Frequently asked questions

We’ve gathered the most common questions about Heartwood School of Forest Therapy’s training programs.

If you don’t see your question here, please reach out—we’re always glad to connect.

Understanding Forest Therapy

  • Forest therapy, or forest bathing is a guided practice that helps you slow down and connect mindfully with the natural world. It’s a form of ecotherapy that focuses on the therapeutic benefits of being among trees. Backed by over 40 years of scientific research, forest therapy is a growing global wellness movement supporting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

  • Forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) refers to the original Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature to support well-being. Forest therapy builds on this foundation by introducing a guided framework that deepens mindfulness, connection, and reflection through a series of invitations. Both share the same roots—Heartwood’s approach integrates ancient wisdom with contemporary guiding methods.

  • Our certification program, both online and in-person, is designed for anyone who wants to guide meaningful forest therapy experiences. It’s especially suited for mental health professionals, wellness practitioners, educators, coaches, clergy, and anyone drawn to supporting others in connecting with nature. No matter your background, the program welcomes those ready to develop presence, attunement, and skill in offering restorative experiences in nature.

  • You don’t need a specific professional background or any previous training before enrolling in a forest therapy certification program. If you love nature and want to share the practice with others, you are welcome in our program. Many students come from backgrounds in healthcare, education, counseling, or wellness, but no specific profession or degree is required.

  • Most comprehensive forest therapy guide trainings take several months and combine learning, practice, and integration. At Heartwood, you can choose between two pathways: a 12-week, 100% online program or a 4-night, in-person training retreat followed by a 4-week at-home practicum.

    Both options include expert instruction, live sessions, mentored practice, and time in your own landscape. The training balances foundational theory with embodied experience, so you’re not just learning about forest therapy, you’re learning how to guide it with presence, confidence and care.

  • No. For those living in deserts, beaches, or other landscapes with few trees, forest therapy practices adapt beautifully into what we call nature therapy, honoring the land where you are.

Program Details

  • Tuition for the online forest therapy guide training program is $1,200 USD. In-person training retreats range from $2000 - $3700 USD. The retreat tuition varies in cost depending on the location, accommodations, and length of the retreat. Full pricing details are provided on each retreat’s registration page.

  • Yes. We offer a limited number of partial scholarships per cohort. While full scholarships are not available at this time, we aim to support students who demonstrate financial need and a strong potential for future impact. If you’d like to be considered, please apply here.

  • We believe learning happens best in community. In addition to access to a live instructor for guidance, feedback, and encouragement, you’ll also be part of a supportive peer group with regular opportunities for sharing, reflection, and collaboration.

  • Yes. The entire training is delivered live on Zoom, so you can complete the full program from wherever you are. There’s no in-person requirement. Graduates will also be invited to optional in-person guide gatherings and weekend retreats through the Heartwood Collective, offering a chance to connect more deeply with the community.

  • In the online certification program, students participate from a location of their choice (backyard, local park, etc.) while connected to the instructor via Zoom. The instructor guides the walk as if everyone is together in person, and students engage fully from their chosen location.

  • You can expect to spend about 3–5 hours per week on the program. This includes engaging with weekly course materials and readings, attending a 90-minute live class on Zoom, and completing home practice assignments. Many students find this schedule manageable alongside work, family, and other commitments while still allowing for a deep, meaningful learning experience.

  • Yes, each week includes reflective assignments and nature-based practices designed to deepen your learning. You’ll also complete a final practicum which entails guiding a forest therapy walk and submitting a reflection on your experience.

  • We understand that life happens and you may need to miss a class. To meet certification requirements, students may miss up to 2 live class meetings and 1 virtual forest therapy session. Beyond that, full attendance is expected so you can stay engaged with your cohort and get the most out of the training. All classes are recorded, so if you need to miss one, you’ll be able to catch up with the recording.

  • ONLINE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

    • Tuition is non-refundable. You may transfer your tuition to a future online training cohort within one year.

    IN-PERSON TRAINING RETREATS

    • All deposits and payments are non-refundable.

    • Cancellations 91+ days before the retreat start date: You may transfer your deposit once to another Heartwood School retreat within the same calendar year.

    • Cancellations 61–90 days before the retreat start date: The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. The remaining balance (total cost minus the deposit) is non-refundable but may be transferred once to a future retreat within one year.

    • Cancellations 0–60 days before the retreat start date: All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

    UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
    Heartwood cannot provide refunds or discounts for late arrivals, early departures, flight cancellations, travel delays, injury, or illness. For additional protection, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Providers include Travel Safe, Insuremytrip, Travel Guard, or similar companies.

Certification & Beyond

  • Graduates earn certification as a Forest Therapy Guide through the Heartwood School of Forest Therapy. This credential affirms that you’ve completed our training and demonstrated your ability to guide others in safe and meaningful forest therapy experiences.

  • Yes. While forest therapy doesn’t yet have a single, universal governing body, Heartwood is accredited through two respected organizations: the International Mindfulness and Meditation Alliance (IMMA), which recognizes training programs in mindfulness and nature connection, and The Complementary Medical Association (CMA), known for promoting high standards in complementary and integrative health care. These accreditations reassure our graduates that they’re completing a trusted, high-quality program within the growing field of forest therapy.

  • Yes. Heartwood currently offers 26 continuing education (CE) credits through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching for NBC-HWCs who complete our Forest Therapy Guide Certification Program, either online or in person.

    We’re also actively exploring opportunities to offer CE credits through additional organizations in the future, and we’ll share updates as they become available.

  • No, there are no continuing education requirements to maintain your certification with Heartwood School. Once you graduate, your certification is yours to keep. For those who’d like to go further, we offer optional continuing education opportunities designed to help you deepen your practice, expand your skills, and stay connected with our learning community.

  • Yes. While no additional training is required, graduates have access to advanced trainings (in-person and online), community gatherings, and ongoing learning opportunities through the Heartwood Collective. Many guides stay connected for years, finding inspiration, collaboration, and support within our growing community.

  • Yes. We provide resources such as a professional presentation template, 100 guiding invitations, and ongoing mentorship opportunities to help you confidently begin offering forest therapy walks in your community.

  • Absolutely. Heartwood fosters a vibrant community of guides through our online network, quarterly gatherings, and advanced trainings. Many graduates form lasting professional collaborations and friendships through these connections.

Still Have Questions? Get in touch.

We’d be happy to answer your questions and help you determine if this training is right for you. Schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone conversation today.

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