Forest Therapy Guide Training is learning the skills to become a Forest Bathing guide or instructor.
Forest Bathing is a wonderful way to connect with nature and has many health benefits too.
To lead others in the practice and give them the opportunity to benefit in this way is truly an exceptional and memorable experience. Let me tell you why this may be the perfect new career path, service offering or side hustle for you.
What is Forest Therapy?
Forest Therapy, also known as Forest Bathing, comes from the Japanese term Shinrin Yoku (森林 浴). This translates as ‘bathing your senses in the atmosphere of the forest’. This is why we use the term Forest Bathing.
Forest Bathing is about focussing on the immersion of your 5 senses in the natural world. I often use the terms “Nature-based Mindfulness” or “Nature Connection” to define the practice, too. I think that should give you a real sense of what you can achieve when you attend a Forest Bathing session.
🌿 Related: Forest Bathing and its origins
The Benefits of Forest Bathing include:
- reduced stress
- a stronger immune system
- increased antioxidants
- boosted serotonin production
- lowering high blood pressure
- improvements in energy, concentration and creativity
- reducing anxiety
- better sleep
- a deeper connection to the natural world
🌿 Related: Discover more about the benefits of Forest Bathing
Now, imagine not only benefitting in this way yourself but also guiding others towards these benefits too. Forest Bathing sessions include a series of group, pair and individual nature-inspired meditation and mindfulness exercises (known as Forest Bathing invitations).
🌿 Related: What happens in a Forest Bathing session
If you have not experienced one of my sessions yourself, then I highly recommend you start here. You’ll get a real feel for what being a guide involves, as well as how a session is run.
How Can I Train to be a Forest Bathing Guide?
There are several different courses around the country. However, I am so proud of our twice-accredited training course, that’s endorsed by the Institute of Outdoor Learning and the Complementary Medical Association. We only work with small groups, provide extensive personalised support and include a whole host of bonus resources like done for you session plans, a library of recorded invitations and ongoing meet ups.
Those within each cohort have offered incredible support to each other, because of the opportunities to interact and learn from one another. Whether you choose the fully-online or hybrid learning path.
🌿Related A previous trainee’s story.
I do include a significant in-person element to my training as I believe strongly that this gives you the best opportunity to truly feel confident in your abilities. You will find it easier to take forward what you have learnt and to set up your own Forest Bathing sessions (and to run a successful business, should you wish). This is what you need to become a Forest Bathing Guide. The fully-online training is more suited to those wanting to run occasional events rather than develop an entire business with Forest Therapy at its heart.
What is Involved with Forest Bathing Training?
To become a Forest Bathing guide my specialist facilitator course includes – home study, online discussion, role play and learning, in-person week in the woods (optional), personal practice to deepen your connection to nature and practical coursework activities to become a competent Forest Bathing guide. We also cover off all the legalities and how to actually launch your new service or business.
I have pooled all my knowledge and compiled a unique training manual which offers you a strong foundation from which to start your training. The manual includes lots of background and information, as well as over 50 ‘Forest Bathing invitations’ for you to use. These include foraging, creative, meditative, reflective, stationary, moving, group and solo activities.
🌿 Related: How do you train in Forest Bathing?
How Long Does the Certification Take?
Forest Therapy Guide Training is broken down into six months when you work with Adore Your Outdoors:
ONBOARDING – MONTH 0 – We start with some self-paced home study at the start, with your bonus study course, Discover the Magic of Deep Nature Connection. This wonderful series serves to introduce key concepts and includes several recorded invitations for you to experience and enjoy, and an accompanying digital workbook. The perfect head start to your studies.
ONLINE INTRO – MONTH 1 – 2 days online learning. Get ready for engaging discussions, practical exercises, and a supportive space to launch your Forest Bathing journey!
IMMERSION WEEK – MONTH 2 – either in the woods or fully-online. This module is where you practice delivering full sessions and hone your skills alongside mentors and peers. The in-person option offers an unparalleled experience, running sessions in real life. Alternatively, the fully-online cohort covers the entire curriculum and is perfect if you are not local to Hampshire or have family responsibilities to discount travel. Your future self will thank you for making this commitment to becoming an Expert Forest Bathing Guide!
Visit the web page and grab the prospectus.
TRIAL WALKS AND SELF DEVELOPMENT – MONTHS 3 – 5 – There is also a number of monthly coursework assignments, which simply allows you to try out elements of becoming a Forest Bathing guide – it’s to build confidence not to test or trick you. They are a mix of video, audio, written and sketched bits of work and we are very open to adapting to specific learning requirements. Many students say this part of the course is where the deep personal connection to nature happens. You benefit from 3 hours of further 1:1 mentoring to support you in this stage.
ASSESSMENT AND LAUNCH – MONTH 6 – The focus in this final month is getting your business up and running or your new service launched, so that when you graduate, you are poised to start recovering your investment. You’ll work on your vision and business plan to map out the months and years ahead. There is also an open book assessment.
ONGOING SUPPORT – MONTHS 7+ – Ongoing support is provided through the monthly online circles, a wonderful opportunity for our community of guides to reconnect for one hour each month.
What Do Other People Say About Forest Therapy Guide Training?
“Sonya, from the bottom of my heart, to my hair rustling in the wind, my toes connected to the earth, my nose filled with petrichor and my spirit alive with wild wonder, thank you sooo much! This experience has truly changed me and I can’t wait for the next part of my journey. Big big hugs to you!” – Caroline, Herts.
“I just need to add that I’ve done a few different trainings and no one compares to how you do it, you are so generous, encouraging, real, truthful, insightful, inclusive, wise, compassionate, genuine, kind and your after care of your students is second to none. You truly walk your talk. THANK YOU.” – Fi, Wilts.
“The programme taught me far more than I ever imagined, on both a professional basis and a personal basis. I found attending the session run by Sonya with real clients really rewarding. A bit like the theory of learning to drive vs seeing how it is really done! I feel I am a better person for doing this and the impact of Forest Bathing and Nature Connection has been life-changing.” – Janice, Hants.
“At the start of the week, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and worried that I wouldn’t be able to remember everything. I needn’t have worried though because Sonya set up the training in such a way that we were able to build our knowledge and skills gradually over the week. By the final day, we had led a forest bathing session together. This felt like such an achievement – we had grown into fledgling guides over the course of the week.” – Tara, Dorset.
Can Qualified Therapists Train to Become a Forest Bathing Guide?
Yes of course. However, for those already qualified and skilled in 1:1 therapy, such as counsellors and coaches, you may also be interested in a shorter online 1:1 masterclass, that I offer.
Although it doesn’t lead to a Forest Bathing Guide certification, it equips you with powerful tools to integrate the healing power of nature into your practice. It leads to greater insight, personal growth, and breakthroughs for your clients. Get in touch to find out more about this.
How Much Does the Training Cost and When Does it Start?
I run four Forest Therapy Guide training courses per year, 2 starting in spring and 2 in summer.
Prices are subject to change but at the time of writing start at £1745 for the certification online. To be eligible for the concession rate you will have previous experience in related industries, leading groups or work in a typically undervalued role, such as a teacher, nurse or social worker.
Find out about the upcoming dates, full details on the curriculum, coursework and included resources in the prospectus. You’ll also get a clear breakdown of payment plan options, the application form and link to book a connection call.
