Can trees ease grief?

This research was a novel intervention that saw bereaved adults participating in a Forest Therapy Group over a period of six weeks, each having been bereaved of a parent in the 18 months prior. Participants, ten in total, were invited to attend weekly group sessions of 2.5 hours duration, during Autumn 2023 and reflect on their experience in a semi-structured interview after the intervention.
The project was devised by the researcher, a psychotherapist specialising in grief and loss. I explored the potential benefits of using Forest Therapy as a support for the grieving process, during what is often a vulnerable and emotionally charged time for bereaved people.

Reflexive thematic analysis generated a number of themes that have not been fully explored in the literature. Themes such as precipitation of the grieving process, acceptance of death as part of the natural cycle of life, facilitation of a meaning-making process, the grieving process can be supported by being in nature and improved health markers in both physical and psychological health.
The findings of this research corroborate much of the evidence around social prescribing, therapeutic landscapes, forest bathing and other nature-based activities, as being salutogenic. There is however a dearth of literature that explores the health benefits of Forest Therapy for grieving individuals. This research addressed this gap and produced interesting results.