Professional Presentations 

Recent Professional Presentations

Hinton, J. (Presenter & Author) and Singleton, D. F. (Presenter & Author), "Using Nature as Therapy in RT Settings", Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium, Greenville, SC. (March 28, 2025).

Description: In this session, the presenters will describe ways to create (3.02) and deliver (4.01) programming involving nature to improve emotional and physiological responses to common RT client symptomatology including stress, anxiety, and trauma. Not only will different sensory elements of the nature experience be discussed (sound, scent, visual, touch), but ways to determine “dosing” of exposure to natural elements. Participants will also gain an understanding of the training that leads to nature and forest therapy guide certification.

Objective 1 - Upon completion of this session, the participant will be able to:  describe the emotional and physiological effects of nature exposure.
Objective 2 - Upon completion of this session, the participant will be able to: determine which elements of nature may be incorporated with their client population.
Objective 3 - Upon completion of this session, the participant will be able to:  explain the elements and benefits of nature and forest therapy guide certification. 

Singleton, D.F. (Presenter & Author), "Forest Bathing: The Science of Using Nature as Therapy", Life@WCU, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC. (February 5, 2025).

Description: What if I told you that 17 minutes spent outside each day or caring for an indoor plant could positively impact your overall well-being. These simple activities are rooted in the research exploring the connection between nature and our overall physiological, psychological, mental, cognitive, social, and environmental well-being. Integrating the practice of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) can help you manage stress, increase cognitive fuel, be more engaged, make connections with others, and deepen your understanding of your relationship to the natural world. The presentation will include stories and activities highlighting the research of nature relationships and lead participants through a sample guided forest bathing experience.

Singleton, D.F. (Presenter & Author) Summer Institute for Teaching & Learning 2024, “Beyond S’mores: Using Nature to Ignite Imagination, Connection, & Well-Being” Coulter Faculty Commons, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC. (May 16, 2024). [Peer-Reviewed]

Description: Watching clouds float through the sky. Creating eco-art from natural objects. Listening for sounds nearby and far away. Identifying fractals in natural spaces. Breathing in the deep smells of the forest. Enjoying the taste of forest tea. Sounds amazing right? Each of these activities have been part of the courses I have taught at WCU.  They are rooted in the research exploring the connection between time in nature and our overall physiological, psychological, mental, cognitive, social, and environmental well-being. Integrating the practice of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) helped students (and myself) manage stress, increase cognitive fuel, be more engaged, make connections with each other, and deepen their understanding of their relationship to the natural world. Join me to explore how nature can assist you in igniting your creativity, connections, and well-being, both personally, professionally, and with your students. The session will include stories and activities highlighting the research of nature relationships and a guided forest bathing experience. And like a s’more, it will be a perfect blend of simple elements, that spark our connections.

Singleton, D.F. (Presenter & Author) and Singleton, S.D. (Presenter & Author) Adventure Education Conference 2023, "What am I going to do with my life?", Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC. (November 17, 2023). [Peer-Reviewed].

Description: What am I going to do with my life? How do you “live the dream”? Work in a field that is your passion? Like any journey or expedition, the preparation and planning stages can either make or break your experience. The same can be said with job searching, landing on your dream career path, and managing the fear of the unknown in the professional world. This workshop will help you explore your unique value which can be the foundation for your job search path, your resume, navigating job applications, interviewing, and more.

Singleton, D. F. (Presenter & Author) and Singleton, S.D. (Presenter only) Annual Adventure Education and International Association of Experiential Education Conference 2022, "Nature as a Wellness Practice",  Blue Ridge Asssembly, Black Mountain, NC. [Peer-Reviewed]

Description: What if I told you that 17 minutes spent outside each day could benefit your overall well-being? The workshop will introduce participants to the physiological benefits of time spent in nature. It will also help participants reframe the common perspective on nature from identification to one of relationships. Participants will be guided through an introduction to forest bathing invitations, art in nature activities, and leave with practical ways to implement these into their personal and professional practice. This is an outdoors session.

Singleton, D. F. (Presenter & Author) Student Professional Issues Forum 2022, "The Contribution of Time Spent in Nature as a Positive Health and Wellness Modality," North Carolina Recreational Therapy Association, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC. (February 26, 2022). [Peer-Reviewed]
Description: The natural environment, how does it impact our overall health and well-being? Current research in the field of nature-based wellness supports the positive connection that time spent in nature has on our perception of stress, our mental state, our immunity, our happiness, and our resiliency. These states are all chemically influenced by the nervous system and its response to the natural environment. This session will provide an overview of the foundational knowledge and practical activities that can be used to implement nature-based modalities to enhance personal health and be used in a professional setting.

Singleton, D. F. (Presenter & Author), NCRPA 2021: Necessary by Nature, "Finding Creativity, Joy, and Flow," NCRPA, Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem, NC. (October 25, 2021). [Not Peer- Reviewed]
Description: Did you doodle as a kid? Have you ever said, “I can’t draw” or “I wish I had more time to be creative”? Has the past year been stressful? Do you want more “joy”? Then this creative session is for you. No art experience necessary.

Singleton, D. F. (Presenter & Author), Bryan, M. (Presenter Only), NCRPA 2021: Necessary by Nature, "Nature as a Wellness Practice," NCRPA, Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem, NC. (October 26, 2021). [Not Peer-Reviewed]
Description: What if I told you that 20 minutes spent outside each day could benefit your overall well being? Or that incorporating nature into your home and workspace could reduce stress and increase joy. Experience the benefits and importance of nature through guided activities. This workshop will require walking to green spaces near the convention center.