Global Institute of Forest Therapy & Nature Connection

12/13/2023

Forest Therapy Training at Family-Run Centre in Costa Rica -

12/09/2023

Some background on our upcoming training in Costa Rica! There is still time to join us for a forest therapy guide training. See https://www.giftoftheforest.com/certification-trainingftgprograms/-costa-rica-jan-12-jan-19-2023 to register.

10/11/2023

This is a great feature on where one can find self-guided forest therapy trails across the world, including several trails in Canada that GIFT help put on the map starting in 2018.

There are nearly two dozen certified trails around the world that guide visitors to engage with nature in ways that benefit their health and foster deeper exploration.

08/19/2023

Make new friends but keep the old! Join us in Costa Rica to see the flourishing life near the Sarapiqui River and deepen into this lush private rainforest preserve.

There is still time to register to begin your Forest Therapy Certification Training in Costa Rica, January 12 - 19, 2024! Learn more https://giftoftheforest.com/event/nature-and-forest-therapy-guide-certification-costa-rica/

08/14/2023

'It is clear that our bodies still recognize nature as our home...' - Yoshifumi Miyazaki

Deepening into nature can feel like coming home from a long day. As you enter, you may find your shoulders relax, a warmth in your heart, and a calmness in your mind.

08/09/2023

Have you had a chance to check out the new GIFT Designated Forest Therapy Trail at MacGregor Point Provincial Park - Tower Trail yet? Let Ben and Ontario Parks give you a sneak peek of what it looks like, then go see it for yourself!

We are grateful for the overwhelming excitement around this new trail, including articles celebrating the launch. You can read one here: www.shorelinebeacon.com/news/local-news/forest-therapy-trail-beckons-at-macgregor-point-provincial-park

07/28/2023

Embark on your Forest Therapy Certification journey in Costa Rica! January 12-19, 2024, deepen into the warm and luscious forests located near Sarapiqui, Heredia, Costa Rica. This site is a private rainforest preserve with exuberant biodiversity on the majestic Sarapiqui River.

Join us! Spaces limited. www.giftoftheforest.com/certification-trainingftgprograms/-costa-rica-jan-12-jan-19-2023

07/21/2023

Details emerge when you slow down and take in the beauty around you.

"Overall, slowing down will help you make better decisions, connect deeper...You may go slower, but you will go further." - Anne-Laure Le Cunff, An ode to slowness: the benefits of slowing down.

07/17/2023

"There is something bigger that emerges, the felt sense of the present moment, embodied connection, and perhaps even a profound sense of support or insight that comes from slowing down in nature."

Check out the blog about the new GIFT Designated Self-Guided Forest Therapy Trail at MacGregor Point Provincial Park - Tower Trail! Read it here: www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/forest-therapy-trail-macgregor/

07/14/2023

Today we have the honour of launching a new GIFT Designated, self-guided forest therapy trail!

This is our first trail in the Ontario Parks system, at the lovely MacGregor Point Provincial Park- Tower Trail near Port Elgin ON.

Visitors can now enjoy a series of nature connection invitations on signs to help deepen their connection within the forest as they move along the trail. This series of crafted invitations are carefully designed to deepen this experience and connection beyond the way a usual walk in the forest may invite.

07/10/2023

Explore the Certification Pathway to become a Forest Therapy Guide

1. Start Your Journey
The first step of becoming a GIFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide begins with an immersive 8-day forest therapy guide training and experiencing deep nature connection.

2. 8-Month Mentored Practicum
The second step deepens your personal nature connection. Complete all assignments of the 8-month mentored practicum and practice walks with mentored support.

3. Certification
Complete your assessed walks and final exam for certification.

4. Enjoy Community
Continue to build mastery, enjoy peer support, and stay connected with your guiding community.

Link in bio to start your journey!

07/02/2023

Begin your Nature & Forest Therapy Certification nestled in the trees at the Kingfisher Bay Retreat Centre in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario.

Upcoming Certification and EcoTherapy for Clinical Therapist immersion programs will experience the beautiful pines, tranquil waters, and ambient atmosphere as they begin their journeys.

Start now at www.giftoftheforest.com/

Photo provided by Kingfisher Bay Retreat Centre

06/29/2023

Guided by nature we heal. Allow the trees, grass, water, and stones to be a gateway to relaxation and deep connection.

06/24/2023

Who and what you meet along your journey is always a surprise, but you may get a chance to marvel at these friends in Kawartha Lakes!

Don't miss this opportunity September 5 - 12, 2023! www.giftoftheforest.com/certification-trainingftgprograms/-kawartha-lakes-sept-2023

06/21/2023

“Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.” - Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass.

Guided by nature, we heal this sense of separation 💚

06/17/2023

Jump on this FREE opportunity to learn more about our Nature Connected Classroom during the live info session Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 at 1pm PST/4pm EST!

We would love a chance to meet and answer any questions you may have such as:
* What can I expect at this Retreat?
* Will I leave this retreat with skills I can bring to the classroom right away? (quick answer is yes :)
* I know this is a new and growing professional field, can I continue my education after this Retreat?
* What resources and community support are available to me?

Register at www.giftoftheforest.com/free-info-session-nature-connected-classroom

06/14/2023

Ecotherapy for Clinical Therapist training brings nature connection into your practice. 🌿

Join the rapidly growing field of Ecotherapy through this training program and explore the different modalities of psychological approaches as they meet the transpersonal, the humanistic and the eco-therapeutic practices.

FREE WEBINAR
June 28th, 2023, at 10amPST | 1 pm EST | 6pm BST
Register: www.giftoftheforest.com/free-webinar-ecotherapy-for-clinical-therapists

COURSE
Starting June 24, 2023 at 10am-2pm PST | 1pm-5pm EST | 6pm-10pm BST
Exploring Ecological Grief: Self Support for Grief, Climate Change, and the Angst of Our Times
Register: www.giftoftheforest.com/personal-restorative-and-explorative/2023/6/24/exploring-ecological-grief.

CERTIFICATION
Starting September 26 - October 4, 2023
Ecotherapy for Clinical Therapists - begin with a 9-day immersion in Ontario's Kawartha Lakes District, followed by a year-long practicum, that includes clinical supervision.
Register: www.giftoftheforest.com/ecotherapy-for-clinical-therapists

06/09/2023

Our senses, such as hearing, are the pathway to deeper connection.

Science finds sounds of nature can reduce stress, lift our mood and energy levels, regulate anger, and help with focus.

Reference from Physiological and Psychological Effects of Forest and Urban Sounds Using High-Resolution Sound Sources, published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.