Frequently Asked Questions
I don't live near a forest. Can I still practice forest therapy?
Absolutely! Forest therapy simply means we practice among the trees, including trees in city parks and more urban settings. If you are located near a beach or desert where there are no trees, you can adapt everything we teach you to offer it more broadly as nature therapy.
How is The Forest Therapy School different from other schools?
Experiential learning and guiding in nature have their own pedagogies, which continue to inspire today. Forest therapy is a new and emerging field with a few “ways” out there. For the sake of continuity, we teach a similar walk sequence practiced at other schools. We offer a similar format infused with our own unique teachings, lineages, and imparted theory, introducing conversations that surround and inform the practice—from mindfulness to the use of language to the spiritual.
Who is this course for?
Our certification program, both online and in-person, is for anyone who desires to deepen their relationship with the Earth and themselves. If you are an aspiring guide who is excited about sharing forest therapy with others, an educator or health and wellness professional (coach, therapist, yoga instructor, nurse, etc.) who wants to add a nature-based modality to your existing practice, this program is for you.
How long does the course take to complete?
Our signature online program is 16 weeks, consisting of 10 weeks of modules and weekly class meetups followed by a 6-week mentored practicum.
Our in-person training retreats are 4-5 nights, depending on retreat experience, followed by a 6-week mentored practicum.
What is involved in the practicum?
During the 6-week mentored practicum, you will:
Attend weekly class meetups via Zoom that include open Q+A and special topics (The 6th meetup is graduation.)*
Guide 2 forest therapy walks (one offered for one participant and the other for a small group of 2 or more)
Go on a Soul Walk, which is a 4-hour walk/immersion at your leisure
Complete a Soul Walk project reflecting your experience (a short video, writing, artwork or similar inspiration from your Soul Walk)
Receive (2) group mentor calls
*Should you miss a meetup, recordings will be available.
Practicum time commitment: During the practicum, for all programs (including in-person retreat training), expect to spend about 3-5 hours per week in class meetups, assignments, and walks.
How much time will I need to complete the weekly online coursework?
For our signature online program, you will be required to read the module and attend the weekly 75-minute class meetup as well as any assignments. Expect to spend 2-3 hours per week in meetups, reading, and assignments. Additionally, there are (3) 1.5–2-hour walks you will attend on select dates. For courses running in the daytime, the walks will be during class time. For those enrolled in the evening program, walks will be scheduled over the weekends.
Do you offer in-person experiences for the online certification program?
We offer an optional in-person immersion for FTS Certified Forest Therapy Guides once a year. The experience is designed to deepen your connection with nature and the work of forest therapy as you meet up with fellow certified FTS guides. This is a community-building experience and is not required as part of the certification pathway.
Do you offer continuing education (CE) credits?
We offer 27 CE credits for NBHWC health and wellness coaches through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. We hope to offer more continuing education credit opportunities in the future.
Do you offer refunds?
Our online program refund policy:
Full refunds are available 14 days before the start date of your guide training program. 50% refunds are available 7 days before the start of your guide training program. After this, no refunds. There is a 10% fee for all refunds due to administration charges and payment processing fees.
Our in-person training retreat refund policy:
All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Cancellations made 31 days or more prior to retreat start date: The deposit is non-refundable. All payments (minus the deposit) are not refundable, but are transferable to a future training retreat held within one year.
Cancellations made 30 days or less prior to retreat start date: All payments are non-refundable or non-transferable. You may register to take the online certification course at no additional charge.
COVID-19 Policy: In the event that The Forest Therapy School must cancel a training retreat due to COVID-19, participants will receive a full refund minus a 5% payment processing fee.
I’m thinking about signing up for the online program. What if I can’t make all the classes?
All live meetup classes will be recorded. If you miss a class, you will be required to watch the recording. Students may miss no more than 3 live meetup classes. If you miss 4 or more classes and you still would like to be awarded with a certificate, then you will be required to schedule a teacher assessment meeting during the practicum at the rate of $150 for a one-hour session.
Also, to qualify for certification, students may miss no more than 1 forest therapy walk. If you miss more than one and would like to receive certification, arrangements will need to be made with the instructors. Assuming all other criteria are met, upon completion, you will receive certification.
What if I can’t finish the program on time?
If needed, practicum extensions are available for an additional cost of $200. The maximum extension allowed to receive certification is 3 months.
What if I need support after the training?
We want you to feel confident guiding and have put together three options for ongoing support:
The community Facebook group serves as a place for asking questions, sharing ideas and insights, and inspiration!
We offer Zoom meet-ups a few times a year for certified guides.
If you would like additional one-one support, we offer mentorship packages. Please inquire.
What is your alcohol policy at your in-person training retreats?
Most of our retreat venue partners are intoxicant-free facilities, so for that reason (and for the safety and well-being of others), we ask that you don't bring drugs and alcohol to in-person training retreats.