‘the environment is where we meet, where we all have a mutual interest. It is one thing that all of us share. It is not only a mirror of ourselves, but a focussing lens on what we can become’
- Lady Bird Johnson
Alex says health and nature are interconnected and share a mutually beneficial relationship. Alex has always loved being outside and finds the natural environment an optimal place for letting go thoughts of work, busy schedules and other demands of city life.
Alex has based her life in the Royal National Park. She says it reminds her of how as a child, she had special trees, walking tracks, exploring in the bush and wading through streams. Time spent in nature is an ideal place to get back to yourself.
The Royal National Park has become a source of daily inspiration. Every day, Alex is offered a sense of wonder and endless opportunities to connect with nature. She is so grateful to have the opportunity to live here.
Becoming a qualified Forest Therapy guide has taught her how to be more engaged, and connected with nature. In guiding Forest Therapy walks, Alex is able to share how through nature we are all connected.
About the Forest Therapy Guide
Alex:
Alex became a certified Forest Therapy Guide because she is committed to prioritising nature and health in her life.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Art, Sociology
International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) Certified Forest Therapy Guide
Nature Therapy Guide, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
Cert III Tourism Guide
Licensed ECOPass Tour Operator
Certified Qigong Instructor
Certified Mental Health First Aid
Certified First Aid
Infection Control Training
The International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance, INFTA
Alex trained as a certified Forest Therapy Guide through infta.net.
INFTA is a global organisation committed to establish Forest Therapy as a scientifically-proven natural medicine and public health practice. INFTA develops partnerships with research professionals and educators worldwide. Through these networks INFTA aims to contribute to research and raise awareness of Forest Therapy as a public health practice accessible to all people.
INFTA certifies and accredits training providers and Forest Therapy Guides world wide. The certification is based on the International Core Curriculum of Forest Therapy and the International Handbook of Forest Therapy.
Support the National Parks
Nature Being Australia acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first inhabitants of the nation, who are the traditional custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work.
Healthy People, Healthy Parks, Healthy Planet
Our early experiences in nature are important for fostering a sense of belonging, being part of a bigger picture and to realise nature is not something separate to us, but we too, are nature.
When we reignite our relationship with nature and recognise the health benefits nature offers us, we understand more deeply how connected we are to our environment. When we connect, we experience a sense of belonging and are therefore more likely to protect and conserve the environment for future generations.
We value the National Parks Service in their endeavours to protect the indigenous flora and fauna of our local environments. Not only for ecological and cultural reasons, but for the value of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing that nature can offer.