Expand Your Professional Tool Kit with Nature Informed Therapy (NIT) Training for Non-Mental Health Professionals
Introduction:
Welcome to our specialized training for non-mental health professionals, a dynamic and innovative approach transcending the traditional boundaries of mental health practices. While our training is deeply rooted in enhancing therapeutic skills, it designed to incorporate the transformative principles of Nature Informed Therapy (NIT) into a wide range of professional practices. This unique program extends the benefits of NIT beyond traditional therapeutic settings, offering valuable skills for educators, landscape architects, healthcare providers, corporate wellness coordinators, community leaders, and more. Our training empowers participants with effective tools for promoting well-being, enhancing personal growth, and fostering a deeper connection with nature. As part of our commitment to comprehensive education, we require completion of Mental Health First Aid training, ensuring participants are well-equipped to support mental wellness in their respective fields.
Who Should Attend
NIT training is beneficial not just for mental health professionals but also for individuals across various other fields, including:
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Educators and School Staff: Teachers, School Counselors, Special Education Professionals, and Administrators. Enhances the ability to incorporate nature in educational settings, offering new ways to engage and support student learning and well-being.
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Healthcare Providers: Nurses, Physicians, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists. Provides tools for integrating nature into patient care, enhancing therapeutic environments, and promoting holistic healing approaches.
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Outdoor Professionals: Park Rangers, Environmental Educators, Wildlife Guides, Adventure Guides, Camp Directors. Deepens understanding of nature's psychological benefits, enriching guided experiences and educational programs for clients.
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Corporate Professionals: Human Resources Personnel, Wellness Coordinators, Employee Assistance Program Managers. Offers strategies for implementing nature-based wellness initiatives, boosting employee well-being and productivity.
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Non-Profit Sector Professionals: Community Outreach Coordinators, Program Directors, Volunteer Managers. Equips with innovative approaches for community engagement and program development centered around nature.
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Landscape Architects and Urban Planners: Professionals involved in designing parks, green spaces, and community gardens. Insights into creating spaces that promote mental well-being, enhancing community health through design
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Public Service and Community Workers: Police Officers, Firefighters, and Community Service Officers. Provides stress reduction techniques and promotes a deeper connection with nature, enhancing community interactions and personal well-being.
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Wellness Coaches and Life Coaches: Professionals guiding individuals in personal development and wellness. Incorporates nature into coaching practices, offering clients new pathways for personal growth and stress management.
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Fitness Trainers and Yoga Instructors: Professionals incorporating nature into physical wellness programs. Integrates nature into fitness and yoga practices, enhancing the holistic well-being of clients.
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Spiritual and Religious Leaders: Incorporating nature into spiritual guidance and community leadership. Explores ways to incorporate nature into spiritual practices and community leadership for deeper connection and mindfulness.
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Volunteers in Community and Environmental Programs: Individuals involved in nature conservation, community gardening, and other environmental initiatives. Enhances effectiveness in environmental initiatives and community programs through nature-informed strategies.
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Parenting Experts and Childcare Providers: Learning nature-based strategies for child development and parenting. Offers nature-based methods for child development and parenting, fostering healthy growth and connection with nature.
Training Highlights
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Comprehensive Curriculum: From biophilia to practical nature-based exercises, our training covers theoretical foundations and hands-on skills.
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Community and Support: Join a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to leveraging nature for healing and growth.
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Practical Skills: Hands-on experiences with nature-based activities that can be integrated into various professional settings.
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Theoretical Insights: An overview of the science behind nature's impact on human psychology and group dynamics.
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Interdisciplinary Approach: Techniques from nature-informed therapy adapted for non-clinical settings to foster well-being and motivation.
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Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and build a community focused on innovative approaches to well-being.
Prerequisite for Participation
To ensure all participants, especially non-mental health professionals, are well-prepared and informed about basic mental health concepts, our training requires completion of a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course prior to attending. This prerequisite enriches the training experience, grounding you in essential mental health knowledge. If you've already completed MHFA training, please provide your certification. If not, we recommend exploring local or online options, including our 60-minute course available on our website. Assistance in finding a MHFA course is available upon request.
Tailored Experience
To ensure all participants, especially non-mental health professionals, are well-prepared and informed about basic mental health concepts, our training requires completion of a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course prior to attending. This prerequisite enriches the training experience, grounding you in essential mental health knowledge. If you've already completed MHFA training, please provide your certification. If not, we recommend exploring local or online options, including our 60-minute course available on our website. Assistance in finding a MHFA course is available upon request.
Program Schedule
Semester | Course Date | Location | Early Bird Deadline | Availability | Early Bird Code | Training Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 Summer | 06/07/2024 | Towson, MD | 04/01/2024 | Full | EBSU24 | Urban Campus |
2024 Fall | 09/17/2024 | Monkton, MD | 07/01/2024 | Limited | EBFA24 | Nature Camp |
2525 Spring | 03/11/2025 | Monkton, MD | 01/10/2025 | Good | EBSP25 | Nature Camp |
2525 Fall | 09/09/2025 | Monkton, MD | 07/08/2025 | Good | EBFA25 | Nature Camp |
Register Early to Get
15% Early Bird Discount!
"EBFA24" for Fall 2024
and, ask about our
Interest-Free Payment Plan
Lodging & Logistic Options for Out-of-Towners
Starts Sep 16
100 US dollarsStarts Jun 8
From 15 US dollarsStarts Sep 17
60 US dollarsStarts Sep 16
90 US dollarsStarts Sep 16
Starts Jun 7
50 US dollarsStarts Jun 6
75 US dollarsStarts Jun 6
Starts Jun 6
40 US dollarsStarts Sep 16
40 US dollars
Lodging Options for Summer 2024 Out-of-town Participants
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Hotel Accommodations: There are several hotels in the area including two nearby hotels within walking distance:
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Sheraton Baltimore North: Located at 903 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, MD 21204, this hotel provides easy access to the training venue.
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Express Inn: Situated at 16 Dunvale Rd, Towson, MD 21204, offering a budget-friendly option close to the training location.
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In-Office Camping: For a unique experience, we offer the option to sleep in our counseling office on a camping cot for $25 per night. Amenities include an onsite bathroom, shower, microwave, and coffee. - Limited Spots
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Backyard Camping: Enjoy free camping in the instructor’s backyard, with the convenience of commuting together to the training. For those without their gear, we offer a camp gear rental package for $40. - Limited Spots
Program Instructors
Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan
Ph.D., LCPC, ACS
Gina Strauss
LCPC
Zoe Jack
LCSW-C
Testimonials:
"The NIT training was a great experience and very rewarding and informative. It has been instrumental in refocusing my professional practice and approach to design."
Jack Lenord
Landscape Architect
"I initially had reservations as a non-mental health professional about the training's relevance to my role in the non-profit outdoor world. While some presentations seemed geared toward therapists, the content proved universally applicable, especially for those interested in volunteering with nature-based programs. The inclusive environment, coupled with small group interactions, enriched my experience. The training resonated with my leadership background in for-profit companies and aligned with my volunteer work in youth mountain biking. The blend of scholarly insights and immersive activities struck a balance, making the training valuable for various professions or programs focused on well-being. I appreciate the emphasis on therapeutic approaches beyond formal therapy, fostering connections with nature for positive mental health impacts."
Cathy Bucheri
Nonprofit Excecutive
Harness the Power of Nature in Your Career
Explore how Nature-Informed Therapy Training can revolutionize your professional and personal journey, no matter your field. Join us to unlock a world of transformative skills and insights.
Interest Free Payment Plan
We offer an interest-free payment plan. You have an option to request to pay the tuition in 3 separate payments without any fee or interest. Just email us your request with the course date that you intend to attend. We will register you manually and send you 3 separate invoices with the due dates one month apart.
Training Gallery
NIT Fall 2022 participants
Nature Informed Therapy training one on one practice
NIT Fall 2022 participants
Mental Health First Aid
Cancellation Policy:
Our event tuition (less the deposit) is fully refundable prior to 90 days before the three-day intensive start date. After this, 50% refunds are available until 45 days before the start of the training program. Due to the policies of our location partners, tuition is non-refundable after that 45-day mark.