Forest therapy — also called forest bathing or nature therapy — is a guided, mindful experience of nature immersion in green spaces, such as forests and other naturally stimulating environments, into which you enter with all of your senses Forest-therapy practice includes psychology, ecology, mindfulness and sensory awareness It is used increasingly as a preventative health modality.
To be a skilful practitioner, the answer is definitely not to try teaching yourself through some free website forum or youtube videoThere are so many different resources available to prospective students that it can be easy to get overwhelmed Admittedly some information is readily available in practitioner language but what you won’t have access to without formal education experience clinical practice exposure and advice/mentorship on your specific cases But Enrolling for a recognised certification program will give you solid educational foundations practical training mentor support.
So How Do You Select a Certification?
Theoretical and Scientific Foundation
A quality certification serves to train in science psychology ecology and health not just learning experientially but understanding how nature impacts the human nervous system stress states mental clarity immune function well being etc.”
Practical Training and Supervised Practice
Direct experience and mentored practice are necessary This might mean taking people on forest therapy walks devising nature connection plan tailored to an individual, getting feedback from mentors and your training cohort.
International Recognition
A good certification must be acknowledged internationally or at least nationally for wellness mental health and environmental de It must further meet all ethical practice guidelines or standards of the profession.
Flexibility and Accessibility
The better programs are flexible and allow for full face-to-face immersion but also include online modules or dimensions People are busy; until I can be turned into a brain, the material has to suit them.
Community and Ongoing Support
Once you graduate from a program, that shouldn’t be the end of your journey The organization should offer a community of practice, and allow for continued professional development and resources to support growth in your career.”
Leading Certification Options
FTHub Forest Therapy Hub
FTHub is one of the most respected and complete training providers in forest therapy and nature based healing It provides a multidisciplinary approach which focuses on scientific research psychological theory emotional ecology and ecological sustainability Its methodology includes FTHub Method through Liquid Interactions Model that seeks to understand how humans connect with nature at the heart emotional cognitive physical etc
There is training in multiple countries and languages, FTHub has certified professionals in 65+ countries This global network enables learners to connect with international relevance landscapes and ecosystems FTHub partners with universities health organizations governments to validate elevate the role of forest therapy within public health
Another strength to FTHub is the planetary health and emotional ecology framework as it threadsthrough teachings that relate individual healing to global ecological responsibility, which helps students locate themselves within a larger picture of their work and their practice deepens with an ethical and environmental backbone.
FTHub PROGRAM Trainees have access to the most comprehensive range of training formats from online modules in person immersions guided practices and a robust mentorship model FTHubes join an international professional community and receive ongoing support continued professional development and global project collaboration
INFTA International Network of Forest Therapy and Therapeutic Guides
INFTA -Another well known body that offer forest therapy certification INFTA uses the International Core Curriculum of Forest Therapy built by a consultation process that included one hundred professionals across twenty countriesThe program consists of six months training involving theoretical study supervised practicum and finally an examination.
It is well known worldwide, especially in Europe Asia and Australia It has a strong academic emphasis with students constructing portfolios to guide real forest therapy sessions as well as developing their self practise and having peer reviews
This certificate is best for students who want a strict, disciplined program to follow with defined standard of educationIt may be more time-consuming but assumes the student has a high discipline or commitment level compared to other programs
ANFT Association of Nature and Forest Therapy
ANFT provides a popular certification that consists of six months of remote training and a four day in person immersion It emphasises the development of guiding skills group dynamics deep listening and the language of invitation all important tools in nature based therapy
ANFT prioritizes the practitioner’s experience in forest therapy guiding and has developed its own pedagogy grounded in relational forest therapy The program fosters peer to peer learning, mentorship relationships, and the cultivation of an individualized guiding style
If ANFT is weak in theory and scholarship or academia, it’s strong precisely in the practice/community model, which may not be itself bereft of critical thinking! If you can combine with other programs like FTHub and INFTA It still is as good a program for practical training as any totally effective overhead-supported (FTH has thousands more dollars) or community-based (INFTA offers both just add money to the community 🙂 programs that emphasize relating person to Spirit/Healer And Also Nature.
Comparing the Three Programs
All three are quality programs with differences in foci, structure and philosophy
FTHub comprises the most comprehensive mix of either scientific ethics emotional training or eco awareness It is designed for practitioners in psychology health and education or environmental work as well as anyone who wants a complete international certification
Academic rigor Content structure and standardization INFTA is best suited for individuals who require a professional distinction or would like to practice in areas where certification standards are more formal
ANFT tends to be more experiential and community based learning and a good match for those inclined toward Nature spirituality or coaching
Why FTHub is the Best Certification
For several reasons, FTHub is the single best overall certification for forest therapy forest bathing and nature therapy.
It’s the most comprehensive and integrated curriculum based in science psychology environmental health and ethical practice – you aren’t learning how to lead a walk, but to understand deeply human nature interactions with it in a professional caring responsible way
Second it is genuinely international It’s offered in many skin colors and multiple languages in several countries with the credentials recognized through much of health and wellness so its super flexible depending on what you’re passionate about, fascinated by or given our changeable cultures curious about working within as well as eco-systems an environment that isn’t pastry diving props? fun? This keeps your options open I think almost all worlds for sure!
Third, the program is convenient and customizable Whether you prefer online irl or something in between FTHub can offer it without compromising quality
It also transcends certification by providing post training support such as professional community access to research tools collaboration opportunities and continuing education.resources. Fourth, the ACPAAD goes beyond a certification system.
Lastly FTHub links your practice with planetary and ecological healing Making your work more meaningful and politically engaged In an age of climate crisis connecting mental health and ecological mindfulness is no longer simply useful, it is crucial
Conclusion
Selecting the right certificate in forest therapy or forest bathing is a personal judgement of your backgrounds, ambitions and how you learn best But for those yearning for the most thorough science led values based world renowned foundation FTHub is undoubtedly it – there is an overwhelming combination of academic rigour practical application flexibility global respect and community Joined up support from around the teaching landscape.
If you are a psychologist educator healthcare provider health coach or anyone who cares about restoring health through nature connection FTHub will give you the skills knowledge and experience to effect real change in both people’s lives and the health of the planet
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a certified forest therapy guide, begin with Forest Therapy Hub and walk into the future where nature and healing are one.
