Who We Are
The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy
The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) Guides and Programs is the most experienced global leader in Forest Therapy Guide Training, and promoting the development and practice of Forest Therapy. Our Forest Therapy Guide Training draws on the latest medical research, new developments in the field of nature connection, and ancient traditions.
Our heart-based “Relational Forest Therapy™” approach focuses on rebuilding relationships with the More-Than-Human World as a foundation for healing people and planet.
We are a mission-driven Limited Liability Company founded in 2012 as a response to global warming and other environmental catastrophes.
Our mission: Support planetary health by nurturing heart-centered relationships between all peoples and the More-Than-Human World of Nature.
Our strategy: We train guides, teaching the pedagogy and methods of The Way of the Guide, and how to apply these in the context of Forest and Nature Therapy.
Administrative and Operations Team
The ANFT Difference
What Distinguishes ANFT: Our methods and scope of practice are based upon scientifically backed research in health science. We teach our forest therapy guides a standard sequence of techniques that assist participants in receiving the full health impacts of forest medicine. The standard sequence provides a strong framework that helps participants slow down, awaken their senses, and reconnect with the more than human world, and it is culturally adaptable so that it can be creatively adapted to working with an incredible diversity of populations. Our forest therapy practice operates within the paradigm of holistic healing; the medicine of the forest is a complex wellness experience, good for the body, the mind, and the spirit.
Our forest therapy guide training is more than a set of techniques, it is also a pathway to understand what it means to be back in relationship with the More-than-Human-World. A Forest Therapy Guide works with the forest as a partner, to support the wellness and healing of people and nature alike. The guide is not a therapist; the forest is the therapist. Guides help others open the doors of their senses and heartfelt presence, so they can enter completely into a healing relationship with the forest and other places in the more-than-human world.
ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guides have gone on to found businesses in alternative health and eco-wellness tourism, work in the non-profit section for special populations, provide corporate wellness programs and retreats, incorporate our techniques in educational settings, and collaborate in wellness programs through botanical gardens, arboretums, and private and public land managers. What began as a dream from the Earth, to simply restore our relationship with the Forest, has become a global movement. We invite you to join us on this incredible path.
Code of Ethics
Our Values
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Integrity:
We act ethically and transparently, prioritizing doing the right thing over business interests. We do the right thing even when no one is watching.
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Innovation:
We are in a constant state of inquiry constantly exploring how to make our training even better. We are curious and open to new possibilities.
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Humility:
There is no innovation without humility. We acknowledge that we know very little and that our perspective and point of view is just one in many. We honour every story equally and learn from each and every being and situation that crosses our path.
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Honesty:
We are transparent and honest with information and processes and in our relationships with others. We create a culture where truth is at the forefront, where everyone can express their opinion openly without fear.
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Respect:
Respect for all living beings, humans and beings of the More-than-Human World. This is at the core of Relational Forest Therapy, where we respect nature as kin, instead of solely using her for our personal Benefit and wellbeing.
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Reciprocity:
We believe in a culture of healthy relationships with humans and More-than-Humans. Every action that we take is followed by the question, how can we give back?
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Kindness:
Every being deserves being treated in a kind way. Everyone is living their lives the best they can, we know very Little about their struggles. One single Word of kindness can change a life.
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Compassion:
When we know about someone else’s situation, we try to put ourselves in their shoes to actively understand and empathize without judgement or assumptions.
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Passion:
We believe in what we do with all of our being, heart and soul. We live for what we do. We believe that there is a powerful ripple effect going into the world when we do things with passion.
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Excellence:
We take what we do very seriously. We review our curriculum and pedagogy constantly, we receive feedback with gratitude to improve every day.