A Transformative Training Course
Nature Informed Therapy Training: Integrating Nature Into Your Clinical Practice
A live 3-day in-person program with a certification option
Nature Informed Therapy Training:
Transform Your Approach with
Nature's Wisdom
Envision a clinical practice that partners with the natural world to foster health and healing in humans. This program is designed to empower mental health professionals with the skills and knowledge to effectively integrate nature into therapy sessions, both indoors and outdoors. Whether you're seeking to enrich your existing clinical toolbox with nature-inspired tools or to fully align your practice with the more-than-human world, our nationwide community of nature-informed therapists is the perfect fit for you.
The journey to becoming a certified nature-informed therapist comprises two stages. The initial stage consists of a 3-day in-person training, followed by a 3-month online mentorship program that encompasses individual and small group consultations. Join us in embracing the healing power of nature and elevating your therapeutic practice to new heights.
Embark on a Journey to Certification
1. 3-Day In-Person Training: Immerse yourself in nature’s classroom. Learn to assess clients for Nature Informed Therapy, select therapeutic locations, and apply nature-based interventions. This foundational course is your first step towards certification.
2. 3-Month Online Mentorship Add-On: Deepen your expertise with individual and small group consultations. This essential component solidifies your skills, culminating in certification as a Nature Informed Therapist. Join our community, making a profound difference in mental health care.
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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Inclusive Learning: Engage in an environment that fosters personal growth and professional development, tailored to both mental health and non-mental health attendees.
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Community and Support: Join a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to leveraging nature for healing and growth.
Ready to Embrace Natuer's Potential?
Whether seeking certification or looking to integrate nature’s wisdom into your work, our training offers a unique blend of knowledge, practice, and community. Dive into a transformative experience that will enrich your professional path and personal journey.
Future Course Dates
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
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Uncover the Roots of Healing with Nature’s Guidance
Starts Jun 7
960 US dollarsLoading availability...
Nature Informed Therapy Certification Requirement
Starts Jun 9
640 US dollarsLoading availability...
Nature Informed Therapy Certification Requirement
Starts Sep 19
640 US dollarsLoading availability...
Lodging & Logistics 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
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY
“Hands down, the best, most inspiring, training I have attended in my 25 years as a social worker. I am, today, the very next day impactfully using the strategies and concepts that I learned in this training to help my clients. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
More Details
Envision a clinical practice that partners with the natural world to foster health and healing in humans. This program is designed to empower mental health professionals with the skills and knowledge to effectively integrate nature into therapy sessions, both indoors and outdoors. Whether you're seeking to enrich your existing clinical toolbox with nature-inspired tools or to fully align your practice with the more-than-human world, our nationwide community of Nature Informed Therapists is the perfect fit for you.
The journey to becoming a certified Nature Informed Therapist comprises two stages. The initial stage consists of a 3-day in-person training, followed by a 3-month online mentorship program that encompasses individual and small group consultations. Join us in embracing the healing power of nature and elevating your therapeutic practice to new heights.
About the 3-day In-person Training
In the 3-day in-person training program, participants will receive an overview of significant research findings and learn how to assess a client for Nature Informed Therapy. You will learn to choose appropriate locations for therapies like Outdoor Therapy Training, discover suitable therapeutic approaches, and master the practical elements of getting you and your clients into the natural world.
The 3-day in-person course is also an excellent opportunity for professionals outside the mental health field who utilize similar skills in their practice to audit and benefit from our Nature Informed Therapy training
Training highlights include:
1. Theoretical foundations: Gain an in-depth understanding of the principles and research underpinning nature-informed therapy, including the biophilia hypothesis, attention restoration theory, and stress reduction theory.
2. Assessment and intervention tools: Learn to assess clients' nature connectedness and design personalized, nature-based interventions tailored to their specific needs and goals.
3. Practical exercises: Discover an array of therapeutic activities and exercises that can be adapted for individual, group, or family therapy settings, such as forest bathing, mindfulness in nature, and eco-art therapy.
4. Case studies: Explore real-life examples of successful nature-informed interventions, illustrating how clinicians have effectively integrated nature into their practice to promote mental health and well-being.
5. Ethical considerations: Understand the ethical implications of nature-informed therapy and how to navigate the unique challenges that may arise when working with clients in natural settings.
Participants will receive a Starter Kit to launch their own Nature Informed Therapy practice. The kit will include:
- Informed consent for NIT
- Sample Outdoor Waiver
- Intake Form that includes ecological assessments
- Important gear list
- Safety checklist
- Sample statement/reading that speaks to ethical land use and acknowledges decolonization efforts
- Code of Outdoor Therapy Ethics
Training Outcomes
By the end of the Nature Informed Therapy Training three-day intensive, participants will be able to:
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Summarize current research in the field of Nature Informed mental health
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Assess specific populations, diagnoses, and treatment goals (loneliness, grief, etc.) that are well suited for nature informed therapy
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Assess client's fit for nature informed therapy, including understanding how a client's nature autobiography and genealogy influence their relationship to nature
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Evaluate appropriate locations for nature informed therapy and how to prepare for sessions, including safety considerations, appropriate gear, etc.
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Administer an Ecological History Assessment and Ecological Wellness Evaluation for a new or existing client
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Apply suitable nature informed therapeutic approaches and interventions based on a client's treatment goals
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Perform an effective risk assessment of environment during therapies set in outdoors like Wilderness therapy training
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Integrate ethical and legal considerations specific to nature informed work into the practice of nature informed therapy
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Apply activities that use metaphor, ritual, and ceremony
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Describe how considerations of race, culture, ethnicity and gender influence a client's relationship to nature and how a therapist uses this understanding to inform appropriate nature informed therapy interventions
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Describe how Attachment Theory & Inter(personal) Neurobiology are ways of calming the nervous system and encouraging nature bonding
About the 3-month Online Mentorship
The three-month online component includes monthly one-on-one consultation meetings with a mentor, as well as monthly small group meeting to discuss Nature Informed practice and application of training content and goals.
To become a certified Nature Informed Therapist*, students must attend the 3-day live course and the 3-month online mentoring program. Certification is provided by the Center for Nature Informed Therapy and includes membership in our nationwide directory of Nature Informed Therapists.
*Please note that you are required to attend all arranged individual and group meetings offered during the online segment of the certification. If you are unable to attend the scheduled small group meetings, you are responsible to arrange for an additional consultation meeting with one of our consultants and pay the extra consultation fee of $80. If an individual consultation is canceled within 48 hours or is a no-show, there is a $60 cancellation fee.
Program Instructors
Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan
Ph.D., LCPC, ACS
Gina Strauss
LCPC
Zoe Jack
LCSW-C
CE Details
Center for Nature Informed Therapy has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing
Education Provider, ACEP No. 7473. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly
identified. Center for Nature Informed Therapy is solely responsible for all aspects of the
programs. Nature Informed Therapy Training Level I: Integrating Nature into Your Clinical Practice Live 3-Day Program will earn 19.5 NBCC credit hours.
Nature Informed Therapy Training: Integrating Nature into Your Clinical Practice, is currently PENDING APPROVAL by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for continuing education credit.
The Center for Nature Informed Therapy is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.
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
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.