Forest Bathing Michigan • Nature Therapy of Michiana
Guided Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) • Karen Joy, ANFT-Certified Guide
Step into your reset.
Guided forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) in Southwest Michigan—slow, sensory, restorative time in the woods.
Two ways to join:
Forest-Bathing Fridays (May–Sept 2026): weekly Friday afternoons at 1 PM
Deep Dive Series (April–Sept 2026): a 6-month small-group journey, one 4-hour session each month + monthly practice support sessions via Zoom
A gentle note about what this is
Forest bathing isn’t hiking and it isn’t therapy—though it can be deeply therapeutic. It’s a guided practice of moving slowly, engaging the senses, and letting the natural world support your nervous system in doing what it already knows how to do: downshift, restore, and reconnect.
My work is rooted in simple truth: when we slow down enough to truly notice, something in us remembers how to settle. Forest bathing is a gentle practice of presence—guided, spacious, and welcoming to beginners.
Why I guide
I create a calm container where nothing is forced: sharing is optional, silence is welcome, and every invitation can be adapted. We move slowly, listen closely, and let the living world support the nervous system in doing what it already knows how to do—downshift, restore, reconnect.
Credentials
ANFT-Certified Forest Therapy Guide (Forest Bathing / Shinrin-yoku)
Retreat leader + facilitator
Author / memoir writer
Founder, Nature Therapy of Michiana
Based in Michigan; sessions held in local preserves and forests
Cornell University — Project Leadership Certificate
Lions International — District Governor 2025-26
Workshops
Workshops are guided, skill-building experiences for teams, retreats, and community groups—rooted in mindfulness, nature connection, and embodied presence. Each workshop is designed to be practical and restorative, helping people slow down, regulate, and reconnect in a way they can carry into everyday life.
Sacred Spaces
Sacred Spaces are intentionally held environments—indoors or outdoors—where reflection, meaning-making, and deep listening are welcomed. These experiences may include contemplative practices, gentle ritual, and guided inquiry to help individuals or groups return to what is true, essential, and life-giving.
Coaching
Coaching is one-on-one (or small-circle) support for people who want steady guidance and integration over time. Together we clarify what you’re navigating, create simple intuitive practices that fit your real life, and build a rhythm that supports grounded leadership, wellbeing, and inner alignment.
How I hold the space
I hold a calm, welcoming container where nothing is forced. You’ll be invited—not pushed—to slow down, notice, and connect, and you’re always free to participate in the way that feels right for you. Sharing is optional, silence is welcome, and what’s shared in the group is treated with care and confidentiality. This is a guided wellness practice in nature, not clinical therapy.
You’ve got questions. I’ve got answers.
What is forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku)?
Forest bathing is a guided practice of slowing down in nature and engaging the senses to support restoration, presence, and connection. It’s gentle, spacious, and beginner-friendly.
Do I need to be “fit” or outdoorsy to join you?
No. We move slowly and cover minimal distance, with plenty of pauses. You can participate at your own pace.
Is this therapy or coaching?
Forest bathing is not therapy, though many people find it deeply supportive. Coaching is a separate offering designed for ongoing one-on-one (or small-circle) support and integration.
What if I’m new to mindfulness or contemplative practices?
You’re welcome here. No experience is required—everything is invitational and simple to follow.
Do you work with groups or organizations?
Yes. I offer workshops and facilitated experiences for teams, retreats, and community groups—customized to your goals and audience.
How do I inquire about workshops, coaching, or private sessions?
Send a note to Karen Joy with what you’re looking for (date, group size, location, and intention), and I’ll follow up with options.
Some nice things people have said about a forest bathing experience.
Some quotes from published forest bathing research/articles (not specific to Nature Therapy of Michiana).
"Karen’s forest bathing session helped me slow down and be present—then and ever since. Calm, professional, and deeply welcoming."
Tina K - June 2023
People described feeling “being at home,” “safe” and “emotionally sheltered.”
Frontiers Psychology
Burnout is heavy.
Nature is light.
Step into your reset.
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