The Forest Studio
Welcome to
The Forest Studio
Nature-Based Mindfulness Counselling, Psychosynthesis Coaching &
Contemplative Arts Courses for Women
Rachel Schmidt BSW, PLC
Hello, I'm Rachel. I use the nature based mindfulness, psychosynthesis, and contemplative arts to help women heal by shifting their awareness into self reflection and mindfulness so they can express and integrate parts of self, and live the life that is calling them. Because a calm and clear mind creates a deeply happy body and soul.
Being in connection with the forests, mountains, oceans, stars and everything wild is the best medicine for our growth and well-being. The natural world is where we find beauty, discover new parts of ourselves, and uncover creative solutions to long-standing problems.
Many of the women I work with have an urge to be free. A vision of a life at the edge of their consciousness trying to emerge. A desire to live another story, a new version of self wanting to explore the world. If you feel this too then something is trying to get your attention. Are you listening, can you open space to allow these parts to come forward, to be in relationship with them? I would be honoured to help you do this work.
My studio is located in a forest in British Columbia, Canada surrounded by 150-year-old trees. A place where you can leave the busyness and stress of the world behind - and be supported to reconnect to self and the natural world around you. If you are craving solitude and introspection, and wanting to learn and grow, shift patterns and find meaning on a daily basis then you have landed in the right place. Virtual sessions are now available with nature based mindfulness being an important part of the work.
My background includes a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Victoria along with over 30 years of counselling and teaching experience. I'm also certified in a trauma-informed, depth psychology coaching approach called Psychosynthesis from the Synthesis Centre in San Francisco. I have blended these healing modalities with my experience and passion for contemplative arts.
More Ways to Work With Me
Nature-Based Mindfulness
Do you dream about slowing down, emptying your mind and completely regenerating your strength? Being in connection with the forests, oceans, stars, and everything wild is the best medicine for our well-being, happiness, and spiritual growth. Nature Based Mindfulness can help you deepen your connection and spiritual practice with the natural world, and fall in love with the beauty of nature. This work will help reawaken a vivid sense of interconnection within yourself and the world around you. A natural remedy to build resiliency, and strengthen mental health and wellness. Virtual or outdoor sessions available.
%20(Poster%20(Portrait)).jpg)
“Heal yourself with the light of the sun and the rays of the moon. With the sound of the river and the waterfall. With the swaying of the sea and the fluttering of birds. Heal yourself with mint, neem, and eucalyptus. Sweeten with lavender, rosemary, and chamomile. Hug yourself with the cocoa bean and a hint of cinnamon. Put love in tea instead of sugar and drink it looking at the stars. Heal yourself with the kisses that the wind gives you and the hugs of the rain. Stand strong with your bare feet on the ground and with everything that comes from it. Be smarter every day by listening to your intuition, looking at the world with your forehead. Jump, dance, sing, so that you live happier. Heal yourself, with beautiful love, and always remember ... you are the medicine.”
~María Sabina
Mexican healer and poet
What Women are Saying
"Rachel's soulful and compassionate approach helped me find my way through a confusing and challenging time. I gained new perspectives about the different parts of myself, and techniques to manage difficult emotions. I really appreciated her knowledge about mindfulness, and her focus on the healing elements found in nature."
Sarah, 28
"I love Rachel's contemplative arts courses. I found so much richness exploring what was wanting creative expression through me, and the focus on beauty and form in the natural world created a deep sense of inner calm in my mind and body. In this complex world, Rachel's courses offered me a doorway back to cultivating a more peaceful and meaningful life."
).jpg)