation, prayer, fitness, or other meaningful mind, body, and spirit endeavors, a guide/teacher can help us learn how to begin and find ways to deepen our “practice”.
The forest is the therapist. The guide opens the doors.” M. Amos Clifford, founder and CEO of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Program.
Guided walks are conducted on Midge’s private forested land about 16 miles southwest of Eugene, Oregon.
Walks last about 2 hours and do not involve any significant amount of distance, less than half a mile. The trail is mostly level with some slight grade.
When you book your walk, you will be required to click on a box acknowledging that you have read, understand, and agree to the Participation & Release of Liability Agreement for your walk. You can access the Agreement here.
Once your walk is booked, you will receive directions and details about your walk through the email address you provide on booking.
To check the schedule for scheduled walks please click on the Book Now button.
$39 per person for a scheduled Guided Forest Immersion walk.
Private solo and group walks are also available upon request.
Midge has had a deep connection with nature and the natural world since childhood. Midge earned her certification as a Forest Therapy Guide from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs in 2020 (“ANFT”). The ANFT training embodies the most widely-used approach to Forest Therapy worldwide. To date the ANFT has certified over 2,000 guides in over 62 countries. She is honored to share the healing energy of nature with her clients under the auspices of the spirits of the land.
Midge also has an energy healing practice for animals and humans. She was first trained in Therapeutic Touch as a hospice volunteer in 1996 and is a founding member of the Northwest Therapeutic Touch Institute. In 2007 Midge was initiated as a Reiki Master and in 2010 became a Certified Matrix Energetics® Practitioner. She has been a student of shamanism for over 20 years and also uses shamanic processes in her energy healing work.
In addition, as the first attorney to receive a PhD in energy medicine, Midge provides services as a Professional Liability Risk Management Consultant. She specializes in ethics, legal issues and risk management strategies in the practice of and training in energy healing methods. Her ground-breaking book Practice Energy Healing in Integrity; the Joy of Offering Your Gifts Legally & Ethically and related Exam are considered the gold standard in the field.
Although Midge Murphy is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, she is not a psychotherapist, physician, or other licensed health care provider and her services are not licensed by the State of Oregon. Therefore, you understand that she is only offering her services as a guide. Please refer to the Disclaimer for further information.
Contact Us about a Forest Therapy Walk. You can also use this form to sign up for our Newsletter.
I don’t think people are seeking the meaning of life as much as they are seeking the experience of being alive.” Joseph Campbell
There are no refunds once you book your walk. If you cancel your walk by emailing Midge within 48 hours of your scheduled walk, you can apply your fee to a future walk. If for any reason Midge needs to cancel a walk, she will notify you by email and you can apply your fee to a future walk. However, if you cancel your walk less than 48 hours in advance or fail to attend your walk, you cannot apply your fee to a future walk.