CC Symbosbury estate
Our background
Claire Fender and Sarah Eaby are trained therapists and Forest guides excited to bring
Forest bathing to West Dorset.
Claire is a highly experienced Play and Creative Art Therapist, Health Visitor, Parenting
Practitioner and former Paediatric nurse. She has over 40 years of experience working with
children and families, believing passionately in improving mental health outcomes for
children. She now works as a Play Therapist and family support worker for families and children following bereavement. She has seen the very real impact that nature can have on mental health and healing. Through mindful immersion in nature, she's personally discovered peace, rejuvenation, and a renewed sense of balance and would love to share this with others.
Sarah is a highly experienced Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor with many years experience of
working with children, young people and adults. She has a passion for supporting bereaved
people and is keen to introduce the healing benefits of nature into her practice. She's also worked as a parent and family practitioner and a specialist support worker within the Traveller community. Sarah has lived all her life in West Dorset, grew up on a farm, and has always felt a connection with the natural world. She wholeheartedly believes that the best cure for most things is being immersed in nature and allowing the self to "just be" as opposed to "doing".
Both guides draw on their background and experiences, to guide others to find solace
and strength through Forest bathing, helping to connect with nature and discover its
profound benefits for well-being.
Anam Cara, meaning "soul friend" in Gaelic, is a concept deeply rooted in the Celtic tradition. Traditionally in the early Celtic church, an anam cara was someone with whom you could share your deepest, most hidden intimacies, reflecting the belief that our feelings towards our friends mirror our feelings towards ourselves. This concept posits that the soul is not caged but is a divine light shared in these friendships, enabling deep spiritual connection to ourselves and others.
​To remain in rhythm with our inner Anam Cara, we must connect with nature. Nature nourishes us, allowing us to reconnect with our deepest affects, bestowing a sense of intimacy and belonging.
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We have chosen "Anam Cara" as the name for our forest bathing guided walks because it encapsulates the essence of the Japanese art of shinrin-yoku. This practice of immersing oneself in nature to promote physical and mental well-being aligns perfectly with the Celtic idea of a soul friend guiding us towards our true selves, fostering a deep connection with both nature and our inner being.
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CC Symbosbury estate
Our aim
Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often forget to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Our guided walks provide a chance to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate souls. Though not therapy sessions, our expertise allows us to help you overcome any barriers to immersing in the natural world, inspiring you to follow your instincts. With ancient wisdom and intuition as our guide, we'll lead you to the heart of nature, where you can rediscover the bliss of slowing down and aligning with its restorative energies.
