The Earth Connect Programs
Our goals are to:
Create healing environment for our program participants
Help participants connect to land as a way to return to wholeness
Help participants continue to heal through gratitude and reciprocity (giving back)
Partner with organizations that align with our mission and vision
Nature Walks
We host monthly nature walks across the country. Many of our walks teach "forest bathing," the Japanese practice on shinrin-yoku, which is proven to lessen anxiety and help heal trauma.
Check our Calendar for nature walks in your area.
One-Day Workshop
Our introductory 4-hour workshop introduces the benefits of forest therapy to all participants who are interested in healing their trauma. A national forest therapy guide will discuss the benefits of forest therapy and lead them on a therapeutic nature walk. At the close of the introductory workshop, a therapist will lead a group discussion then assess each participant who chooses to sign up for the 7-day intensive forest therapy retreat.
Four Elements Program
Fire, Air, Water and Earth Connect Intensive
Earth Connect offers a three-part Four Elements Program, incorporating an intensive forest therapy program, an on-going aftercare nature program, and a reciprocal element to help foster continual growth and gratitude.
Fire: In this week-long intensive, trauma victims begin to heal through their time spent connecting with nature and learn to be self-sufficient to grow their sense of self. Likewise, they are taught how all natural beings are connected and support each other; how our relationships are important for our selves, our survival and our health. This element is led by a certified forest therapist and a licensed therapist.
Air: Program participants are asked to committed to and attend monthly group sessions for the first three months after the Fire intensive, during which time they meet with a trauma therapist to learn coping mechanisms and practices for continued growth and healing.
Water: The natural world works in reciprocity. To continue the healing aspects of interacting with nature, participants volunteer their time in partner organizations, including local conservation or naturebased organizations.