The Global Leaders in Forest Therapy Guide Training
Transforming Relationships between Humans and Nature
Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “forest bathing.” Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition. We build on those benefits and look beyond, to what happens when people remember that we are a part of nature, not separate from it, and are related to all other beings in fundamental ways.
The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs is the most experienced global leader in guide training, and promoting the development and practice of Forest Therapy. Our Forest Therapy Guide Training draws on the latest medical research, new developments in the field of nature connection, and ancient traditions of mindfulness and wellness promotion. Every guided walk is an act of power and beauty, cultivating deep connections with transformational impacts on people and nature. We are a mission-driven Limited Liability Company founded in 2012 as a response to global warming and other environmental catastrophes. Our mission: nurture heart-centered relationships between all peoples and the more-than-human world of nature. Our strategy: We train guides, teaching the pedagogy and methods of The Way of the Guide, and how to apply these in the context of Forest and Nature Therapy.
Forest Therapy is a practice. It is open-ended; there is no prescription for what a person "should" experience, or what benefits they "should" receive. Instead, it is a practice of developing a deepening relationship of reciprocity, in which the forest and the practitioner find a way to work together that supports the wholeness and wellness of each. In Forest Therapy, there is a clearly defined sequence of guided events that provides structure to the experience, while embracing the many opportunities for creativity and serendipity offered by the forest and the individual inspiration of each guide. This practice, developed under the leadership of M. Amos Clifford, the Association's founder, and with contributions from many other guides, has become the most-widely used framework for Forest Therapy in the world; we have trained over 1100 guides who are guiding this practice in 55 countries.
Human communities, like forests, thrive on diversity.
The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs is committed to creating and sustaining a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive environment for new guides, participants and contributors from all cultures and backgrounds. We strive to be a place of belonging for all people interested in cultivating healthy relationships within human communities and the natural world.
Upcoming Forest Therapy Guide Trainings
To apply for a training complete the application form. Training cohorts are organized by time zone. This makes it convenient to schedule group events such as webinars. Note which Block of Time Zones (see the list below the trainings) you prefer to join. Indicate that block in your application. Because our training is conducted using a combination of remote classes and field inquiry, we are no longer place-specific. Read more about our approach to training.
Time Zone BlocksWhen choosing a cohort, select one that is a Time Zone Block where you live. If you live on the edge of a block you may choose the next nearest block. For information about UTC time zones
look here.
Your Certified Forest Therapy Training Includes
- 14 or more Live & Interactive Online sessions.
- Access to Online Learning Management system (LMS) loaded with quality content in the forms of text, audios, and videos to fit different learning styles
- Over 20 short videos on different topics, recorded by the most experienced worldwide trainers.
- A variety of experiential assignments to integrate and embody the content
- A detailed Manual for becoming a Forest Therapy Guide
- Articles and videos from certified forest therapyguides from all over the world.
- Quizzes and Fun Facts for a highly engaging learning process
- Access to research papers and studies regarding natureand forest therapy
- Access to an actively growing community of guides.
What some of our students are saying
"This has been a wonderful experience so far. The practices and framework seem to penetrate into all parts of life, not just within the forest walk container, offering a healing and grounded way of experiencing being human."- Kathleen
"I don’t know that there are words to articulate the feelingsI have about this course. Would I recommend it? Hell YES! To anyone, anywhere,anytime! whether you plan on guiding walks or just to deepen your ownrelationship to nature. It has been unbelievable! I have had a deep spiritualpractice for over 15 years and yet the guidance and practices in this coursehave opened up a whole new world for me. I can’t sing the praises enough forthe course, the way it’s presented, and the trainers themselves. It’s aboutexperiencing the material as opposed to memorizing and regurgitating theinformation. Truly transformational! Thank you ANFT!" - Jammie
"The ANFT curriculum is very well thought out and comes from a strong lineage of wisdom. The online mode of training moves at a seamless pace and allows time to digest and integrate the material presented. The majority of the learning occurs outside, in the student's own watershed. While the practice incorporates the best aspects of Shinrin Yoku, it goes beyond it in a way that touches the human soul, and facilitates personal discovery and an authentic relationship with who we are as nature, which is so needed for the healing of our planet."- Brandee
"This course has opened my heart to the more than human world and increased my sense of belonging here and now. I have fallen in love with Earth--more than appreciating it, I love it as kin."- Michelle
"It's a great combination of reading, videos, assignments, Zoom meetings and walks. I also really appreciate the group/chorort that is formed as it feels very supportive to be able to share with others who in the same stage of learning. Having 3 different instructors, each bringing their own experiences, perspectives and thoughts to the training is also really valuable."- Jacquie
If you have already registered for a training under the previous system, and have not yet transferred to one of the new cohorts,
do so here.
