HomeForest Therapy Guide Certification

Become a Certified 
Forest Therapy Guide

Professional training combining online learning with in-person immersions. Join the world's largest forest therapy community.

What You'll Learn

What's Included in This Training

Upcoming Training Programs.

All

Online First

In-Person First

Self Paced

Open

Stories from Our Students

“I experience nature in a totally different way. I also feel different and have a new perception when I am part of a group. I feel I matured so much throughout these learning experiences. I learned to listen, guide without pushing, help without directing, support but not solve for others, understand how resilient we all are, and trust myself, others in their own journey, and the Forest. Beautiful experience all around. Much gratitude”

– Emiliano Chico Cohort

“Big thanks to my trainers for the ongoing support and for modelling trust, openness, gentleness, love, patience, inclusivity and hospitality (and so much more)… This has been one of the best programs I’ve ever been on where I’vediscovered more about myself (my being) and deepened my connections with self,others, nature and other beings before my time…It has been a wonderful learning journey of discovery and unfolding, as I begin to find and step into my place in nature, and to connect with a community of nature-lovers with big hearts forthe more-than-human-world. When I started the program, I thought I was going to learn what the guide does (Doing), but what I really took away was learning howto be a guide (Being) in nature. There were many highlights from the program,but a key one was learning that I’m not alone, and that the Forest has my back.As a guide, the idea of trusting and partnering the Forest/Nature is veryliberating for me and allows me to be my authentic, playful self, and to be onewith the Forest/Nature. While the coursework/assignments feel a bit overwhelmingat times, they have helped me deepen my learning as a guide as well as todiscover and confront some of my learning edges.”

– Gho Phek Suan Gingko Cohort

“Since finding out that I was accepted into this program, I have found nothing but support and encouragement along the way. It’s challenging in all the authentic and good ways challenge can present itself, and usually that means needing to grow and understand yourself as you take on new possibilities. This was a beautiful course, rife with meaning, and something that has changed me in both complex and subtle ways. Rediscovery of the lost parts of yourself isn’t always electric and profound, it’s sometimes quiet and soothing…a river you always knew you were made of and can just jump back in again.”

– Kate Chico Cohort

‍“Nature has always been incredibly important to me, I always knew how therapeutic spending time in nature could be but never had the framework or words to express what I felt. This training allowed me the space to find the words, framework and so much more. This training has fundamentally changed the way I see and experience nature, and consequently how I see myself and all beings. As a Child and Family therapist I believe growth can come in many forms. I have always wanted to incorporate nature into my clinical practice and treatment goals with my clients and never felt confident in how to do this. This training has given me the knowledge, tools and confidence to look outside the therapy room in nature, with nature to support my clients and greater community in ways I never could before.”

– Gabriel Rischall Hummingbird Cohort

“I was very tentative about joining a 6-month virtual course but I have to say the time we spent together as a cohort learning alongside our mentors was incredible. The time, effort, dedication,and careful shepherding by my mentors has allowed me to grow as a new guide and embrace the way of a guide as a lifelong journey.”

– Aaron Forest Therapy Guide

“My trainers could not have been more helpful. During the unfolding of the course material they were supportive while allowing space to think for ourselves and were skilled at consolidating the information. I did not feel unsupported or left unsure any time, quite the opposite. And what a journey this has been! I am so grateful that I was somehowsteered in the direction of ANFT. I am so grateful for my trainers and fellow trainees and the safe space created by them. I loved the gentle unfolding of this course;how we seemed to learn everything at just the right time to learn it. I loved the complete acceptance of our trainers demonstrating as well as explaining the Way of the Guide. The impact on my life in particular was being shown a practical path that fitted with my belief system about theearth, while extending my knowledge and vision. ANFT has given me a directionto help our earth and its human and other-than-human beings.”

– Claire Gingko Cohort

“The ANFT curriculum is very well thought out and comes from a strong lineage of wisdom. The online mode of training moves at a seamless pace and allows time to digest and integrate the material presented. The majority of the learning occurs outside, in the student’s own watershed. While the practice incorporates the best aspects of Shinrin Yoku, it goes beyond it in a way that touches the human soul, and facilitates personal discovery and an authentic relationship with who we are as nature, which is so needed for the healing of our planet.”

– Brandee

“As I’ve gone deeper into my experience of Forest Therapy, I noticed a healing taking place around belonging. Spending time in the forest feels like coming home, and it has been opening up the awareness ofhow interconnected everything is. I feel a similar feeling of belonging andcoming home to myself. In my family I’ve carried this narrative of beingdifferent, not fully seen, and not supported in the ways that I needed. That narrativehad been projected into other areas of my life. But lately I’ve been noticing ashift taking place. I’ve been feeling a sense of belonging around work. I’vealso been feeling a sense of belonging around what I consider are my uniquetalents and gifts. Like I don’t have to guard them, but instead they have aplace in this world.”

– Patrick Bluebells Cohort

“This course met every one of my objectives. I was looking for a rigorous learning experience that would embody the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (ForestBathing) that resonated with a western audience. I researched several programs and selected the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) and have not been disappointed. The program’s motto of “The Forest is the Therapist and the Guide opens the Door” is emphasized throughout the program. We learned how to help our participants open themselves to the natural environment, whether it was a forest, desert, wet land, or city park. We learned important information about the areas we would guide. We learned about what made a good trail, potential hazards, and how to deal with challenges. Our instructors were knowledgeable and guided us through a lot of material with a gentleness and kindness that totally amazed me. I come from a technical background of Information Technology, Project Management, Process Engineering and Financial Planning; and the course allowed me to slow my pace and change my way of thinking. If you are looking for a way to improve people’s relationship with themselves, others, and the more-than-human-world; I would recommend it.”

– Hummingbird Cohort 2021 Grant Lucas

Investment

Online First

$3,350

USD

INCLUDES

6-month online structured curriculum
Weekly live sessions with certified trainers
Small, supportive learning cohorts
Practice between sessions
International community of peers
Globally recognized ANFT certification
Flexible payment plans

EXCLUDES

In-Person First

$3,600

USD

INCLUDES

7-Day in-person training
4-month online structured curriculum
Weekly live sessions with certified trainers
Small, supportive learning cohorts
Practice between sessions
International community of peers
Globally recognized ANFT certification

EXCLUDES

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Start Online Track?

Part 1 — Six-month online training: $3,350

A six-month journey of weekly live sessions, online coursework, and fieldwork in nature. Completing this part earns you a provisional certificate — you can begin identifying and working as an ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide while you complete the final step.

Part 2 — Four-day in-person immersion: $495 tuition

You have up to two years after finishing Part 1 to attend this immersion, held at various locations worldwide. The $495 covers tuition only; travel, accommodation, and food depend on the location you choose. Completing the immersion removes your provisional status and makes your certification permanent.

What is the Start In-Person Track?

Total tuition: $3,600

This track begins with a 7-day in-person training, followed by a 4-month online consolidation training. The $3,600 covers tuition for both parts. Travel, accommodation, and food for the 7-day in-person portion are not included and will vary by location.

Both parts are required for certification — even for those with prior nature connection or leadership experience. The in-person days give you hands-on practice; the following months help that learning settle in and become your own.

Which track is right for me?

Both lead to the exact same certification and follow the same curriculum — only the order and pace differ.

– Start In-Person if you learn best by doing first, then integrating and consolidating.

– Start Online if you’d rather build your foundation gradually before the 4 day in-person immersion.

To decide: check current training dates and locations, confirm the live-session schedule works with your timezone, and enroll when it feels right.

Requirements for Certification

Do I need a Wilderness First Aid certificate?

Yes, for both tracks. You’ll need to complete a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course that includes CPR, arranged independently through a third-party provider (such as NOLS, REI, or Institute for Wild Med). This typically takes two days and costs $175–$300, though online options may be cheaper. Your Forest Therapy Guide certification cannot be issued until this is complete. ANFT has a discount arrangement with Institute for Wild Med, available once your cohort begins.

Why WFA and not just standard CPR/First Aid?

Standard courses prepare you to respond while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Wilderness First Aid prepares you for the outdoor settings where you’ll be guiding, where help may be much further away.

Do I have to be a hiker, naturalist, or therapist to apply?

No. The only real prerequisite is a personal connection to nature, a willingness to deepen it, and a desire to guide others. Many of our guides come from wellness, therapy, social work, or teaching but none of these backgrounds are required.

Do I have to attend every live session?

Sessions are live, and the main content and lab calls are recorded if you need to catch up. We ask that you attend at least 8 of the 14 live main sessions to get the full experience — this is a shared learning container, and your presence matters to the group as much as to you.

How many hours should I expect to commit each week?

– In-person immersion 7 and 4-day immersion: full days, roughly 8am–6pm with a lunch break, occasional evening sessions.

– Online training (either track’s online portion): 8–12 hours a week, spread across live calls, coursework, and fieldwork in nature.

Do you offer training in languages other than English?

Yes. Currently English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL).

You don’t need to be fully fluent in English, but you should be comfortable reading course materials and following spoken and written English. If you can navigate our website confidently, that’s a reasonable sign you’ll be able to follow the course.

Are payment plans or financial support available?

Yes.

– Payment plans: available for the Guide Certification Training on both tracks, spreading tuition over several months.

– Buy Now, Pay Later: Klarna and Afterpay are both available.

– Financial aid: instead of scholarships, we offer a 10% discount code to anyone who attends a free ANFT Training Q&A call and enrolls within two weeks. Visit our site to register for the next call.

How does the training address land acknowledgement?

As part of your training, you’ll be asked to learn the history of the land where you’ll be guiding, including its indigenous history and to write a short introduction reflecting that history for your future clients.

How do remotely guided walks work?

For live remotely guided walks, you’ll go outside to a place of your choosing — a park, forest, garden, or even a balcony. If you can’t go outside, you can still take part from indoors. Using earbuds, a trainer guides the group remotely while each person experiences the walk in their own surroundings.

What happens after I'm certified — where can I go next?

Certification is a beginning, not an end point. Once you’re a certified Forest Therapy Guide, other Academies are available to you:

– Deepen your practice through the Academy of Applied Forest Therapy, with specialized continuing education for certified guides.

– Expand into land stewardship through the Academy of Place, becoming a certified ANFT trail consultant.

– Go inward through the Opus Academy, open to anyone exploring their own sense of purpose, guide or not.

You’ll also be invited to join the Professional Guide Network, an international community of forest therapy, shinrin-yoku, and forest bathing guides connecting for ongoing support and growth.

Wherever you’re standing on this path — curious beginner or ready to guide others — there’s a door here for you.

Have more questions?