Forest Ecotherapy Leadership Curriculum

---

In this in-depth, integrated, experiential,
in-person learning curriculum you will learn and develop your skills in:

* Denotes an experiential workshop

The Philosophical and Scientific Roots
of Forest Ecotherapy:

deep ecology • ecopsychology • global animistic & nature-based spiritual systems  • archetypes of the cosmic tree/world tree •  nature mysticism •
ecological identity •  biophilia vs. biophobia • reverence for nature •
cultivating ally-ship with the more-than-human world
Forest Bathing/shinrin-yoku • Japanese and Global Forest Medicine research • 
the extended family of related nature & eco therapies

Branch 1: Naturalist Knowledge
& Ecoliteracy Skills

 forest ecology • tree biology • forests and climate change • bioregionalism • reading the landscape* • flora & fauna of the forest • wild ethics • phenology •  identifying, ethical wild crafting and processing of edible plants* • naturalist teaching methods • native science & indigenous perspectives

Branch 2: Multi-Sensory Awareness Skills

physical and energetic aspects of the five senses • beyond the five senses: energetic/trans-dimensional senses • developing your intuition • listening & attuning to the more-than-human world • the science of tree aromatherapy* • mindful & ethical interaction • creative processes • sound, silence and singing • drum journeying* • relationship with the elements of earth, wind, fire and water • body contact with the earth* • tree climbing*

Branch 3: Outdoor & Professional Leadership Skills

people skills • being a guest at home in nature • knowing the terrain • therapeutic dynamics • facilitating experiences • individuals vs. groups • preparing yourself, participants & place • holding space • awareness & opportunities • boundaries & edges • orientation & time management • safety & hazards • wild ethics • liability • council, mirroring and deep listening practices • transitions & closures •
the art of play • the art of storytelling • moonlight and night sessions* 

---

Branch 4: Nature-Based Ceremony
Principles & Facilitation Skills

 rites-of passage journey • bridging the more-than-human world • elements of ritual • preparing & holding sacred space & time • setting intentions • liminal states of consciousness • thresholds • gratitude, reciprocity & service • authenticity, humility, sincerity & integrity • making offerings • sacred tool kits  • ephemeral art & creative processes* • incorporation, integration & ongoing support

---

TIME COMMITMENT:

SCHEDULE: To Be Schedules

LOCATION: Based in Sonoma County, California, with camping (weather permitting) at various forest ecosystem locations in Northern California
+ Opportunity for additional travel to forests around the world (at additional cost).

Field Intensives: The roots of Forest Ecotherapy along with Experiential Skills of the Four Branches will be explored at various forest locations in Northern California. Some sessions include guest presenters and hands-on workshops. Opportunities for additional international trips to forests around the world.

Personal Practice: As part of their course of study, Mentees will develop their own personal practice of connecting with nature, sensory awareness, and personal inquiry of ecological identity.

Learning Resources: Students will be provided with additional supporting materials of theory and practice through Readings, Videos, Experiential Assignments, and Journal Questions.

Outcomes & Final Project: Mentees will be guided to create their personally-tailored Forest Ecotherapy Facilitator's Tool Chest. The Mentorship Program culminates in a final project of demonstrating leadership in an applicable field. 

Contact for more Information