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
About Nature Informed Therapy Certification Training
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.
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 three virtual, one-on-one meetings with a mentor for consultation purposes, once per month. Plus three virtual meetings with a small group to discuss Nature Informed practice during various Ecotherapy Trainings and application of content and goals, once per month. The online piece will also consist of training videos, select reading materials, and consequent assignments.
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.
Future Course Dates
Semester | Course Date | Location | Early Bird Deadline | Availability | Early Bird Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 Spring | 04/11/2023 | Monkton, MD | 02/01/2023 | Full | N/A |
2023 Fall | 11/13/2023 | Monkton, MD | 09/01/2023 | Good | EBF23 |
2024 Spring | 04/09/2024 | Monkton, MD | 02/01/2024 | Good | EBS24 |
Lodging Options for Out-of-Towners
Cabin
On-site cabin with heating and cooling. Each room sleeps up to 4. You will need your own sleeping bag. You can stay up to 3 nights.
Cabin cost: $30 per Night
Camping
On-site camping using your own camping gear or rent camping gear from us. You can use the bathroom in the cabins.
Camping: Free
Gear Rental: $40
Program Instructors
Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan
Ph.D., LCPC, ACS
Zoe Jack
LCSW-C
Anne Contee
LCPC
More Information About The Training
Course Objectives
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Working knowledge of current research in the field of nature informed therapy
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Assess specific populations, diagnoses, and treatments goals
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Assess clients fit for nature informed therapy
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Evaluate appropriate locations and gears.
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Administer an Ecological Wellness Checkup
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Describe Dr. Schreiber-Pan’s Ecological Model of Psychological Well-being
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Apply suitable therapeutic approaches
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Apply activities that use Metaphor, Ritual, and Ceremony
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Use nature-based interventions that inform treatment goals
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And many more...
Who Should Attend
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Psychologists
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Counselors
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Social Workers
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Life Coaches*
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Wilderness professionals*
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Practitioners in the wellness and nature fields *
* Non-mental health professionals do not attend the 3-month mentorship program
Prerequiste
1. Write your own nature autobiography
2. Assigned readings / film
3. A Mental Health First Aid course is required for all non-mental health practitioners.
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!”
Register early to get
20% early bird discount!
"EBF23" for Fall 2023 or "EBS24" for Spring 2024
ask about our
Interest-Free Payment Plan
