Includes:
Your Signed Author Copy of the Definitive Manual on Nature Therapy:
Both electronic and paperback formats of the program manual written by your tutor and mentor are supplied at the residential event, together with the course founder's book, Nature Therapy Walks.
INTRODUCTION
A robust and growing body of research links spending time in nature - even in small amounts - to improved health and happiness. Yet, due to the demands and realities of modern life, many families lack the time, money, or fitness needed for traditional nature-bonding activities, such as lengthy multi-day camping or hiking trips.
Fortunately, nature therapy sessions can provide an intensive and uplifting
experiential and spiritual interaction with nature in as little as half an hour at minimal cost and exertion. As a bonus, studies find that when people connect with nature, they’re more likely to protect it.
Nature Therapy Guides facilitate connection to nature by aiding access to local nature, interpreting and providing contextual information about nature, leading nature-based mindfulness activities, and supporting participants in contextualising relationships to nature through the lenses of participants’ own spiritual
beliefs.
This program specialises in helping Guides to design and lead nature-focused walks and meditations (among other activities), and subsequently be able to take these nature-based approaches to integrate them into any wellness-related profession.
The Guide’s central role is to cultivate safe, enjoyable, and mutually respectful nature experiences for all participants.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Nature therapy is becoming an increasingly popular (and scientifically-backed) modality for people seeking to improve overall well-being. Our program develops Guides to craft and lead nature experiences that facilitate positive connections between nature and people. We equip Guides with tools to build their own customised nature therapy programs, on a foundation of key theoretical and practical knowledge, through the lenses of their own expertise and backgrounds.
Guides gain competencies in the types and science of nature therapy, the nature and natural history of their local environment, spirituality in nature, mindfulness in nature, outreach and communication skills, and trail safety and leadership. They learn to implement a structured-yet-flexible template for leading successful nature walks, meditations, and activities for diverse participants.
This all-inclusive Fast-Track certification program can be completed fully in as little as 1 week, (with up to 2 months allowed), with feedback and mentoring from a qualified instructor. Learning hours include: videos and recordings (in addition to required readings and written assignments), attendance of the 5-day residential and participation in live webinars and scheduled one-on-one meetings with your mentor.
Successful graduation will result in certification as a Certified Nature Therapy Guide through the Natural Wellness Academy, including a printed certificate.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The overall learning outcomes for the course are listed below. For more detailed, module-specific learning objectives, see the “Curriculum” section of this syllabus.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
1. Design and lead safe, uplifting nature experiences for diverse participants in various settings.
2. Describe empirical and theoretical research linking nature with improved wellbeing.
3. List methods to improve nature access and reduce common barriers.
4. Identify your ecoregion and summarize its natural history.
5. Apply concepts of spirituality and mindfulness in the context of nature.
6. Implement trail leadership skills including interpretation, etiquette, and safety.
7. Develop indoor and outdoor nature therapy activities using key pathways to nature connectedness.
THE LOW-DOWN
PROGRAM AIM:
Fast-Track students through to a one week certification (possible to defer the final Practicum submission for up to 2 months).
PROCESS & PROCEDURES:
Hybrid learning environment incorporating: one 5-day in-person full immersion residential, online email support/moderation, two 1-on-1 zoom meetings.
Completion of all learning requirements for Modules 1 – 5 at the residential through a variety of: group and 1-on-1 discussions, practical activities indoor and outdoor, group and solo study, reflection.
Option to stay an extra day at the residential to also complete Module 6 – the final Practicum.
Provide a 5-day residential where students can come together and benefit from:
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The opportunity to complete 5 (or 6) of the 6 program requirements in one week
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The opportunity to complete the entire certification program within 2 months (if not at the residential)
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1-on-1 tuition/mentoring/feedback
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In-person tuition/mentoring/feedback
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Working solo and within a small group in a series of practical activities, discussions, study, and reflection periods
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Networking opportunities with fellow students
PAYMENT, TERMS & INCLUSIONS:
€2,250 is the cost of full tuition, mentoring and certification and includes:
• A 5-day full board, residential with:
Tuition, mentoring and outdoor activities
Breakfast, lunch, 3-course dinner, morning & afternoon refreshments
Day trip to Lastours or Montségur castle
Transportation to and from outdoor activities
Transportation to and from Carcassonne airport/train station (€100 surcharge for Toulouse which can be shared with other students)
• Two one-on-one zoom meetings pre/post residential.
• Online mentoring and moderation for 2 months (max)
• Full access to the online library & resources
• A hard copy of the Nature Therapy Walks book by course founder, Cortney Cameron
• A hard copy of The Art of Nature Therapy: A Manual for Guides and Coaches by tutor and mentor, Joanne Moore
The 5-day residential will NOT include tuition for the Advanced Track option but ALL students will be eligible for free online tuition for these elements before, during (where time permits) and after the residential should they wish to pursue the Advanced Track.
A deposit of 33% (€750) must be paid at the time of inscription.
A further payment of 33% (€750) must be made prior to arrival.
The final 33% (€750) must be made before Certification is awarded.
Can't Make the Event Dates Below?
Sometimes prior commitments mean we can't attend the organised group event dates. However, in the off-seasons, a 1-on-1 Fast-Track residential may still be possible for you. If this interests you, Contact Us to discuss your preferred times and we'll see what we can do.
Upcoming Events
Fri, 25 OctRazès Gîtes, Occitanie, France25 Oct 2024, 10:00 CEST – 29 Oct 2024, 17:30 CETRazès Gîtes, Occitanie, France, 11240 Escueillens-et-Saint-Just-de-Bélengard, France
Thu, 27 MarRazès Gîtes, Occitanie, France27 Mar 2025, 10:00 CET – 31 Mar 2025, 19:30 CESTRazès Gîtes, Occitanie, France, 11240 Escueillens-et-Saint-Just-de-Bélengard, France