Informed Consent and Waiver for Outdoor Ecotherapy Services (Forest Bathing-Shinrin-Yoku)
Did you know that The Therapy Garden, in collaboration with Acadiana Nature Station, created and installed a Forest Bathing Trail at Moonseed Loop Trail here in Lafayette? This trail consists of 10 nature-focused mindfulness invitations intended to support you in connecting with nature.
Join The Therapy Garden and Acadiana Park Nature Station for an Open House of our trail! We will meet up at the Nature Station on the third floor, a lovely room overlooking the forest. After an introduction to forest bathing in the canopy room, we will walk as a group out to the trail where you will then be invited to explore on your own.
This is a free event. Family friendly!
When and where:
Saturday November 9, 2024
10:30-12:30
Acadiana Park Nature Station Trails-Meet at the Nature Station!
1205 E Alexander St, Lafayette, La 70503
Email kathryn@yourtherapygarden.com with questions
We are also hosting a forest-based yoga event from 9 am-9:50 am in the canopy room of the nature station! To register for that event, please see our "Yoga in the Forest" registration form! SPACE LIMITED TO 13 PEOPLE!
About Forest Bathing/Shinrin-Yoku:
Mindful Nature Walking, also known as Forest Bathing or Shinrin-Yoku, is the Japanese practice of meandering intentionally and mindfully through a forest of trees, with the purpose of “bathing” in/ mindfully and consciously noticing the sights, sounds, smells, and things you may touch throughout this nature-oriented experience.
Forest bathing has been linked to several psychological and physiological benefits to humans, However, the focus of forest bathing is not just about the benefits it offers humans; this practice also focuses on nourishing the often forgotten reciprocal relationship between humans and the more-than-human natural world, in a way that seeks to benefit both.
The Therapy Garden’s Kathryn Dietzway will be your forest guide for this earth/body/mind-reconnecting journey which will include an educational presentation about Forest Bathing and the trails, an invitation to mindful walking, and several written guided meditations along the trail. Kyle Patton, Nature Station curator, will also be present, providing information about the trails, forest, nature station and more.
What to bring/wear/expect about the environment:
Please note that this is a forest environment with dirt trails with uneven surfaces. There are also insects, poisonous plants and other animals on the trails. Ankle high boots with high socks are highly recommended for your protection. Layers are advised to accommodate changing temperatures. Please bring bug spray as the mosquitoes can be abundant on the trails. Bring your own water.
Please refrain from use of mind altering substances to enhance quality of experience for yourself and all involved and to maintain safety.
Ecotherapy/Outdoor Wellness Events Informed Consent and Waiver
In order to participate in Outdoor Ecotherapy Wellness activities such as Forest Bathing, which are frequently based in public and/or outdoor locations, it is important for you to read, understand, and agree to the following:
I understand that outdoor ecotherapy activities may take place at facilities or on premises not affiliated with The Therapy Garden, LLC. I further understand that The Therapy Garden, LLC does not take responsibility for any aspect or condition of these independent facilities or premises.
The Therapy Garden's outdoor ecotherapy activities include slow, gentle walking, bringing awareness to mindfulness of smells, sights and sounds. Although movement will be limited to slow walking, the setting of being in forests and on trails will involve uneven surfaces and changes in elevation. I understand that I am responsible for my body safety and determining if surfaces and elevation changes, among other aspects of the forest and natural enviornment are appropriate for myself.
I understand that there are potential physical dangers inherent in some of the activities associated with outdoors many of which are those associated with any type of physical exertion.
I affirm that I am in proper physical condition to participate in outdoor ecotherapy activities and further acknowledge that The Therapy Garden is not able to provide any type of medical clearance or advice for me with regard to my readiness to engage in these activities.
I understand that if I have questions or concerns about my capacity or readiness to engage in any outdoor activities I will consult first with my physician or other appropriate health care provider.
I understand that there are potential risks inherent in outdoor events. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Therapy Garden, LLC for any harm, inclusive of death, that may befall me related to factors of being in the outdoor/natural environment. These risks include but are not limited to physical and/or psychological injury or illness related to uneven ground, inclement weather, insect stings, animal bites, falling branches or rocks, sunburn, exposure to cold/heat, equipment failure, acts of Nature, and more. I understand that forest environments are more wild in nature than parks, and that I am likely to encounter spiders, snakes, among any and all other wild nature and creatures.
Ecotherapy/Forest Bathing Event Limits:
Ecotherapy events are not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health services. These events are educational and wellness focused in nature only.
Based upon my representation that I am in proper physical health and condition to participate in outdoor therapy and/or ecotherapy services, I agree:
1. To take full responsibility for my physical safety and to not to engage in any activity in which I do not feel safe;
2. That I am a legal, consenting adult of age 18 or older.
3. To let The Therapy Garden know if I have any questions or issues that arise after agreeing to any of these activities and to recognize that simple consent for these services does not require me to participate in them and that I can rescind this consent at any time;
4. To fully disclose any mental, physical, or emotional condition/s or limitation/s which might affect my ability to participate in the activities of outdoor and/or ecotherapy;
5. To assume all risk of injury to myself and all risk of damage to and loss of my property arising out of my participation in outdoor ecotherapy;
6. For myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives and assigns, to release and forever discharge The Therapy Garden, LLC from any and all liability for any injury, and for any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, loss and damage arising out of or in any way connected with my participation in outdoor and ecotherapy.
By signing below, I agree to these conditions and voluntarily consent to receiving outdoor ecotherapy services: