NatureMinded Consulting was founded in 2016 in Merelbeke, Belgium, as a research and consultancy initiative aimed at raising awareness of nature’s positive effects on well-being — at home, in public spaces, and in the workplace.

Today, NatureMinded is run by me, Katriina Kilpi. With occasional collaboration from like-minded professionals, I coordinate applied research, training in Forest Mind method, and tailored solutions that highlight nature’s benefits. My approach is interdisciplinary, evidence-based, and trauma-informed.

Over the years, my own connection with nature has deepened. This shift has reshaped my work: rather than just connecting people with nature, I now focus on creating experiences where people can connect more deeply with themselves, supported by nature.

Forest bathing principles are central to my work. There is growing evidence for the power of mindful presence in nature — especially when shared in gentle company and guided with care. These practices help people slow down, reconnect, and come home to themselves.

The true magic of forest bathing lies in its ability to connect: to the forest, to others, and to ourselves. And in that connection, something vital is restored. Peace of mind. A sense of belonging. And the capacity to live in harmony with life around us — human and more-than-human alike.

My Background

I hold a background in environmental and social sciences, with qualitative research experience from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM) and VUB-SMIT. Alongside running NatureMinded, I’ve worked at BOS+, coordinating international projects on nature, health, and connection. You can check out my academic publications here.

I’m a thesis away from completing a degree in Applied Environmental Psychology: Outdoor Environments for Health and Wellbeing at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).

Since 2018, I’ve co-organized the International Forest Therapy Days (IFTDays), bringing together scientists, practitioners, and nature lovers to explore forest-based wellbeing practices.

I’m a certified Forest Mind instructor and trainer, with over 30 instructors trained in Belgium and Portugal. I also create and deliver Forest Mind and forest bathing programs for individuals and groups.

After completing my teacher training and certification in 2025, I began offering the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs. This training — rooted in presence, awareness, and compassion — is deeply aligned with my work in nature-based wellbeing.

My trauma-informed approach is grounded in training from:

• The Embody Lab (Integrated Somatic Trauma Therapy, 2022)

• David Treleaven’s Trauma-Informed Mindfulness program (2022)

• Finnish Association for Trauma and Dissociation (peer mentor training, 2023, and mentoring peer support groups till present)

Additionally, I am trained as a Metsämörri (Skogsmulle) nature educator and certified nature guide (Natuurpunt CVN), and I’ve developed nature education materials for children through my work with BOS+. I’m also a member of Green Care Finland, supporting the integration of nature- and animal-assisted interventions in wellbeing and health services.