Meet Sophia Pengra
Ecopsychologist & Forest Therapy Guide
Sophia is an outdoor enthusiast, who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Sustainability. She has worked in the fields of Environmental Management, Environmental Education, and Outdoor Recreation.
​
Looking for a deeper way to connect with nature, she attended Forest Therapy Guide training through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy in 2017. She then went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Transpersonal Ecopsychology from Naropa University in 2019.
​
Sophia has studied under Spiritual Ecologist John P. Milton since 2016, completing a Sacred Passage solo wilderness program in 2017. She currently serves on the board of his non-profit, Way of Nature Foundation, which is focused on ecological sustainability and a long-term goal of protecting sacred land.
Through my own experience, I have recognized one of the primary causes of human suffering is a feeling of separation. Whether that is a sense of separation from the natural (or more-than-human) world, from other humans, or from one’s true self, it can lead to great loneliness and despair.
I believe it is our birthright to ‘come home again’ and rediscover the self that belongs to the much larger circle of life around us. My sincere hope is that I can help provide space for others to recognize and embrace this universal truth, which leads to feelings of connection, belonging, and unconditional love.
Why Nature?
A growing body of evidence supports spending time in nature can help
Boost Mood
Increase self-esteem and positive feelings. Reduce feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and anger.
Increase Focus
Recover from mental fatigue, restore attention, and boost concentration. Lessen symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder.
Spark Creativity
Support prefrontal cortex recovery and cognitive development. Increase ability to think clearly and problem solve.
Reduce Stress
Promote calm and reduce nervous system arousal. Lower blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormone levels.
Strengthen Immune System
Increase parasympathetic activity, enter into "rest and digest" mode, and devote more resources to the immune system. Shorten healing time and lower pain. Increase Natural Killer (NK) white blood cells which destroy tumor- and virus-infected cells.
Improve Sleep
Expose the body to natural light, reset circadian rhythm, shift melatonin production, and improve sleep quality.
Testimonials
Guided Walks for Connection
Reconnect with inner and outer nature through guided Forest Therapy or Nature Connection walks inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, also known as "Forest Bathing."
Connect With Me
Contact Information
Phone
Location
407-252-2897
Orlando, FL & surrounding areas
