“The real healing happens outside”
Susan Joachim is the President and Founding Member of the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) and her purpose in life is to promote public health through the preventive health practice of Nature and Forest Therapy.
Her career stretches from project management work for US Aid in the rural areas of Sri Lanka, where she witnessed the simple life amongst nature, to the white four walls of Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. She was deeply struck by the contrast of her personal experiences hiking in comparison to the confined indoor nature of counselling. The discovery of “Shrinin-yoku” inspired her to travel to the epicentre of research in Japan, to learn from the experts and bridge the gap back to Australia.
In our conversations Susan describes the key elements of a typical “Shrinin-yoku” session, how her clients seek relief from loneliness, loss, grief, health or relationship challenges and ongoing trauma inflicted by the pandemic, and her desire to replicate research from Japan in Australia.
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Our guest
Susan Joachim is the President and Founding Member of the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA). She is an Associate of the International Association of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (London/UK). She also is a Founding Member of INFTA Germany.
Susan describes herself as “a people-person, starting my career driving human resources potential in donor-assistance programs worldwide”.
Since migrating to Australia from Sri Lanka, Susan continues to thrive in environments that put people in the forefront of their mission. She believes there is nothing more rewarding than being part of a team of dedicated people doing awesome things for the greater good.
Susan’s mission as the President of the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) is promoting public health through the preventive health practice of Nature and Forest Therapy.
Her specialties include: Human Resources Planning and Management, Project and Program Management, Fundraising, Social Entrepreneurship, Environmental Stewardship, Forest Therapy, Coaching, Counseling and Mentoring.
