Nature and Forest Therapy Guides

Immersion

Council of Waters & Trees and Way of the Guide

Cohort

January 14, 2019
to
January 18, 2019
14 - 18 Jan 2019

Enrollment Open

A Forest Therapy Immersion Incorporating Restorative Practices for healing our relationships with nature
Who the Council of Waters and Trees is for: We recommend this if you are interested in ecotherapy, forest therapy, and experiencing the Council format. It will emphasize deep nature connection as a practice of connecting with our own wisdom, personal and group insights, and pathways to wellness. ​​ You are curious about Council and/or Forest Therapy and would like to learn more about these powerful connective practices. You are a therapist or helping professional who would like to learn powerful techniques of eco-therapy. You have a desire to deeply immerse yourself and be held by the healing power of the forest, making time for both self-reflection and community sharing. You are a Forest Therapy Guide/Guide-in-training and wish to deepen your understanding of Council Practice. You are interested in how Council and Forest Therapy work together as a deeply restorative practice supporting wellness of people and the many other species and places upon which we depend. You are considering becoming a Forest Therapy Guide and want to know more about it before committing to the training.
Duration
6 months training +
4 day immersion
Hybrid Format
Remote Live Calls +
In Person Immersion
US$ 2495.00 +
US$495 (Travel expenses, lodging and meals not incl.)
Duration
6 months training +
4 day immersion
Hybrid Format
Remote Live Calls +
In Person Immersion
US$ 3350.00
‍US$495 (Travel expenses, lodging and meals not incl.)

In this program we enter the liminal space of renewed possibility for deepening our connection with the more-than-human world through Forest Therapy and The Way of Council.

​Forest Therapy
is the practice of sensory connection to come into intimate relationship with the more-than-human world and with each other. A series of guided invitations bring us into the present moment, opening the doors of communication with the forest, waters, and landscapes we explore. We encounter not just the forest, but through the many mirrors of nature, we also encounter ourselves.

The Way of Council is a process of communication with ourselves and each other that supports deepening into our experience. Through council we can discover the meaning of our emerging stories through sharing and being witnessed in circle. Council invites us to become more intimate with our own lives, and support each other as we move through our processes of learning, growing, grieving, and healing. Because it invites authentic expression, council can be quite intimate. Your facilitators will show how the form of Council can create space that is both vulnerable and safe.

Restorative Practices build on the Way of Council to create opportunities for exploring and healing harms in relationships. In the Council of Waters and Trees we introduce "Aloha Ropes," a restorative practice developed by Amos Clifford. Inspired by the Hawaiian tradition of Ho'oponopono and other sources, we will use this practice to deepen our relationship with the more-than-human world of nature. Through Aloha Ropes we will discover how the land can listen and speak to us, and through us give voice to its longings, wisdom, and needs.  Like Council, Aloha Ropes is a method that can be readily transferred into other settings such as schools and communities.

This journey will allow us to sink deeply into the medicine of the forest. Mornings will be spent immersing ourselves in the experiential practices of Forest Therapy.  Afternoon Council meetings support the deep rooting of the medicine the forest has offered us. We will experience the brief "light touch" council as it is used in Forest Therapy as well as diving into the deeper practice and learning-by-doing the core skills of council leadership.

This is an ASL video by Deaf certified ANFT guide, Summer Crider, explaining the details of this retreat, including some video clips of the Aspen Camp location.

Schedule for Live Events

This immersion will include an in-depth exploration of the main themes of The Way of the Guide, as developed by M. Amos Clifford and taught by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. Our exploration will include looking at the Guide archetype in relationship to archetypes of place and process. We will also learn the differences between the archetypes of Guide, Mentor, and Healer, and how those three work together to support people on their journeys toward wholeness and authenticity.
The Way of the Guide is also about supporting people as they approach and then break through the ways in which they are tamed by the trances of culture, trauma, patriarchy and other influences. We will experience how boundaries become edges at the thresholds of liminal experiences, and how the journey through liminatity can help to expand our sense what is possible in our lives.

What is Included in the Training? 

14 modules, over
120 lessons
Over 14 live calls with your trainers and cohort
Small group discussion calls with trainers
Downloadable manual
30+ short videos, recorded by different trainers
40+ assignments/ self exploration activities
20+ nature connection activities
Access to research papers and studies
Fun Facts and Reflections
Remote Forest Therapy walks guided by trainers
Guide your own walks and debrief them
Access to the largest forest therapy guide's community worldwide
About the Venue:
VENUE
Jouvence, Quebec
131, chemin de Jouvence, Orford (Québec) J1X 6R2
Orford
Quebec
Canada
https://www.jouvence.com/
1 800 567-3134

A non-profit organization, Jouvence is located on a 194-acre site on Lake Stukely, in Mont-Orford National Park. Renowned for its hospitality and well-stocked table, Jouvence has been a jewel in the Eastern Townships for more than 45 years. By taking advantage of its all-inclusive formula, including overnight stay, meals and access to outdoor activities and equipment, you will leave conquered and out of the ordinary. Our 125 cozy rooms, many with wood burning stove, are spread out in small private cottages, large pavilions or a charming inn. Do you prefer the rustic side? Our two refuges located within a few minutes of hiking will offer you a privileged experience with nature.

Organisme à but non lucratif, Jouvence est situé sur un site de 194 acres en bordure du lac Stukely, dans le parc national du Mont-Orford. Renommé pour son accueil et sa table bien garnie, Jouvence est un joyau des Cantons-de-l’Est depuis plus de 45 ans. En profitant de sa formule tout inclus, comprenant la nuitée, les repas ainsi que l’accès aux activités et équipements de plein air, vous en repartirez conquis et dépaysé. Nos 125 chambres chaleureuses, dont plusieurs avec poêle à bois, sont réparties dans de petits chalets privés, de grands pavillons ou encore une charmante auberge. Vous préférez le côté rustique? Nos deux refuges situés à quelques minutes de randonnée vous offriront une expérience privilégiée avec la nature.

LODGING

Contact christy@natureandforesttherapy.org
Lodging and meal costs are not included in the tuition price.
Single, double, and triple occupancy available.

MEALS

Jouvence can accomodate all food preferences. We will be eating at the dining hall, just minutes from our living quarters.

TRANSPORTATION

The closest international airport is Montréal Pierre-Elliott Trudeau International Airport *(YUL), about 140 km west of Orford. Local travelers may also arrive and depart from the Burlington Airport (BTV) in Vermont (USA) and the Plattsburgh Airport (PBG) in New York (USA). Travel from YUL to Orford is approximately 1.5 hours by car, whereas from BTV and PBG is 2 hours. Note that if you do fly to Burlington, you must pass through Canadian customs at the Canada-USA border.

*Some ticketing agencies might use 'YMQ' as the Montreal area airport code (in case you did not find 'YUL' while searching for flights)

From Motréal Trudeau Airport to Jouvence: Aeronavette, 24/7 shared shuttle service. The cost for round-trip per person is approximately 120$CAD (not yet included: taxes and applicable fees for the ride to Centre Jouvence directly).

SCHEDULE DETAILS
GENERAL NOTES

Money, Language and Electricity

The currecny in Canada is the Canadian Dollar (click here for a currency converter).

Canada is a bilingual country, speaking both English and French. In Québec the official language is French but most people do speak in English, especially in the tourism and service industries. This event will be held in English.

Please bring adapters for electricity if you are coming from outside of North America. In Canada, Type A & B plugs are used.

Tuition

Trainers

Entrenadores

Advisors

Entrenadores

Dr. Qing Li

Dr, Qing Li (MD, PhD) graduated from Shanxi Medical University in China and got a PhD degree from Kagoshima University in Japan. He has studied at Stanford University School of Medicine.

He is a clinical professor at Nippon Medical School, President of the Japanese Society of ForestMedicine, Director of the Forest Therapy Society, Vice-President and Secretary General of International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine (INFOM) (https://www.infom.org).

Prof. Li is the world’s foremost expert in forest medicine and immunology. He has received Society ward from the Japanese Society for Hygiene in Forest Medicine in 2022 and University Award from Nippon Medical School in Forest Medicine in 2011 (https://researchmap.jp/read0045249?lang=en)

Some people study medicine. Some people study forest. Dr. Li studies forest medicine to find out all the ways in which walking in the forest can improve our well-being. He started the forest medicine research (Shinrin-yoku/Forest bathing/Forest therapy) from 2004 and has published many articles in scientific journals and books in forest medicine.

His book: Shinrin-yoku (https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/308285/shinrin-yoku/9780241984857.html) has been translated into 26 languages.

His book: Forest bathing (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/579709/forest-bathing-by-dr-qing-li/) was ranked in the bestseller list in the US in 2018.

Dr. Susan Abookire

Susan Abookire, BSEE, MD, MPH, FACP, is an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, a practicing Internist, and a senior executive with 20 years’ experience leading healthcare organizations. She has served as Chief Medical Officer, System Chief Quality Officer, and Chair of Quality and Patient Safety. Dr. Abookire began her career as an electrical engineer in aviation systems. She has taught nationally and internationally on patient safety, high reliability, systems design, and the health benefits of nature. Dr. Abookire also enjoys being a Forest Therapy guide and incorporates Forest Therapy into medical curricula.

Dr. Robert Zarr

Dr. Robert Zarr is a physician researcher and public health pediatrician based at Unity Health Care, Inc. and Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Canada. He has provided medical care to minority and immigrant populations for more than 20 years.

A longtime advocate for Medicare for All, Dr. Zarr served as PNHP president from 2015 through 2016. He founded and was the first medical director of Park Rx America, a community health initiative to prescribe nature to patients and families to prevent and treat chronic disease and promote wellness. A certified nature and forest therapy guide by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, Dr. Zarr previously served as the Park Rx Advisor to the National Park Service in his national advocacy to connect patients to parks.

Dr. Zarr earned his medical degree at Baylor University and his MPH at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, and completed residency in pediatrics at Texas Children’s Hospital/Baylor.

Advisor

Entrenadores

Advisor

Summer Crider

Summer , as a certified Nature and Forest Therapy guide, works in partnership with Nature to provide opportunities to help humans re-connect with the Earth and themselves.

Born and raised in the cypress swamp of North Florida, Summer has navigated through various life experiences as a human being who happens to be deaf. After getting their degrees in Expressive Art Therapy and Deaf Cultural Studies, and certified in American Sign Language, Summer taught ASL, Spanish, and Deaf Culture in various high schools and colleges/universities for 15+ years. They also established a media consulting business, making educational films accessible to the sign language community.

After they experienced some challenges with severe anxiety, Summer found Mother Nature calling them back home. Summer decided to study Nature and Forest Therapy through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and eventually found a new purpose- assisting humans from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and languages to rediscover their connection with the Natural world through the healing practice of forest bathing.

Advisors

Tamberly Kerr - Conway - PhD
Tamberly serves as an ANFT Certified Guide and ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Trail Consultant. Tamberly holds an MS and PhD in Forestry, with a focus upon Human Dimensions in Natural Resources, focusing upon diversity engagement, health and nature connections, forest health/human health relationships, and community empowerment in conservation.

Tahia Devischer - PhD
Tahia is a research and teaching fellow at the University of British Columbia. She holds a PhD in ecosystems science from the University of Oxford, and is a certified forest therapy guide with ANFT. She works at the nexus of urban forests, human well-being and climate resilience.


Certification Pathway

STEP 1
6-month remote training
STEP 2
4-day in-person immersion
STEP 3
Get your certification
STEP 1
You will start with a 6-month remote training, covering the content on live calls with the support of your trainers, fellow students, a very user friendly learning platform, many self exploration and nature connection activities that are done outside. After completing this training you get a provisional certification as a Certified Forest Therapy Guide. To view the available trainings scroll down
STEP 2
After completing module 4 you can apply to attend a 4-day in-person immersion, for hands on forest therapy guiding experience with trainers and fellow students. You have two years time to complete this step. To view the available immersions click here
STEP 3
After completing the 6-month remote training and the 4-day in- person immersion, you will receive your permanent certification as an ANFT Certified
Forest Therapy Guide
and be part of the largest Forest Therapy
Guide Community Worldwide. Click here to see the guide´s map.
IMPORTANT: Before you send out your application, please make sure that the
schedule for the calls works for you and your time zone. Check the detailed Schedule HERE
Additional Questions?  Check our FAQ section

Advisors

Tamberly Kerr - Conway - PhD
Tamberly serves as an ANFT Certified Guide and ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Trail Consultant. Tamberly holds an MS and PhD in Forestry, with a focus upon Human Dimensions in Natural Resources, focusing upon diversity engagement, health and nature connections, forest health/human health relationships, and community empowerment in conservation.

Tahia Devischer - PhD
Tahia is a research and teaching fellow at the University of British Columbia. She holds a PhD in ecosystems science from the University of Oxford, and is a certified forest therapy guide with ANFT. She works at the nexus of urban forests, human well-being and climate resilience.


Advisors

Tamberly Kerr - Conway - PhD
Tamberly serves as an ANFT Certified Guide and ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Trail Consultant. Tamberly holds an MS and PhD in Forestry, with a focus upon Human Dimensions in Natural Resources, focusing upon diversity engagement, health and nature connections, forest health/human health relationships, and community empowerment in conservation.

Tahia Devischer - PhD
Tahia is a research and teaching fellow at the University of British Columbia. She holds a PhD in ecosystems science from the University of Oxford, and is a certified forest therapy guide with ANFT. She works at the nexus of urban forests, human well-being and climate resilience.


Advisors

Tamberly Kerr - Conway - PhD
Tamberly serves as an ANFT Certified Guide and ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Trail Consultant. Tamberly holds an MS and PhD in Forestry, with a focus upon Human Dimensions in Natural Resources, focusing upon diversity engagement, health and nature connections, forest health/human health relationships, and community empowerment in conservation.

Tahia Devischer - PhD
Tahia is a research and teaching fellow at the University of British Columbia. She holds a PhD in ecosystems science from the University of Oxford, and is a certified forest therapy guide with ANFT. She works at the nexus of urban forests, human well-being and climate resilience.