The session will introduce the therapeutic intervention of nature and forest therapy
(NFT) known as forest bathing (i.e., slow mindful and sensory immersion in nature; ‘shinrinyoku’ in Japanese; ‘sanrim-yok’ in Korean), which is still relatively unknown as an enabler of
well-being in the recreational therapy field (though established in some Asian cultures). A
session presenter will discuss differences and similarities between simply hiking and a wellplanned NFT intervention, followed by differences and similarities among various NFT
interventions implemented in Asian and western countries. Empirical evidence on the
effectiveness of NFT interventions on various health and well-being domains (e.g., physical,
physiological, affective, social) will be provided to session attendants. Guidelines for integrating
NFT interventions with a standard sequence into recreational therapy processes (i.e., APIE) and
implications for the processes will be discussed. Also, opportunities to engage in NFT
interventions will be provided. The overall session will support an evidence-based practice for
multi-dimensional health and well-being outcomes among individuals with various health
problems (e.g., ADHD, PTSD, depression, OCD, CP, dementia).
Upon completion of the module, participants will be able to:
1. Verbally state two differences and similarities between hiking and nature and forest therapy (NFT) intervention
2. Identify three benefits of NFT interventions being implemented in various countries
3. State five steps to implement a NFT intervention with a standard sequence developed in the U.S.
4. State three diagnostic groups of TR clients that would potentially benefit from NFT interventions
Upon completion of the module, participants will be able to:
1. Verbally state two differences and similarities between hiking and nature and forest therapy (NFT) intervention
2. Identify three benefits of NFT interventions being implemented in various countries
3. State five steps to implement a NFT intervention with a standard sequence developed in the U.S.
4. State three diagnostic groups of TR clients that would potentially benefit from NFT interventions