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
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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.
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Check our Calendar for nature walks in your area.
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One-Day Workshop
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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.
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Four Elements Program
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.