What Is Silvotherapy or Forest Therapy?

Silvotherapy—also known as forest therapy or shinrin-yoku—is a guided practice designed to re-establish the deep, sensorial bond human beings have shared with the plant kingdom for millennia. Contrary to what its literal name might suggest, silvotherapy isn’t about bathing in water within the forest; rather, it’s “receiving care from the forest, the woods and the trees” through intentional, slow immersion in woodland environments. This practice invites participants to engage all their senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and even taste—to foster a state of calm, presence, and physiological restoration.

Modern silvotherapy emerged from Japanese public‐health initiatives of the 1980s, when the government responded to “karōshi” (death by overwork) with a nationwide forest‐bathing programme. Between 2004 and 2012, pioneering studies led by Prof. Qing Li and Dr Yoshifumi Miyazaki systematically quantified its benefits, demonstrating significant reductions in stress hormones (cortisol), lower blood pressure, and enhanced immune function through increased natural killer–cell activity. Further work by Prof. David Strayer at the University of Utah revealed that creativity scores improve by up to 50 per cent after even brief walks in natural settings.

Silvotherapy is not a loosely defined “tree-hugger” pastime but a rigorously taught, evidence-based intervention. Practitioners combine local flora and fauna knowledge with tailored sensory exercises (e.g., mindful breathing, guided “forest palettes,” or creative land-art activities) to target specific outcomes: stress management, emotional resilience, team cohesion, or convalescence.

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Health Benefits & Target Conditions

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Stress Reduction & Mental Health
– Forest‐derived volatile compounds, such as phytoncides and terpenes, interact with our olfactory system and skin to lower anxiety and depressive symptoms, boosting mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

– Rich negative-ion environments counteract urban free radicals, reducing oxidative stress.

Immune System Enhancement

– Regular forest therapy sessions correlate with elevated natural killer–cell counts and activity, supporting long-term immune resilience .

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Cardiovascular Health
– Controlled trials report modest but significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure following guided forest immersion .

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Cognitive & Creative Boost
– Participants often experience sharper focus, improved working memory, and up to 50 percent better creativity tests after nature exposure .

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Applications for Special Populations
Dr Alyse's groups are explicitly inclusive. Suitable attendees include:

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People with disabilities and their carers

Participants on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Elderly individuals seeking gentle, supportive activity

Those experiencing mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD)

Holistic Well-Being

Silvotherapy fosters social connection, mindful movement, and a sense of belonging—elements often absent in clinical interventions alone.

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Program Details, Safety & What to Bring

About the Practitioner
Dr Alyse is a qualified silvotherapy practitioner offering both group and individual forest-therapy sessions in the Southern Highlands, beginning July 2025.

She is also a fully accredited State Emergency Service officer, experienced in bush-rescue and first-aid protocols. Her husband, Shane, serves as silvotherapy assistant; a former Australian Army engineer corps member, he brings deep bushcraft expertise to ensure sessions run smoothly even in challenging weather.

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Session Formats

Group Sessions: 6–12 participants; 1.5–3 hours, including guided sensory exercises and reflective pauses.

Individual Sessions: 1:1, tailored intensives of 60–90 minutes.

Accessibility & Safety
 

Non disabled clients

To fully benefit from forest therapy while staying safe, non disabled participants should be able to:

Walk unassisted for up to 1 km on uneven ground

Safely negotiate natural obstacles (roots, rocks, gentle inclines)

Follow auditory cues and visual guidance in small groups.

​Disabled clients

Disabled clients will be taken approximately 50 to 100m into the bush to maintain safety.

Dr Alyse and Shane carry comprehensive first-aid kits, two-way radios, and emergency blankets; they conduct pre-walk safety briefings, including wildlife‐awareness and hydration checks.

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Pets

Well-behaved pets on leads are welcome!

What to Bring

Snacks & Drinks: High-energy, non‐perishable items; at least 500 ml of water and a plastic bag to take your rubbish home.

Comfort Kit: A small blanket or sit pad; a folding plastic poncho or umbrella for wet weather; a lightweight, portable chair for those who need seated breaks.

Clothing & Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes; layered clothing to adapt to temperature shifts; sun hat and insect repellent.

Optional Items: Binoculars for bird watching; journal and pen for a reflective writing exercise.

Location & Booking
Forest therapy walks occur in several rainforests and woodland reserves across the Southern Highlands of NSW, and are coming soon to Timaru, New Zealand! Spaces are limited; early booking is recommended.

Group and individual sessions start in July 2025 and run weekly as required. Individual appointments can be scheduled on weekdays.

WE CAN'T WAIT TO TEACH YOU ALL ABOUT SILVOTHERAPY! 

References

Li, Q. et al. (2010). A field experiment on the effect of forest bathing on human natural killer activity. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology.

Miyazaki, Y. et al. (2011). Physiological effects of forest environments on healthy adults: Shinrin-yoku (forest-air bathing, walking) as a possible method of stress reduction. Public Health.

Strayer, D. L. et al. (2012). Creative thinking in nature: The impact of walking in natural vs. built environments on divergent thinking. PLOS ONE.

Wohlleben, P. (2016). The Hidden Life of Trees. Greystone Books.

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