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.
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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.
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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 Nature'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 Start Date | Course End Date | Location | Early Bird Deadline | Availability | Early Bird Code | Training Setting |
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2025 Spring | 03/11/2025 | 03/13/2025 | Monkton, MD | 01/10/2025 | Limited | EBSP25 | Nature Camp |
2025 Fall | 09/09/2025 | 09/11/2025 | Monkton, MD | 07/08/2025 | Good | EBFA25 | Nature Camp |
Register Early to Get
15% Early Bird Discount!
"EBSP25" for Spring 2025 by 01/10/2025
and, ask about our
Interest-Free Payment Plan
Starts Mar 11, 2025
960 US dollarsStarts Mar 14, 2025
640 US dollars
Spring 2025
Starts Sep 9, 2025
960 US dollarsStarts Sep 12, 2025
640 US dollars
Fall 2025
Lodging & Logistics Options for Out-of-Towners
Starts Mar 10, 2025
100 US dollarsStarts Mar 11, 2025
60 US dollarsStarts Mar 10, 2025
90 US dollarsStarts Mar 10, 2025
Starts Mar 12, 2025
20 US dollarsStarts Mar 10, 2025
40 US dollars
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.
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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
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​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.
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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.
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*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.
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Program Instructors
Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan
Ph.D., LCPC, ACS
Gina Strauss
LCPC
Phillip McKnight
Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher
Zoe Jack
LCSW-C
Rachel Oppenheimer
LCPC
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.
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This program consists of 19.5 NBCC clock hours of continuing education instruction. 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
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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 7, 2024-July 7, 2025. Social workers completing this course receive 19.5 clinical continuing education credits.
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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
Nature Informed Therapy training one on one practice
Cancellation Policy
In-Person Multi-Day Intensives and Special Events
1. Cancellation by CNIT
CNIT reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any event due to insufficient enrollment, extreme weather conditions, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
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Notification: All registrants will be notified promptly via email and/or phone.
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Refund Options: Full Refund: All registration fees, including any deposits, will be fully refunded.
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2. Cancellation by Participant
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Standard Cancellation Policy:
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Full Refund: Submit your cancellation request at least 90 days before the event start date to receive a full refund of tuition paid minus a 10% processing fee.
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Partial Refund: Cancellations made between 89 and 45 days before the event are eligible for a 50% refund.
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No Refund: No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 45 days of the event due to commitments with our location partners.
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Transfer to Future Event:
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Option: You may transfer your registration to the same future training/event at no additional cost by notifying us at least 45 days before the event.
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Substitutions:
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You may designate a substitute participant by notifying us at least 14 days before the event. Acceptance of substitutes is subject to CNIT approval and may depend on the substitute meeting any prerequisites or qualifications.
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Cancellation Process:
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Submit your cancellation, transfer, or substitution request in writing via email to info@natureinformedtherapy.org.