Beskrivning
SNFTI-Certified Forest Therapy Guide
The Art of Forest Therapy Guiding
What if learning to guide others into nature begins with deepening your own relationship with the living world?
At the Scandinavian Nature and Forest Therapy Institute (SNFTI), we see Forest Therapy Guiding as both a professional practice and a personal journey. It is an invitation to slow down, listen, sense and reconnect – while developing the knowledge, skills and professional integrity needed to safely guide others into meaningful encounters with nature. Grounded in science and enriched by Scandinavian nature, culture and a relational understanding of the human–nature relationship, our training brings together theory, methodology, embodied learning and practical guiding skills.
Through the 3-module training, you will explore the art of Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy, deepen your own nature connectedness and learn to guide in collaboration with nature – not simply in nature. Whether you are drawn by a desire to deepen your own relationship with nature, to develop professional expertise, or to take the path towards becoming a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, we warmly welcome you to join us.
About the Training
The SNFTI- Certified Forest Therapy Guide training offers an integrated learning journey: a deepened personal relationship with nature; a Diploma in the Art of Forest Bathing Guiding upon completion of Modules 1 and 2; and, for those who choose to complete Module 3 and the certification process, a professional certification as a Certified Forest Therapy Guide.
Throughout the training, you will learn the evidence-based Eco Forest Therapy methodology, developed by SNFTI. You will also acquire academic, theoretical and scientific foundations, practical facilitation skills, and diverse ways of deepening your nature connectedness and relationship with the more-than-human world.
We use complementary ways of teaching and always live: in person and in nature as well as on screen. We explore and process through silence, dialogue, writing and creative forms, for an integration and embodied learning over time. Throughout the journey, you are supported by experienced teachers, fellow participants, the training manual and, most importantly, by nature itself.
3 Modules – an integrated training journey
The training consists of 3 interconnected modules, each contributing a distinct part of the knowledge, skills and experience required for professional Forest Therapy Guiding.
To read more: Please click HERE or choose ”Training Structure” in the menu.
Prerequisites
No specific professional or educational background is required for the training.
We do, however, recommend a genuine interest in nature and a willingness to deepen your own relationship with the natural world. We also highlight the importance of engagement, that you have a motivation to actively participate in and take responsibility for the practical, theoretical and written components of the training. We also recommend that you read SNFTI Values and ethics Code.
Training criteria and level
SNFTI’s training programmes for Certified Forest Bathing Guides and Certified Forest Therapy Guides are designed to provide a high level of theoretical, practical and experiential competence. Our trainings and programmes are therefore developed in dialogue with internationally recognized Forest Therapy training programmes and guidelines:
- CCFT: International Core Curriculum for Forest Therapy, developed by more than 120 experts from 20 countries under the leadership of INFTA, the International Nature and Forest Therapy Association.
- ISFTP: International Standard for Forest Therapy Practice: Framework for Health, Ecology, and Cultural Integrity, developed by the Multidisciplinary Institute of Nature Therapy (MINT), University of British Columbia.
- See SNFTI listing among internationally recognized Forest Therapy training programmes: ANFT Global Network
Training Structure
Training Structure
A Flexible Pathway
To help you decide on the level you wish to explore, our training offers 3 modules. Together they form one integrated training journey, but they also allow for some flexibility.
Modules 1 and 2 constitute the foundational training and lead to a Diploma in the Art of Forest Bathing Guiding.
Module 3 is a separate and optional module. You may choose to undertake it directly after completing Modules 1 and 2, or at a later time, when you are ready to enter the practical and supervised training period.
Upon completion of Module 3, and once all required elements have been completed and approved through the certification process, you will earn a certification as a Certified Forest Therapy Guide.
In this way, you find a flexible pathway from foundational knowledge and personal experience, through Forest Bathing Guide training, to professional Forest Therapy Guide certification. Below we present the modules more in detail:
Module 1 – Theory, methodology and science
Online
Module 1 provides a theoretical and scientific foundation in Nature-Based Interventions (NBI), Forest Bathing, Forest Therapy and Eco Forest Therapy. You will be introduced to relevant academic theories, research, methodology, ethics and professional considerations, while developing an understanding of the role, responsibilities and scope of practice of a Forest Therapy Guide.
Module 2 – Training Retreat
In person
Module 2 is an immersive, in-person training retreat in nature at a nature embedded venue in the Scandinavian forests. During the retreat, you will spend extended time with nature, fellow participants and experienced teachers. You will experience being guided, deepen your own relationship with nature, and begin to develop and practise your guiding skills. Learning takes place physically, emotionally, mentally and existentially, allowing theory and methodology to become interwoven and embodied through direct experience.
The retreat provides an opportunity to explore the many dimensions of Human–Nature Connectedness and to translate evidence-based methodology into embodied practice.
Module 3 – Practice Period & Methodology Supervision
Practice in your own nature, with supervision
Following Modules 1 and 2, you may choose to enter Module 3, the practical and supervised training period. Module 3 offers a shift from learning the art of Forest Bathing Guiding towards embodying the professional practice of Forest Therapy Guiding. It is a process of immersion, practice, integration and professional development, supported by regular supervision, peer support and seminars.
You will take increasing responsibility for planning, preparing, facilitating and evaluating Forest Therapy sessions designed according to the Eco Forest Therapy methodology. You will continue to deepen your nature connectedness and explore subjects such as guiding in relationship with nature as a partner, holding a group, nature listening, dialogue and other aspects of professional Forest Therapy Guiding.
The practical and supervised training in Module 3 forms an essential part of the pathway towards certification.
Teacher Supervision and Support
We offer personal and group support and supervision throughout the training. They are essential for the development of an embodied learning over time and for an expertise to develop. It is also a helpful way to share and demonstrate the level of professional competence in the art of Forest Therapy Guiding. After finishing the training you are invited to join the SNFTI Guide Network, a community of like-minded peers who are exploring and walking this particular path alongside you. Please check out the SNFTI Guide-network!
Online Seminars
The training begins with, and is supported throughout by, online sharing circles and theoretical seminars. Module 1 introduces the theory, methodology and science of Forest Bathing, Forest Therapy and Eco Forest Therapy. TIt is also an opportunity to meet your teachers and fellow participants and establish a foundation before the training-retreat. Also after the in-person training-retreat, and during Module 3, our live, online seminars and sharing circles provide continued learning, reflection, peer exchange and methodological supervision across a range of relevant topics.
More about: Training-Retreat
The week-long training-retreat is in many ways a unique combination of personal nature immersion and a highly professional learning experience. We make sure to select a beautiful nature venue in the silent surroundings of the Scandinavian Forest to provide a week of connection and of immersion. The week is a way of translating evidence-based methodology into embodied practice, while creating personal space to explore and deepen different dimensions of Human–Nature Connectedness.
