What Is Silvotherapy or Forest Therapy?

Silvotherapy—also known as forest therapy or shinrin-yoku—is a guided practice designed to reestablish the deep, sensory bond that 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; instead, 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 program. 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, such as stress management, emotional resilience, team cohesion, or convalescence. Facebook-  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580453057811

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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 per cent 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 a 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 clinical-level psychotherapist and qualified

silvotherapy practitioner offering both

group and individual forest-therapy sessions in the Southern

Highlands, beginning in October 2025.

She is also a fully accredited State Emergency Service officer,

with experience in bush rescue and first aid protocols.

Her husband, Shane, serves as a silvotherapy assistant, a former

Australian Army engineer corps member, he brings deep

bushcraft expertise to ensure sessions run smoothly,

even in challenging weather conditions.

UPCOMING SESSIONS IN OCTOBER 2025
Event by Forest Bathing-Shinrin Yoku, Southern Highlands,

NSW, Australia, Lake Alexandra, Meet at the undercover

picnic tables at 10.30 am. Bookings essential.

Join us for a truly transformative journey into the heart of nature

with Dr Alyse Price-Tobler (Twin PhD), Clinical Psychotherapist

and Accredited Sylvotherapy Practitioner—where evidence

-based forest therapy meets immersive, multi-sensory

experiences. You’ll breathe deeply beneath towering rainforest

canopies, taste handcrafted native tea infusions, feel the

textures of bark and leaf, listen to birdsong woven with gentle

stream whispers, and witness the subtle play of light and

shadow. Each session is carefully designed to boost immunity,

reduce stress, spark creativity, and leave you feeling grounded, connected, and revitalised—no prior experience required, just an open heart and a sense of curiosity.

Investment and registration-
 

The beginner's course runs on Saturdays, October 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th, 2025, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
The cost is $150 for 4 weeks or $120 for our early bird special if you register and pay upfront before Friday, September 27th, 2025.
Contact
Please email (alysepricetobler@gmail.com)
Or call Dr Alyse (0477 458 777) to book and pay for your spot in Australia!

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Location in Australia- Lake Alexandra, Mittagong, NSW. Meet at the undercover picnic tables to begin our talk, and then we'll start on our lovely walk!
 

What will you learn?
The origin of forest bathing.
Principles and foundations of silvotherapy (forest bathing).
Reduce stress and feel grounded and revitalised when you discover your own sit spot!
Spark your own individual forest creativity.
Phytonicides and their effect on the body.
Immerse your five senses with the forest.
Mandala creations, tea ceremonies, open-heartedness and no experience needed.
General fitness required. All ages welcome!

Session Formats

Group Sessions: 6–12 participants; 2 hours x 4, including guided sensory exercises and reflective pauses.

Individual Private Sessions: 1:1, tailored, intensive 2-hour sessions x 1 = $150 per person.

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 & Bookings in Timaru and Canterbury, New Zealand

Forest therapy walks are offered across the stunning landscapes of Timaru and the wider Canterbury region. From the serene gardens at Caroline Bay to ocean-edge forest paths, cascading waterfalls, and lush native bushlands, each session is immersed in the natural beauty unique to Aotearoa.

NZ Silvotherapy Practitioner Bookings

As a fourth-generation local, Jaime Sim brings a deep connection to land and sea. She is a qualified silvotherapy practitioner and has partnered with Dr. Alyse in Australia to extend this healing practice across both countries.

Group and individual sessions are offered regularly throughout the year. Spaces are limited, and we recommend booking early.

Personalised forest therapy appointments are also available and can be scheduled privately on request.

Please email Jaime Sim at kayeluana@hotmail.com or call 0224398177 for more information regarding NZ days and times.

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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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