Global Institute of Forest Therapy (GIFT)

The Global Institute of Forest Therapy (GIFT) is a Canadian training, research, and community engagement organization for nature connection and Forest Therapy with the goal of connecting people more deeply to nature and nature to people. The primary body of research that explores the health and community benefits of forest therapy exists in Japan, and GIFT is endeavouring to replicate and collaborate to create new research, discussing the applications and impacts of nature connection on human health. Lakehead University's  Faculty of Natural Resources Management, Department of Geography, Faculty of Education, EcoSuperior, Canadian Mental Health Association, and Crime Prevention Thunder Bay are partnering to host this event with hopes that GIFT can benefit Our Creative Mind through Forest Therapy in Thunder Bay.

 

Speaker Ben Porchuk co-founded GIFT after experience as a restoration ecologist, and work with Indigenous communities in Southern Ontario. Ben co-wrote and instructed the course, “Restoration Ecology,” at the University of Guelph.

 

Speaker Dr. Romola Porchuk holds a doctorate in clinical and organizational psychology, and a Master’s degree in educational psychology. She has practiced in the field since 1993 working as a clinician, consultant, and adjunct professor at Western University in the areas of anxiety and depression, trauma, eating disorders, addiction, sexuality, family and marriage/partnership, custody, mediation, and cultural repair. Forest therapy combines her many skills and background.