Expand Your Professional Tool Kit with Nature Informed Therapy (NIT) Training for Non-Mental Health Professionals
Introduction:
Welcome to our specialized training for non-mental health professionals*, a dynamic and innovative approach transcending the traditional boundaries of mental health practices. While our training is deeply rooted in enhancing therapeutic skills, it designed to incorporate the transformative principles of Nature Informed Therapy (NIT) into a wide range of professional practices. This unique program extends the benefits of NIT beyond traditional therapeutic settings, offering valuable skills for educators, landscape architects, healthcare providers, corporate wellness coordinators, community leaders, and more. Our training empowers participants with effective tools for promoting well-being, enhancing personal growth, and fostering a deeper connection with nature. As part of our commitment to comprehensive education, we require completion of Mental Health First Aid training, ensuring participants are well-equipped to support mental wellness in their respective fields.
*The NIT training for non-mental health professionals is conducted alongside mental health professionals, but you will be able to tailor the content to apply a Nature Informed approach in your workplace or area of specialty. Additionally, you will be grouped with other non-mental health professionals in separate breakout sessions, allowing for collaboration and idea-sharing specific to your field.
Who Should Attend
NIT training is beneficial not just for mental health professionals but also for individuals across various other fields, including:
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Educators and School Staff: Teachers, School Counselors, Special Education Professionals, and Administrators. Enhances the ability to incorporate nature in educational settings, offering new ways to engage and support student learning and well-being.
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Healthcare Providers: Nurses, Physicians, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists. Provides tools for integrating nature into patient care, enhancing therapeutic environments, and promoting holistic healing approaches.
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Outdoor Professionals: Park Rangers, Environmental Educators, Wildlife Guides, Adventure Guides, Camp Directors. Deepens understanding of nature's psychological benefits, enriching guided experiences and educational programs for clients.
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Corporate Professionals: Human Resources Personnel, Wellness Coordinators, Employee Assistance Program Managers. Offers strategies for implementing nature-based wellness initiatives, boosting employee well-being and productivity.
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Non-Profit Sector Professionals: Community Outreach Coordinators, Program Directors, Volunteer Managers. Equips with innovative approaches for community engagement and program development centered around nature.
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Landscape Architects and Urban Planners: Professionals involved in designing parks, green spaces, and community gardens. Insights into creating spaces that promote mental well-being, enhancing community health through design
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Public Service and Community Workers: Police Officers, Firefighters, and Community Service Officers. Provides stress reduction techniques and promotes a deeper connection with nature, enhancing community interactions and personal well-being.
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Wellness Coaches and Life Coaches: Professionals guiding individuals in personal development and wellness. Incorporates nature into coaching practices, offering clients new pathways for personal growth and stress management.
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Fitness Trainers and Yoga Instructors: Professionals incorporating nature into physical wellness programs. Integrates nature into fitness and yoga practices, enhancing the holistic well-being of clients.
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Spiritual and Religious Leaders: Incorporating nature into spiritual guidance and community leadership. Explores ways to incorporate nature into spiritual practices and community leadership for deeper connection and mindfulness.
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Volunteers in Community and Environmental Programs: Individuals involved in nature conservation, community gardening, and other environmental initiatives. Enhances effectiveness in environmental initiatives and community programs through nature-informed strategies.
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Parenting Experts and Childcare Providers: Learning nature-based strategies for child development and parenting. Offers nature-based methods for child development and parenting, fostering healthy growth and connection with nature.
Training Highlights
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Comprehensive Curriculum: From biophilia to practical nature-based exercises, our training covers theoretical foundations and hands-on skills.
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Community and Support: Join a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to leveraging nature for healing and growth.
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Practical Skills: Hands-on experiences with nature-based activities that can be integrated into various professional settings.
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Theoretical Insights: An overview of the science behind nature's impact on human psychology and group dynamics.
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Interdisciplinary Approach: Techniques from nature-informed therapy adapted for non-clinical settings to foster well-being and motivation.
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Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and build a community focused on innovative approaches to well-being.
Prerequisite for Participation
To ensure all participants, especially non-mental health professionals, are well-prepared and informed about basic mental health concepts, our training requires completion of a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course prior to attending. This prerequisite enriches the training experience, grounding you in essential mental health knowledge. If you've already completed MHFA training, please provide your certification. If not, we recommend exploring local or online options, including our 60-minute course available on our website. Assistance in finding a MHFA course is available upon request.
Tailored Experience
Discover the transformative power of nature with our tailored experiences designed for individuals and organizations outside the mental health profession. Whether you're a corporate team seeking innovative wellness strategies, an educator looking to incorporate nature-based learning, or simply someone passionate about personal growth, our programs offer unique, hands-on experiences that harness the healing benefits of nature. Engage in interactive workshops, enjoy expert guidance, and explore holistic approaches that integrate mind, body, and spirit with the natural environment, all tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Program Schedule
Semester | Course Start Date | Course End Date | Availability | Early Bird Deadline | Early Bird Code | Location | Training Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 Spring | 03/11/2025 | 03/13/2025 | Full | 01/10/2025 | EBSP25 | Monkton, MD | Nature Camp |
2025 Summer | 08/04/2025 | 08/06/2025 | Limited | 06/01/2025 | EBSU25 | Salt Lake City, UT | Urban Conservation Garden |
2025 Fall | 09/09/2025 | 09/11/2025 | Good | 07/08/2025 | EBFA25 | Monkton, MD | Nature Camp |
Register Early to Get
15% Early Bird Discount!
"EBSU25" for Summer 2025 by 06/01/2025, or
"EBFA25" for Fall 2025 by 07/08/2025
and, ask about our
Interest-Free Payment Plan
Spring 2025, Monkton Maryland
Starts Mar 11
960 US dollars
Starts Mar 14
640 US dollars
Starts Aug 4
960 US dollarsStarts Aug 8
640 US dollars
Summer 2025, Salt Lake City Utah
Fall 2025, Monkton Maryland
Starts Sep 9
960 US dollarsStarts Sep 12
640 US dollars
Lodging & Logistic Options for Out-of-Towners
Starts Mar 10
100 US dollars
Starts Mar 11
60 US dollarsStarts Mar 10
90 US dollars
Starts Mar 10
Starts Mar 12
25 US dollars
Starts Mar 10
40 US dollars
Program Instructors
Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan
Ph.D., LCPC, ACS
Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan is a pioneering force in Nature-Informed Therapy (NIT) and serves as the founder and executive director of the Center for Nature Informed Therapy. With extensive clinical experience, she specializes in anxiety treatment, grief and loss support, and designing transformative NIT groups and retreats. Heidi’s expertise in biophilic design provides a framework for creating healing environments, while her engaging speaking engagements and presentations empower fellow mental health professionals to harness the restorative potential of nature in their practice.
Gina Strauss
LCPC
Gina Strauss is a licensed clinical professional counselor who infuses her work with children, teens, and parents with creative, nature-based interventions. She specializes in adapting NIT techniques for both indoor and urban environments, utilizing biophilic design elements to foster relaxation and connection to the natural world. Gina also develops and leads psycho-educational groups and speaking engagements, illustrating how metaphors and meaningful moments inspired by nature can guide personal insight and growth. Her focus on living in harmony with the seasons invites clients—and fellow clinicians—to explore the natural rhythms that support emotional well-being.
Phillip McKnight
Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher
Phillip has experience teaching a wide variety of ages, backgrounds, and abilities and uses his MA in Instructional Systems Design to determine the needs of the participant and help them develop skills in mindfulness meditation with tools for body, heart, mind, and community. Trained in the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield, Phillip will help design and facilitate course implementation. In addition, Phillip brings with him fifteen years of environmental leadership where he has acted as a naturalist, educator, community advocate, and guide for groups such as The Audubon Society and Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Zoe Jack
LCSW-C
Rachel Oppenheimer
LCPC
Rachel Oppenheimer is an experienced nature-informed therapist who integrates present-moment awareness and mindfulness techniques into her work with clients experiencing anxiety. She is skilled at designing and leading a variety of nature-based therapeutic groups and retreats, including day-long events, hiking sessions, and backpacking immersions. Rachel also specializes in applying NIT principles to support body image and eating disorder recovery, focusing on self-compassion and strengthening the mind-body connection. Through workshops and conference presentations, she shares her expertise on how nature can play a transformative role in mental wellness.
Testimonials:
"The NIT training was a great experience and very rewarding and informative. It has been instrumental in refocusing my professional practice and approach to design."
Jack Lenord
Landscape Architect
"I initially had reservations as a non-mental health professional about the training's relevance to my role in the non-profit outdoor world. While some presentations seemed geared toward therapists, the content proved universally applicable, especially for those interested in volunteering with nature-based programs. The inclusive environment, coupled with small group interactions, enriched my experience. The training resonated with my leadership background in for-profit companies and aligned with my volunteer work in youth mountain biking. The blend of scholarly insights and immersive activities struck a balance, making the training valuable for various professions or programs focused on well-being. I appreciate the emphasis on therapeutic approaches beyond formal therapy, fostering connections with nature for positive mental health impacts."
Cathy Bucheri
Nonprofit Excecutive
Harness the Power of Nature in Your Career
Explore how Nature-Informed Therapy Training can revolutionize your professional and personal journey, no matter your field. Join us to unlock a world of transformative skills and insights.
Interest Free Payment Plan
We offer an interest-free payment plan. You have an option to request to pay the tuition in 3 separate payments without any fee or interest. Just email us your request with the course date that you intend to attend. We will register you manually and send you 3 separate invoices with the due dates one month apart.
Training Gallery
NIT Fall 2022 participants
Nature Informed Therapy training one on one practice
NIT Fall 2022 participants
Mental Health First Aid Traning
The Center for Nature Informed Therapy's Mental Health First Aid Training is a comprehensive online program designed to equip individuals with essential skills for supporting mental well-being. Comprising 11 modules followed by an assessment, the training covers a range of topics, including understanding mental health first aid, recognizing and managing high-stress responses, the impact of trauma, and the role of attachment theory and nature in co-regulation. Participants will also learn crucial techniques such as passive and active listening, consent-seeking, facilitating down-regulation, and de-escalating conflict, empowering them to effectively support others in times of need. This training is a prerequisite for non-mental health professionals to enroll in the Nature Informed Therapy training course.
Training Modules:
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What is Mental Health First Aid?
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High Stress Responses
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The Role of Trauma in Stress Responses
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Attachment Theory, Co-regulation, and Nature
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Down-regulation for the Helper
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Consent-seeking (part 1)
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Passive Listening
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Active Listening
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Consent-seeking (part 2)
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Facilitating Down-regulation Techniques for Others
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De-escalating Conflict
Mental Health First Aid
Cancellation Policy
In-Person Multi-Day Intensives and Special Events
Standard Cancellation Policy:
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Full Refund: Submit your cancellation request at least 90 days before the event start date to receive a full refund of tuition paid minus a 10% processing fee.
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Partial Refund: Cancellations made between 89 and 45 days before the event are eligible for a 50% refund.
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No Refund: No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 45 days of the event due to commitments with our location partners.
Transfer to Future Event:
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Option: You may transfer your registration to the same future training/event at no additional cost by notifying us at least 45 days before the event.
Substitutions:
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You may designate a substitute participant by notifying us at least 14 days before the event. Acceptance of substitutes is subject to CNIT approval and may depend on the substitute meeting any prerequisites or qualifications.
Cancellation Process:
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Submit your cancellation, transfer, or substitution request in writing via email to info@natureinformedtherapy.org.