Alana is a an Certified and Accredited Forest Therapy Guide and a member of the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA). She is also a Master's-trained Registered Art Therapist, working with many clients who face mental health challenges, disability, and trauma.

Alana writes about her journey to becoming a Forest Therapy Guide:

From my youth and still to this day, I have always enjoyed spending time exploring nature, camping, visiting waterfalls, and taking countryside drives.

During the 2020 and 2021 Melbourne pandemic lockdowns, my daily walks in local parklands became my primary coping tool. Nature became my refuge. After grueling days confined indoors, in front of a screen and under artificial light, my senses would feel numbed, and I would feel understimulated, anxious, and restless. My time outdoors in nature supported me immensely. Nature reawakened my senses and provided the restoration I needed to persevere through stressful and uncertain times.

The peaceful stillness of nature offered me a sense of stability, calm, and hope.

At the end of the lockdowns, inspired to make a positive change after a difficult period and to pursue my strengthened love for nature's healing abilities, I began my course in Forest Therapy Guiding at the end of 2021 through INFTA. There, I deepened my relationship with nature and my local environment, gained insights into the research and practices of Forest Therapy, and honed my skills to facilitate positive, connecting nature experiences that support both individual and community health and mental well-being.

To learn more about Alana Stewart's work as a professional therapist

Please visit: www.finding-wellbeing.com/team/alana-stewart