Deep Rest in Nature: The Art of Forest Bathing
Dr David Roland, a certified Forest Bathing guide and clinical psychologist, is the author of
The Power of Suffering and How I Rescued My Brain. He will discuss the science of forest
bathing and its application in a northern NSW clinical trial for climate-related trauma. The
trial combines nature connection with compassion-focused strategies delivered in a group
format. He will offer an experiential exercise to illustrate the nature-based compassion-
focussed approach within the session. The effectiveness of this nature-based approach is also
being compared to an arts-based compassion program and these protocols will be shared with
affected communities and trained individuals to implement them in the future.
Dr David Roland
he/him
Psychologist & Forest Bathing Guide
Dr David Roland is a psychologist, forest bathing guide, and writer. He earned his BSc (Hons) from the University of Sydney and his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Wollongong. For over twenty years, he worked as a clinical and forensic psychologist, treating and assessing clients for the Children’s Court Clinic and the Criminal Court. He holds an adjunct lecturer position at Southern Cross University and is a founding member of Compassionate Mind Australia. He served as an advisor for the Young Stroke Project with the National Stroke Foundation.
David leads the nature-based compassion-focused intervention for the Healing Climate-Related Trauma clinical trial at Southern Cross University. As a certified forest bathing guide, he facilitates connections with nature for well-being. He is the consultant psychologist for Renal Services NNSWLHD and author of three books: The Confident Performer, How I Rescued My Brain, and The Power of Suffering: Growing through life crises. He has contributed to various publications and electronic media.
David lives on the lands of the Bundjalung nation.