Therapeutic Nature Experiences
Relax and reset in a natural setting with a licensed therapist
Reconnect with the quiet in your heart with a Therapeutic Nature Experience
The Truism Center is taking wellness to a new level. We are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for our community—an opportunity to reset and recalibrate in a beautiful nature setting, with the gentle guidance of a licensed therapist. Together you’ll make a custom agenda for the day, including as much or as little structure as feels right for you.
Whether you’re needing to process challenging events, plan your next year in a supported setting, or just unplug and soak in the beautiful setting, a therapeutic nature experience can be a beautiful and intentional way to care for your self.
What does a Therapeutic Nature Experience look like?
A Therapeutic Nature Experience is custom built for each person. Your experience could include:
- One-on-one time with a licensed therapist to set an agenda and theme for your day
- Free reflection on over 5 miles of beautiful trails
- Swimming or paddling on the lake
- Interaction with Mini Highland Cows, Mini Donkeys and Mini Horses
- Contemplation (or just a nap!) in a hammock
- Exploration of the Manistee Forest by foot or ORV
- No cell phone
- Chopping wood
- Mountain Biking on the White Pine Trail
- Snow Shoeing or Cross County Skiing
- A group therapy experience
- Or your favorite nature activity not listed here!
Therapeutic Nature Experiences start at $100 for a base package including 8 hours on the property. Speak with our team to learn more about pricing, and create your ideal experience!
A Therapeutic Nature Experience is great for...
- Creating more focus and direction in life
- Those who are struggling with screentime or overstimulation
- A healthy rest and relaxation day
- Getting away from the noise of the city
- Getting in touch with deeper aspects of yourself
- De-stressing and "downshifting" your nervous system
- Clearing your mind
- Expanding your perspective on your life
- Intentional or goal-focused retreat within a supportive container
Forest Bathing, and the Gift of Pattern Interrupt
The Japanese have a mental health practice called Forest Bathing, or Shirin-yoku, “absorbing the forest atmosphere.” Recent studies have shown it’s quite effective—spending quiet time in nature lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and allows your nervous system to return to baseline.
Traditional therapy can provide a wonderful and safe space to explore the issues you may be struggling with. However, its major limitation is time. You have an hour of therapy in the middle of your day, and after therapy you go right back into your normal life patterns.
Therapeutic Nature Experiences are designed to put you in a calming, spacious nature environment, where you have the therapeutic support and the time necessary to really slow down. You deserve to take the time to interrupt your patterns, reach a baseline, and decide where you want to go from there.
About Ilex Forest Retreat
Over 168 acres of land located in Bristol MI, Ilex Forest Retreat is a stunning wilderness gem. Just about an hour and a half north of Grand Rapids, the property includes a calm (and swimmable) private lake and access to the extensive Manistee National Forest.
Five miles of easy to navigate trails cross the property, allowing for peaceful walks among the poplars and pines. You may wish to greet the highland cows and donkeys as you pass their enclosure.
The property retains all of its rustic charm, while providing beautiful and clean modern facilities, including flush toilets and showers. Platform tents, a container home, or a camper van are available for those who wish to extend their stay overnight.
How To Book Your Therapeutic Nature Experience
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Simply click below to schedule a FREE consultation call.
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We’ll call at a time that suits you and learn more about you and your unique situation. From there we’ll connect you with our Ilex Retreat Team.
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Drive out and spend your day, your way!
