Using Forest Therapy in Your Counselling Practice

Matt Glover is the director of MGA Counselling Services, co-founder of Life Therapies Victoria, and founder of both Forest Therapy Victoria and Nature Play 4 Kids. Combining his work as a counsellor and his love for nature, Matt leads individuals, couples, families and groups on Forest Therapy experiences designed to improve mental health, reduce stress levels and increase vitality. The combination of slowing down (REALLY slowing down) with creative and sensory exercises gives participants a unique experience of nature and equips them with skills to take back to their own local park or reserve.Forest Therapy experiences are run in a variety of locations around Victoria. Walks may be general in content, or have specific themes like grief, all ability, sketching or photography.Join Matt and his team for a Forest Therapy experience and benefit from all nature has to offer your health and wellbeing.

Forest Therapy Victoria

Join the FTV team to learn ways of using nature based creative and sensory activities to enhance the wellbeing of your clients.

Narr-Maen Wetlands (Starting Manna Gum Studio)

Forest Therapy Professional Development

Recognised by the Australian Counselling Association, this four hour workshop will introduce a theoretical framework for Forest Therapy, combined with experiential learning on a Forest Therapy trail.

Matt Glover, Lead Guide at Forest Therapy Victoria and director of MGA Counselling Services, is a trauma-informed counsellor dedicated to helping individuals and couples build lives they find fulfilling and abundant. He is Australia’s first counsellor accredited with the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance!This professional development (PD) workshop is ideal for anyone in a "people-helping" role— whether that’s as a counsellor, psychologist, social worker, or spiritual carer. It’s a hands-on experience, giving participants a chance to enjoy the benefits of Forest Therapy firsthand while also diving into the latest research connecting nature with mental wellbeing.If you're interested in a unique approach to enhance your practice, join Matt for this PD experience. It’s a chance to learn, refresh, and connect with nature in a meaningful way....Forest Therapy is an emerging field in the health and wellbeing industry. With recognised beneficial impacts on our immune systems, heart rate, concentration, sleep patterns, and general wellbeing, this is three hours well spent!Combining a gentle walk with forest therapy activities, participants will experience nature in a whole new way.On the day of your walk, it is essential you bring the following:Covered, walking shoes - no open toed shoes please!Water bottle and snacks.Pen and notebookClothing appropriate to the weather conditions.Please ensure you are wearing sunscreen.Note that the walk will be postponed if the weather conditions are deemed to be too dangerous.For more information on this PD or Forest Therapy Victoria, visit <a href="https://www.foresttherapyvictoria.com.au/programs-and-activities/professional-development/" title="https://www.foresttherapyvictoria.com.au/programs-and-activities/professional-development/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.foresttherapyvictoria.com.au/programs-and-activities/professional-development/</a>