Explore Your Path with CNIT
What is Nature Informed Therapy?
Nature Informed Therapy blends evidence-based mental health practices with nature’s innate capacity for healing. We nurture human well-being by restoring connections—to ourselves, to each other, and to the natural world."
A core goal of NIT is reciprocity—forming a healing relationship with individuals that empowers them to care for and heal the planet, creating a mutually beneficial cycle of well-being for both people and the natural world.
Featured Training & Upcoming Events
Real Impact Stories
Training & Certification
Scholarships & Community Impact
Public Programs & Retreats
“Hands down, the most inspiring training I've attended in my 25 years as a social worker. I started using the strategies immediately with my clients—impactful, practical, and transformational.”
“This training offered an ideal blend of research, experiential exercises, and practical tools. Moving between indoor and outdoor settings at beautiful Camp Puh’tok kept us energized and engaged. I feel fully prepared and inspired to integrate nature into my practice.”
“As a new clinician, I felt genuinely supported. From mindfulness techniques in nature to working with marginalized communities, the training left me equipped, confident, and ready to step outside the office with clients.”
“Receiving the CNIT scholarship opened my eyes to nature’s profound healing power. Each mindful walk, each quiet reflection in nature, became a meaningful moment of healing, emotional balance, and renewed spiritual connection. I'm forever grateful.”
“The wilderness retreat was intense yet beautifully healing. It taught me that nature is not just a backdrop—it's an active partner in recovery. This experience restored my strength, resilience, and clarity when I needed it most.”
“The BIPOC scholarship was life-changing. The training helped me reconnect with nature, transform my clinical practice, and empower marginalized communities. It not only boosted my professional growth but deeply enriched my personal journey.”
“WOW...is the first word that comes to mind. Receiving my letter from the ‘Peace in the Wild’ retreat at exactly the right moment reminded me that healing comes at the perfect time and place. Truly magical.”
“This retreat allowed me to release years of pent-up emotion into nature itself. I left my negative energy behind on the mountain and returned with deep inner serenity. Nature became my greatest teacher.”
“Since the retreat, I've become OBSESSED with being outdoors. It changed my life—I'm hiking and biking more than ever and feeling more connected and alive. It’s incredible.”
Founder's Story
My journey began in the majestic mountains of southern Bavaria, where nature was a constant companion in childhood adventures and a steady source of comfort during challenging times. It was here I first experienced nature’s profound ability to heal.
Entering the counseling profession, I noticed a paradox: while many therapists valued nature personally, few integrated it into their clinical practices. Inspired to bridge this gap, I completed scholarly research on nature’s role in psychological well-being and resilience. Finding limited practical training options, I was compelled to create the solution myself.
From this vision, the Center for Nature Informed Therapy (CNIT) was born—to empower professionals with rigorous yet accessible training at the intersection of nature and mental health. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or simply drawn to nature’s healing power, I warmly invite you to join us.
— Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan
Support Our Mission
The Center for Nature Informed Therapy (CNIT) is dedicated to empowering healing and resilience through nature-based mental health training and transformative experiences.
Your support enables us to:
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Provide scholarships for underserved professionals and individuals, ensuring accessibility to life-changing training and retreats.
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Expand our community outreach, offering nature-informed wellness programs to populations in need.
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Further innovative research and education that deepens the understanding of nature’s healing potential.
Together, we can nurture healthier individuals, stronger communities, and a more connected world.
CNIT is a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3) status pending). All contributions directly support our impactful programs and are deeply appreciated.
Partnerships & Recognition
CNIT proudly collaborates with respected organizations and academic institutions dedicated to advancing mental health, wellness, and environmental stewardship.
Our valued partnerships enable us to deliver innovative training, research, and nature-based wellness programs, amplifying our collective impact.
Our Collaborators Include:
Universities &
Research Institutions
Corporate &
Organizational Partners
Community &
Nonprofit Organizations
Contact US
Center for Nature Informed
Therapy Inc (CNIT)
1010 Dulaney Valley Rd
Towson, MD, 21204
USA
We acknowledge that CNIT stands on the ancestral lands of Indigenous Peoples who have long lived, hunted, and traded along the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River—particularly the Piscataway, Susquehannock, and other Algonquin‑ and Iroquoian‑speaking nations. Descendants of these tribes, as well as Lumbee and Cherokee communities, remain part of Baltimore’s living heritage. We recognize the violent displacements they endured and commit to honoring their legacy in all we do.