About the Training
For Health, Healing, and Education Professionals
Join us for a soul-centered, nature-based backpacking immersion designed for professionals who support others — and who are ready to turn toward their own grief.
Rooted in the teachings of Francis Weller’s The Wild Edge of Sorrow and grounded in Nature-Informed Therapy, this experience invites you to step beyond clinical frameworks and rediscover grief as a vital, communal, and deeply human experience.
In a small, supportive group setting, we combine wilderness immersion, guided reflection, communal council, and backcountry skill-building to explore how grief lives in our bodies, our stories, and our service.
Overview
In modern culture, grief is often privatized, pathologized, or rushed — especially for helping professionals who are accustomed to holding space for others. Yet in the natural world, nothing is rushed. Loss unfolds in seasons.
Leaves fall. Rivers flood and recede. Forests burn and regenerate.
Decay and renewal coexist.
Grief is not separate from nature — it follows the same rhythms.
This immersive backpacking experience invites you to step into those rhythms. As we walk through changing terrain, carry what we need on our backs, and sleep beneath open skies, we experience firsthand how the body processes loss through movement, breath, and relationship with the living world.
Grief is not only about death. It can arise from:
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The loss of identity or role
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Life transitions and unmet expectations
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Professional burnout or moral injury
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The sorrows of the world
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Family-of-origin or ancestral wounds
Rather than approaching grief as something to analyze, we approach it as something to be witnessed — by the land, by community, and by ourselves.
Over the Course of This Immersion, You Will:
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Learn directly from the natural world — observing how cycles of loss and renewal unfold in the landscape and applying those lessons to your own life and work.
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Explore your personal resiliency story through guided solo time in nature, reflective journaling, and communal council — strengthening your ability to stay present with sorrow in yourself.
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Deepen your capacity to support others by learning how to create grounded, nature-informed containers for grief work in clinical, educational, and community settings.
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Develop practical nature-based interventions that promote regulation, meaning-making, and resilience for individuals and groups.
Build confidence in backpacking skills, including trail navigation, gear management, and wilderness safety — using the backcountry as both classroom and teacher.
Who Should Attend
This retreat is ideal for:
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Therapists, counselors, and social workers
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Nurses, doctors, hospice and palliative care professionals
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Educators and school-based mental health providers
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Coaches, chaplains, and anyone in a helping or healing role
Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or new to the trail, we welcome all experience levels. You’ll be guided by experienced facilitators who are skilled in both outdoor leadership and grief-informed care.
What You’ll Learn
This training weaves together nature-informed practice, soul-centered grief work, and grounded clinical insight. You will explore grief not only as a psychological process, but as an ecological, relational, and communal experience.
Topics include:
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The Five Gates of Grief (Francis Weller) and grief as initiation rather than pathology
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Grief as an expression of love, belonging, and attachment
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Ecological models of loss and renewal — learning from the rhythms of the natural world
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Non-death-related loss and disenfranchised grief
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Attachment Theory and its role in grieving (Bowlby)
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Cultural and communal dimensions of grief — restoring shared ritual and witness
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Nature-based practices that support regulation, meaning-making, and integration
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Reflection on your own loss history and how it shapes your leadership and service
Prerequisite:
Participants are required to read The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller prior to arrival. The book will serve as a shared foundation for our time together and will allow us to move more deeply into experiential work once on the trail.
Backpacking Component
Our distinctive backpacking component is the core of the transformative experience in our Nature Informed Therapy Training. Delve into the wilderness and discover not just the landscapes around you, but the inner terrain of grief and healing.
Integrative Learning Experience:
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Trail-Based Education: Each day begins with a 5-7 mile trek with a 40lbs pack, stimulating both body and mind, preparing you for an afternoon of in-depth learning.
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Nature as Co-Therapist: The natural world becomes a partner in the therapeutic process, offering a profound context for understanding and healing.
Skill Enhancement:
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Backcountry Proficiency: Whether you're new or seasoned, elevate your backpacking skills with hands-on experience and expert guidance.
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Seminars for Success: Optional seminars on lightweight gear, food planning, and navigation ensure you are well-prepared for any backcountry endeavor.
Logistical Ease:
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Small Group Focus: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate learning atmosphere.
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Inclusive Arrangements: Gear rental options and provisioned meals for convenience and ease.
Program Details:
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Duration and Timing: A 6-day, 5-night journey from Sunday to Friday, designed for optimal learning and experience.
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Sustenance on the Trail: Nutritious meals are provided, with vegetarian options available, allowing you to focus on the immersive experience without the worry of food preparation.
By integrating backpacking into our curriculum, we offer a unique synthesis of adventure and education, creating an unparalleled platform for personal and professional growth in the field of grief and bereavement.
About the Trainers
Heidi Schreiber-Pan
Ph.D., LCPC
Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan is a distinguished mental health clinician and the innovative founder of the Center for Nature Informed Therapy. With a doctorate in Counseling Supervision and a licensed clinical professional counselor, she specializes in the treatment of anxiety and grief. As a celebrated public speaker and the author of "Taming the Anxious Mind: A Guidebook to Relieve Anxiety and Stress" as well as "The Outside Within: Stories of Nature's Role in Psychological Well-being," Dr. Schreiber-Pan's expertise is widely acknowledged. Her approach is rooted in the belief that the natural world plays a crucial role in psychological health and well-being. Dr. Schreiber-Pan's transformative programs blend outdoor adventure with therapeutic insights, empowering individuals to conquer their anxiety and find peace in the wilderness. Join us for an inspiring journey with Dr. Schreiber-Pan, where the calming power of nature and expert guidance combine to offer not just a backpacking experience, but a pathway to inner serenity.
Wilderness First Aid Certified
Phillip McKnight
M.A.
Meet Phillip McKnight, a seasoned mindfulness instructor and avid adventurer whose passion for inner exploration matches his love for traversing expansive trails. As a thru-hiker of the Appalachian Trail, Phillip has not only charted the path less traveled but also immersed himself in the profound tranquility of the great outdoors. With a Master's in Instructional Systems Design and certification from the International Mindfulness Teachers Association, Phillip has honed his ability to craft transformative mindfulness experiences. His commitment to this practice was further enriched by his time as a Fulbright Scholar in Laos, where he embraced the intricacies of cross-cultural connections and their impact on mental well-being. Phillip's approach is both heart-centered and strategic, focusing on fostering understanding and resilience across diverse communities. Whether guiding hikers along the AT or leading mindfulness sessions, Phillip empowers individuals to cultivate awareness, compassion, and a deepened relationship with the natural world. Join him for a journey that transcends boundaries and elevates the spirit, as he co-leads the Nature Informed Therapy Training with his unique blend of expertise and empathetic teaching.
Wilderness First Aid Certified
"Amazing training! Truly life-changing, inspiring, and so much beneficial information!"
"This trip was a restorative and magical journey. There were definitely challenges, but in facing these and managing my distress and being in the moment, grounded in nature I got so much out of it. I'm so grateful for the trip leaders and the group that made this experience safe, meaningful, and fun!"
"Being back to "normal" life following the trip has been a strange adjustment. I think that this trip as really put into focus for me what is and is not important for me and that I need to make significant changes to live more in accordance of my values. I am very grateful for that and the experience as a whole!"
"The experience was well thought-out and balanced the formality of clinical settings and ease in the natural world. The meals were so nicely done! Thank you !!"
Logistics & Registration
Prepare to engage with nature and deepen your therapeutic skills on this enriching 5-day journey. Here's what participants need to know:
Investment in Growth:
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Training Cost: The fee for this comprehensive program is $1,350 per person, covering all aspects of the training, transportation, materials, group gear, tent, accommodation, and provided meals.
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Scholarship Available: Limited need-based scholarship available. Apply here.
Trek and Learn:
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Daily Itinerary: Mornings will be dedicated to hiking 5-7 miles, immersing participants in the healing power of nature. Afternoons are reserved for learning and practicing experiential grief counseling techniques.
Exclusive Group Experience:
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Intimate Setting: To ensure a personalized and focused experience, we are limiting the group to just 8 participants. This small group setting fosters deeper connection and individual attention.
Duration and Timing:
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Program Length: This intensive training spans 6 days and 5 overnights, beginning on Sunday and concluding on Friday, designed to fit into a workweek schedule.
Included Material and Provided Gear:
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Training Guidebook: Trails of Healing: A Therapist's Guide to Nature Informed Grief Therapy - A comprehensive guidebook designed to support your learning and provide valuable insights into nature-informed grief therapy.
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Backpacking Tent: High-quality lightweight tent to ensure a comfortable and immersive wilderness experience.
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Meals: All meals are meticulously prepared by CNIT to ensure proper nutrition, calorie requirements, and manage pack weight and volume. Meals include:
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1 camp dinner
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1 camp breakfast
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5 trail breakfasts
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5 trail lunches
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5 trail dinners
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Vegetarian options are available to accommodate dietary preferences.
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Group Gear: Essential group gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, including:
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Cooking gear
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Rain fly
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Bear bag
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Water treatment
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Toilet paper
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Tick and bug treatment
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First aid kit
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Satellite communicator
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Essential Personal Gear that you can rent or bring your own: For your convenience, we offer rental options for essential personal gear, including:
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Backpack
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Sleeping pad
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Sleeping bag
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Sleeping bag liner
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Trekking poles
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Packing for Your Adventure
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What to pack: For a detailed rundown on what to pack for your backpacking journey, ensuring you're well-equipped for whatever the wilderness throws your way, be sure to visit our comprehensive packing guide. With our expert advice, you'll be ready to hit the trail with confidence.
Travel Arrangement
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The recommendation is to fly in and depart one day before and after the retreat to avoid flight delays * we can not wait longer than 1-hour for a delayed flight
Participants are encouraged to bring their curiosity, openness, and readiness to explore both the wilderness outside and the emotional landscapes within. Join us on this unique expedition where professional development meets the profound serenity of the natural world.
Preliminary Schedule Outline
Day 1: Crossing the Threshold
1:00 PM – Depart from BWI & drive to WV
3:00 PM – Pit stop
5:00 PM – Arrive at Red Creek Campground
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Set up camp
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Gear distribution & wilderness orientation
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Introductions: Why are you here?
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Opening Circle: Nature as a way back to self
7:00 PM – Sunset Walk & Intention Setting
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Establish group norms & safety agreements
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Introduction to nature-informed care
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Evening reflection
Day 2: Gate One – Love & Impermanence
7:00 AM – Breakfast & pack-up
8:30 AM – Begin hiking
12:00 PM – Lunch & Water Purification Lesson
2:00 PM – Arrive at camp
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Solo reflection time in nature
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Teaching: The First Gate of Grief
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Grief as love made visible
6:00 PM – Dinner & Evening Council
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Communal witnessing
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Fire as ritual container
Day 3: Gates Three & Four – Shared Humanity
7:00 AM – Breakfast & gear check
8:30 AM – Trail departure
2:00 PM – Arrive at camp
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Gates Three and Four
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Guided journaling
6:00 PM – Dinner & Evening Council
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Community as medicine
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Structured witnessing practice
Day 4: Gate Two – Belonging and Becoming
7:00 AM – Breakfast & preparation
8:30 AM – Extended solo sit in nature
Afternoon – Integration Session
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Gate Two
5:30 PM – Tea & quiet integration
7:15 PM – Fire Circle Ritual
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Communal grief expression
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Song, silence, or story
Day 5: Gate Five – Roots & Legacy
7:00 AM – Breakfast & gear check
8:30 AM – Hike Intensive Day
12:00 PM – Lunch
Afternoon Teaching & Reflection:
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Gate Five
6:00 PM – Dinner & Fire Ceremony
Day 6: Return & Re-entry
7:00 AM – Breakfast & pack-up
8:30 AM – Final hike out
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Integration reflection prompts
12:00 PM – Arrive at cars
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Closing circle: resilience & belonging
2:30 PM – Pit stop
5:00 PM – Arrival at BWI
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. The Grief and Backpacking course will receive 12.5 NBCC credit hours.
The Center for Nature Informed Therapy, Provider 2022, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: July 9, 2025-July 9, 2028. Social workers completing this course receive 12.5 general continuing education credits.
Credit requirements and approvals vary per state board regulations. Please save the course outline, the certificate of completion you receive from the activity and contact your state board or organization to determine specific filing requirements.
FAQs
Q: Who should attend this trip?
A: This trip is ideal for helping and healing professionals such as counselors, nurses, social workers, health coaches, educators, and pastoral care providers looking to enrich their practice with nature-based approaches to grief counseling. It's also beneficial for those interested in understanding the dynamic interplay between nature, grief, and healing processes.
Is this trip right for me?
A: This trip is ideal for those who are physically and emotionally prepared for an intensive backpacking and therapeutic experience. Consider the following to determine if this trip is suitable for you:
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Can you hike 7 miles with a 40 lbs pack?
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Are you comfortable sharing in small groups?
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Can you adjust your dietary needs to accommodate backpacking cuisine?
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Would you enjoy a one-day solo in nature?
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Can you tolerate discomfort such as being outside in the rain or cold?
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Would you benefit from learning about grief and loss?
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Are you emotionally available to think about your own loss history?
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Do you mind a 4-hour shuttle drive from the airport to the trailhead?
If the backpacking component is not right for you, we also offer a live online grief therapy training.
Q: Do I need prior backpacking experience?
A: While having prior backpacking experience is recommended, it is not mandatory. For those new to backpacking, we offer a comprehensive how-to session with Payton Schreiber-Pan, our wilderness skills expert. This personalized training is available at a rate of $30/hr to ensure you are well-prepared for the journey.
Q: Can I rent gear for the trip?
A: Absolutely! We provide rental options for essential gear, including backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, compression sacks, and sleeping bag liners. All gear is high-quality and will be prepared for you upon arrival, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Q: Is there a shuttle service available?
A: Yes, for your convenience, we offer a shuttle service from BWI airport directly to the trailhead in West Virginia. This allows for a seamless transition from travel to the tranquility of nature.
Q: What is the food situation during the training?
A: All food for the duration of the trip is provided by us. We take pride in offering wholesome, nourishing meals to keep you energized throughout the training. While we are unable to cater to specific food preferences, we do offer vegetarian options to accommodate dietary needs.
Q: What should I expect in terms of physical activity?
A: Participants should be prepared for moderate physical activity. Daily hikes will cover 5-7 miles, mostly in the morning. The terrain may vary, with some inclines that could be challenging. It’s a balanced mix of activity and learning, with afternoons dedicated to grief counseling training.
Q: How will the training address safety and first aid?
A: Safety is our top priority. All our guides are trained in wilderness first aid, and we will carry a comprehensive first aid kit. Before departure, we’ll review safety protocols and ensure that everyone is informed about handling potential emergencies.
Q: What will the sleeping arrangements be like?
A: Participants will be camping in tents or hammocks with rainflies, provided either by themselves or through our rental program. The group will set up in designated backcountry areas, experiencing the full immersion of wilderness.
Q: Will I receive any certification upon completion?
A: Yes, upon successful completion of the training, participants will receive a certificate recognizing their proficiency in nature-informed grief and bereavement therapy techniques, applicable to their therapeutic practices.
Q: What if I have dietary restrictions due to health reasons?
A: We strive to accommodate health-related dietary restrictions. Please inform us in advance, and we will work with you to ensure your dietary needs are met within the limitations of our wilderness setting.
Q: How large will the group be?
A: To provide an intimate and focused experience, the group size is limited to 8 participants. This ensures personalized attention and a conducive learning environment.
