John Stoddard Cancer Center - Cancer Patient & Survivor Self-Care Retreat

Explore the natural healing path of Shinrin-yoku or Japanese forest bathing with Brandy Case Haub, a certified forest therapy guide, along with art therapy facilitated by Sam Erwin, MS, MA, ATR, art therapist and spiritual director, in this immersive one-day retreat. The day will also include time for Tai Chi, yoga, stretching, music, journaling, conversation on self-care and reflection time. This event is free to cancer patients and survivors. Lunch and snacks are provided. We want all attendees to be able to participate to the best of their ability. Please tell us how we can accommodate you.

Space is limited!

Contact Gina Mandernach at 515-241-8505 with questions. Please register by Monday, September 16.

About Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku):

Forest therapy, inspired by Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese philosophy of "forest bathing," boosts immunity, lowers blood pressure and stress hormones, prevents and relieves stress and anxiety, and increases cognitive functioning. Guided forest bathing walks are appropriate for all ages and abilities: less than a ½ mile is covered on each walk. Guides use techniques to support participants in entering a state of embodied awareness, moving through a series of “invitations” to support participants in tuning into each of their senses, allowing participants to move into a liminal space, and experience resulting wellness benefits.

About Art Therapy:

Art Therapy, facilitated by a master-level clinician, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change. ~By the American Art Therapy Association.

About the Instructors:

Brandy Case Haub, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, is the owner of Intertwined: Nature + Forest Therapy. Brandy received her training and certification through the Association of Nature + Forest Therapy and has been guiding nature therapy experiences in central Iowa since 2019. Brandy’s passion is bringing nature into culture by supporting individuals in rediscovering the restorative and curative effects of time spent in the natural world. Brandy was deeply honored to travel to Japan in the fall of 2023 to experience Shinrin-yoku in the forests where the practice originated 40 years ago! Intertwined serves groups, individuals and organizations in central Iowa offering guided forest bathing experiences. 

Sam Erwin, MS, MA, ATR, is an art therapist and spiritual director. She is invited to classrooms, conferences, retreats and small groups as a speaker and facilitator. She presently is contracted with Broadlawns, Iowa Lutheran Hospital and Stoddard Cancer Center for inpatient, outpatient and substance abuse art therapy.

and Spirit Art Move.