We Are ANFT
Pioneers of Relational Forest Therapy™, we nurture heart-centered connections with nature for the wellbeing of people and planet.
Founded in 2012 by Amos Clifford, the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, ANFT, emerged from a deep recognition that humanity's disconnection from nature has profound consequences for our health, wellbeing, and the planet itself. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing, Amos developed a unique methodology that combines ancient wisdom with contemporary science. As our mission has expanded beyond guide training, ANFT is evolving into the Academies of Nature and Forest Therapies: Distinct learning paths that reflect the many ways people reconnect with the living world.
Today, we are a thriving global community spanning more than 70 countries, with over 3,000 certified Forest Therapy Guides. Our network includes healthcare professionals, educators, conservationists, and wellness practitioners, all united by a shared commitment to reconnecting people with the healing power of nature. Through our work, we’ve facilitated millions of hours of nature connection, creating ripples of healing that extend from individuals to communities to ecosystems.
Our values are rooted in inclusion, evidence-based practice, and deep respect for both nature and human diversity. We believe that access to nature connection is fundamental to individual and planetary wellbeing, and we work to make this practice accessible across cultures, professions, and communities. Through scientific collaboration, global partnerships, and our growing family of academies, we continue advancing the field of relational forest therapy while helping more people restore meaningful relationships with the living world.
Stewarding the Work
Meet the team guiding ANFT’s global community, learning pathways, and evolving mission.
Amos Clifford
Founder/CEO
amos@anft.earth
Stephanie Clark
COO
stephanie@anft.earth
Relational Forest Therapy Academy Director
geeta@anft.earth
Academy of Applied Forest Therapy Director
nadine@anft.earth
Academy of Place Director
trails@anft.earth
Amos Clifford
Opus Academy Director
amos@anft.earth
Aaliyah Stilson
Admissions Coordinator
admissions@anft.earth
Certification and Extensions Coordinator
extensions@anft.earth
Why ANFT?
Our approach combines scientifically supported health research with a deeply relational philosophy that reconnects people with the more-than-human world.
Through ANFT’s structured yet adaptable framework, guides learn how to help others slow down, awaken their senses, and enter into meaningful relationship with nature, self, and place.
At ANFT, the guide is not the therapist, the forest is the therapist. More than a professional certification, ANFT offers a pathway into deeper relationship with the living world.
Today, our global community of guides, trainers, and partners continues to expand the impact of relational forest therapy across cultures, professions, and landscapes worldwide.
Moments in Nature
Real people, real connection, real healing.
Join Our Global Community
Whether you're interested in becoming a certified guide or partnering with us, we'd love to connect with you.
Nature Needs You
Join the movement healing people and planet.
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