Shirley Gleeson

Shirley Gleeson FTI Programme & Research Coordinator, Senior Trainer & Mentor Shirley Gleeson is a nature and well-being Consultant and the founder of Ecowellness Consulting Limited, formerly known as Nature, Health & Wellbeing Ireland. She lives in Dublin. Shirley holds master’s degrees in both health promotion and social work and has over twenty years experience working in the areas of health and social care in the public and private sector. She designs nature based interventions to improve and enhance people's health and well-being and facilitates nature-based training for mental health professionals. She was the first Certified Forest Therapy Guide in Europe, after completing her training in the U.S with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT) in 2014. She was a mentor and trainer with the ANFT and has mentored guides from all over the world. Shirley has extensive postgraduate training in ecotherapy, expressive arts therapy, counselling, stress management, dialectical behavioral therapy skills, behavioral family therapy and therapeutic use of mindfulness. She has presented her forest therapy research and practice at international conferences in Ireland, Greece, Switzerland, the UK and Austria and recently addressed the United Nations in Geneva on the topic of forests and human health. Shirley trained as a nature guide with Eco Training in South Africa and has completed an internship with the South African National Parks. She has a deep love and respect for nature, especially trees.

Upcoming Programs by Shirley Gleeson

“Menla is an oasis of tranquility amidst vast natural forest preserves… The area holds a very special aura and energy which you can’t help but be affected by…”

CJ Dellatore, Relevant Design

“This was hands down the best spiritual retreat experience I’ve had since I left my teacher’s ashram. Omega, Kripalu, Esalen don’t compare to the lovely energy happening at Menla. The small, intimate facilities allow them to make delicious food, very sattvic & each meal feels restoring to vitality. The staff is very kind and helpful. Everyone we met seemed to have a fullness of heart and a strong dedication to be of service to the place & the guests. The environs are gorgeous! The hiking trails are well marked. I could spend 100 days here & never wish for the outside world. I cannot recommend this place more.”

Aimee S.

“Really enjoyed my time at Menla. It’s amazingly peaceful and quiet, the people are incredibly nice and approachable, the humility of the Dalai Lama permeates throughout the place. The accommodations are nice and the food is great.”

Scott Parry

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