AACPS Nature-Informed Therapy Leader Training

Overview

In collaboration with Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) Student Services and Outdoor Education, the Center for Nature Informed Therapy (CNIT) launched a two-day Nature-Informed Therapy Leader Training program. This in-depth workshop was tailored specifically for school counselors and mental health professionals within AACPS, aiming to integrate nature-based healing principles into diverse educational settings. Participants explored how nature-informed practices can foster emotional well-being, reduce stress, and support student mental health—all while building a foundational skill set to share with fellow staff and community members.

CNIT’s Role

• Curriculum Design: CNIT developed the training framework, blending experiential learning, mindfulness, and ecopsychology to equip participants with a robust toolkit of nature-based interventions.

• Facilitation & Coaching: Led by Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan, CNIT guided school counselors through hands-on outdoor activities at Arlington Echo and interactive indoor sessions, demonstrating how to adapt nature-informed therapy techniques for a variety of academic and counseling contexts.

• Train-the-Trainer Model: The workshop enabled counselors not only to master nature-informed practices for their own use but also to become trainers within their respective schools, broadening the impact on staff and students throughout the district.

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Impact

• Enhanced Mental Health Support: Counselors gained practical strategies to address student anxiety, stress, and overall well-being—leveraging nature as a therapeutic partner both indoors and outdoors.

• Strengthened Community of Practice: By learning to integrate nature-informed therapy into daily routines, participants formed a supportive network of educators committed to promoting resilience and emotional health.

• Ongoing Capacity Building: With a train-the-trainer approach, AACPS now has a growing pool of nature-informed leaders who can continuously share best practices, reinforcing the district’s dedication to holistic student support.