Frequently Asked Questions
What is nature therapy?
Nature therapy is a guided, slow-paced experience of immersion in nature inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. It is not a workout or a lesson, but an opportunity to slow down, connect, notice, and spend time outdoors in a different way.
Do you offer accommodations?
I aim to make my nature therapy experiences as accessible and welcoming as possible. If you have specific needs or questions about access, please reach out and we can talk together about what would help you feel supported and comfortable participating.
Why choose a guided experience?
Nature is always available to you, with or without a guide, and everything we do in a nature therapy experience can be done on your own.
My role as your guide is tending to things like timing, safety, and flow, so that you can set those concerns aside. Participating with a guide allows you to let go of anything beyond simply being present in the experience. (And during an in-person experience, I also bring the snacks!)
Research suggests that both self-guided and guided experiences offer meaningful benefits. Spending time in nature on your own can support reflection and introspection, while guided experiences can create opportunities for connection, both with others and with the more-than-human world.
There is no right or wrong way to be in nature. A guided experience is simply one way, among many, to step into deeper relationship with the world around you.
Are you a therapist?
I am not a therapist, but rather a guide. My role is to create a space and a structure that allows nature itself to be the primary source of support for your experience. I do not offer psychological counseling or clinical care of any kind.
Who can participate in a nature therapy experience?
Nature therapy is open to anyone. No prior experience of any kind is needed, and there’s no “right” way to take part. Quiet observers, enthusiastic noticers, and curious beginners are all welcome here. There’s no need to know anything about nature, hiking, or even what kind of tree you’re standing next to.
What ages are these experiences designed for?
My nature therapy experiences are open to all ages and are generally best suited for ages 12 and up. Participants under 18 are welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Can I bring my pet?
I do love pets (truly), but for the comfort and safety of the group, they are not part of these experiences. Please leave your pets at home, and thank you for understanding. I promise there will still be plenty of more-than-human company outdoors.
What language are experiences offered in?
My public walks are generally offered in English, occasionally in Spanish, and can always and very happily be made bilingual (English/Spanish). You’ll find language details listed with each experience on its registration page, and you’re always welcome to reach out if you’d like to learn more. Private experiences can be offered in English, Spanish, or bilingually.
Can I find you on social media?
I don’t maintain any social media accounts for my nature therapy practice. I find that staying off social media helps me stay more grounded and present both with the people I guide and with the places where I guide. It also supports the quality of my practice and my offerings, as well as my own wellbeing. The best way to stay connected with me and my guiding practice is through this website, my Eventbrite page, and email updates. (You can subscribe to email updates at the bottom of any page.)
Will I really be welcome here?
I want to acknowledge that many of us have not always felt at home in outdoor spaces, for a variety of reasons, including the size or shape of our bodies or because we may not have always seen ourselves reflected in the usual images of “outdoorsy” peoples. As my own body has changed in size during my life, I have lived that experience.
I hold this work with the intention that we all belong here, just as we are. You never need to perform being “outdoorsy” here. Experiences are designed to meet you where you are, and you are always encouraged to engage in ways that feel most supportive to you.
Pricing and Policies
What is the pay-it-forward registration option?
Some registrations include an option to pay it forward by sponsoring an additional spot for someone else. If you’re in a position to do so, this is a meaningful way to extend the invitation of nature therapy to others and support someone who might not otherwise be able to join. Each contribution helps make space for a wider circle of participants.
How much does it cost?
Pricing varies based on the type and length of the experience, as well as the venue and other details. Some experiences are offered on a "pay-what-you-choose" or donation basis. You’ll find specific pricing and available options listed with each offering.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Walks happen in all types of weather. Rain, snow, wind, and changing skies happen and the walk goes on. Lightning, dangerous conditions, and “we should absolutely not be outside right now” weather are another story.
In the event of severe or unsafe weather, an experience may be rescheduled or canceled. You will be notified as far in advance as possible and offered options, which may include rescheduling, transferring your registration, or receiving a refund.
I’d like to participate, but cost is a concern. What are my options?
If cost feels like a barrier, please reach out. I’d be glad to work with you to find a way to join. Some experiences are offered on a pay-what-you-choose basis, and pay-it-forward spots are often available for experiences with a set fee.
What’s your cancellation policy?
If your plans change and you will be unable to attend, please let me know as soon as possible. Providing advance notice gives an opportunity for someone else to join the experience.
Cancellation policies are different depending on the type of offering. You’ll find all the details listed with each offering on its registration page.
How is my information handled?
If you’d like to learn more about how personal information is handled through this website, please review the Privacy Policy.
What to Expect on a Nature Therapy Walk
What will the walk be like?
On a nature therapy walk, we will begin with a brief introduction. Then, we’ll use some simple practices to settle into the present moment and awaken our senses. From there, we will move slowly through our surroundings, with invitations to notice, explore, or engage with what is around us. Everything is offered as an invitation; there is no right or wrong way to participate.
What should I bring with me?
You don’t need any special gear. Bring anything that will help you be outside comfortably for the duration of the experience, such as water, a hat, or extra layers. Curiosity is very welcome, too.
How long will it last?
Full-length walks typically last two to three hours and mini-walks an hour and a half or less. The duration of an experience will be noted on its registration page.
What if I have a question about a walk that’s not answered here?
You’re always welcome to reach out with any questions. I’m happy to help with anything that would support you in feeling comfortable and prepared for a walk. Before each experience, registered participants will also receive a detailed email with everything they need to know.
What should I wear?
Dress to be comfortable in the weather the day of our walk, keeping in mind that experiences happen rain or shine and that nature sometimes includes mud.
How far will we go?
We move at a slow pace, with lots of opportunities to rest, and most walks cover no more than a mile.
The Virtual Nature Therapy Experience
Can this really be done virtually?
You bet! (Though the apparent contradiction is not lost on me!) Nature therapy doesn’t rely on being in a specific place, but rather on slowing down, engaging the senses, and spending time in relationship with the natural world, which can happen anywhere.
What do I need to participate virtually?
You’ll need a device with a reliable wifi or cellular connection, headphones or earbuds, and a comfortable place to participate from. Please plan ahead to ensure your device is fully charged or bring a portable battery if needed, so you can stay connected for the duration of the experience.
You’ll receive additional instructions on which application to use (Zoom, WhatsApp, etc.) and how to join prior to the walk. At that time, you will also receive more information about anything else you may need to have on hand for the walk.
How is a virtual walk different?
During a virtual walk, participants are guided at the same time from their own locations, allowing each person to connect with the natural world around them while sharing a collective rhythm and experience.
Where can I be for a virtual walk?
Before a walk, you’ll choose a spot where you can spend a few hours comfortably. This might be a backyard, porch, park bench, garden, trail, rooftop, or any nearby space that feels welcoming.
If being outdoors isn’t an option for you for any reason, an indoor space near a window, plant, or natural light works well, too. There’s no “perfect” place, what matters is that it feels supportive to you.
What should I expect on a virtual walk?
We meet together on Zoom or another video-conferencing platform, and each participant joins from their own chosen location. Virtual walks follow the same style of gentle, sensory invitations as in-person walks with a few minor modifications. While we aren’t physically together, we move through the experience together.
Why choose virtual instead of in-person?
A virtual walks offers a simple, accessible way to participate in a guided nature therapy experience, no matter where you live. It’s a good fit if you’re unable to travel, prefer to stay close to home, or would like to experience the practice from a place that already feels familiar and comfortable to you. For some, participating from a familiar place can make it easier to settle into the experience.
Do I need to be on camera during a virtual walk?
Being on camera is entirely optional. It’s nice to see faces during the introductory portion of the walk, if you’re comfortable, but there is no obligation or pressure whatsoever to be on camera.
Sara Danford
Offering experiences to connect with nature, community, and self in New York's Hudson Valley and online worldwide.
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