Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan

Founder - Charwoman - Nature-Informed Therapy Pioneer

Human. Nature. Healing

“Nature has been my co-therapist since childhood. My mission is to ensure it can be yours too.”

Heidi Schreiber-Pan, Ph.D., LCPC

A Mountain-Born Mission

Cradled by the Bavarian Alps, I learned early that moss‑lined trails could calm fear faster than any lullaby. Years later, as a newly minted therapist in the U.S., I watched clients melt their own tension on weekend hikes—yet our clinical playbooks barely mentioned nature. That contradiction sent me back to graduate school, where my dissertation proved what my childhood already knew: forests lower anxiety, lift mood, and rekindle spiritual awe. When I searched for hands‑on training that blended science with soil, I found only scattered workshops and high‑cost retreats. So I sketched my own trail map. In 2019, the Center for Nature Informed Therapy opened its doors with a single promise: equip helping professionals—and everyday people—with research‑grounded, nature‑based tools for healing. Today our programs reach clinicians, teachers, veterans, and families, yet every session still echoes those first alpine lessons: slow down, step outside, and let the wild remind you who you are.

2011

Dissertation on Nature, Resilience & Spirituality

2014

Co-founds Chesapeake Mental Health Collaborative

2020

Launches Center for Nature Informed Therapy

Alpine landscape with lush meadow and diverse wildflowers in the foreground, surrounded by rugged mountains and pine forests under a partly cloudy sky in southern Bavaria.

Founder's Message

Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan, a distinguished expert in clinical mental health counseling, is the pioneering founder of the Center for Nature Informed Therapy (CNIT). Her profound passion for the restorative powers of nature, combined with her extensive academic expertise, has led her to develop the innovative Nature Informed Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Well-Being model. Under her visionary leadership, CNIT has become a guiding light for professionals seeking to weave the therapeutic benefits of nature into their practice. This extends not only to enhancing individual lives but also to assisting organizations in deepening the connection between nature and their stakeholders. This note from Dr. Schreiber-Pan shares her personal journey and the foundational insights that have shaped CNIT's mission.

Open Letter

Dear Friends,

A Journey Begins

As I write this, I find myself reflecting on the winding paths that have brought me here, to a place where I proudly stand as the founder of the Center for Nature Informed Therapy (CNIT). My journey began surrounded by the majestic peaks and tranquil valleys of southern Bavaria's Alpine region. Here, nature was not merely a backdrop but an essential part of my daily life—a silent companion in my childhood adventures and a steadfast source of comfort during uncertain times.

Discovering Nature’s Impact

It was in these very mountains that I first discovered the profound impact nature could have on well-being. Yet, as I ventured into the field of counseling, I encountered a curious paradox: while many colleagues found rejuvenation in nature, few incorporated its therapeutic potential into their professional practice. This realization ignited a spark within me, a desire to delve deeper into the intersection of nature and mental health.

A Scholar’s Quest

Driven by this passion, I pursued scholarly research, which culminated in my dissertation on the role of nature in psychological well-being, resilience, and spirituality. Armed with these insights and a strong desire to bridge the gap between theory and practice, I searched for a training program that aligned with my vision—only to find limited options that combined scholarly rigor with practical accessibility.

Founding CNIT

Undeterred, I decided to fill this gap myself. With a steadfast commitment and a vision to empower professionals from diverse backgrounds, CNIT was born. Our mission is simple yet profound: to offer education and experiences at the nexus of nature and mental health. We aim to provide a platform for professionals to deepen their understanding, hone their skills, and enrich their practice.

An Invitation

Whether you are a seasoned therapist eager to integrate the therapeutic benefits of nature into your work, or a curious individual drawn to the healing power of the natural world, our doors are open to you.

Warm regards,

Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan

Quick Facts About CNIT

Mission

Promoting mental health through fostering a healing reconnection with the natural world.

Vision

Envisioning a future where a reciprocal relationship with nature restores mental health for all, deepening connections to self, others, and spirituality.

Core Beliefs