Forest therapy featured on KAAL-TV ABC 6 News
- nbferrara
- Feb 12
- 2 min read
Yesterday I had the pleasure of joining Robin Wolfram on KAAL-TV ABC 6 News to talk about forest therapy. The segment spotlights my upcoming Valentine’s Day Guided Forest Therapy Walk at Chester Woods Park and offers viewers a glimpse into what forest therapy really is (and what it isn’t).
You can watch the full video here: https://www.kaaltv.com/news/lifestyle/valentines-day-forest-therapy-walk-at-chester-woods-park/
What forest therapy really is
Forest therapy — also known as forest bathing or shinrin-yoku — is not a hike, a fitness class, or a naturalist lecture.
It is a slow, guided, relational experience in nature.
During a walk, I offer a series of gentle sensory invitations that help participants shift out of analytical thinking and into embodied awareness. We move slowly. We pause often. We allow the forest to be more than scenery — it becomes a partner in restoration.
Research shows that time in nature can support:
Stress reduction
Improved mood
Nervous system regulation
Immune system function
But beyond the research, there is something deeply human about remembering how to simply be outdoors.
Making forest therapy more accessible
One of the aspects of the interview I especially appreciated was the opportunity to talk about accessibility.
Forest therapy does not require rugged terrain or long distances. It can be adapted for:
Individuals with limited mobility
Those who need level ground or shorter routes
People who prefer to remain close to seating
Participants who engage with nature through stillness rather than walking
Nature meets us where we are.
Part of my mission with Damselfly Forest Therapy is to reduce barriers — physical, emotional, and logistical — so more people can experience the restorative benefits of slowing down outdoors.
A different kind of Valentine’s Day
The Valentine’s Day Guided Forest Therapy Walk at Chester Woods Park offers an alternative to crowded restaurants and busy schedules.
You don’t need to be part of a couple to attend.
Forest therapy can be:
A shared experience with a partner or friend
A meaningful solo act of self-care
A reset for busy professionals who rarely pause
Love, after all, includes how we care for ourselves — and how we relate to the living world around us.
If you would like to join an upcoming walk, you can learn more and register here: https://www.damselflyforesttherapy.com/event-list
Gratitude
I’m grateful to Robin Wolfram and the team at KAAL-TV ABC 6 News for helping bring visibility to forest therapy in our region.
If you watch the segment, I’d love to hear what resonated with you.
And if you feel called to step into the forest — I hope to see you on the trail.
