
Online Nature Therapy Certification
You can Help Others Reconnect with Nature’s Healing Power
Learn more: Download Syllabus | Meet Our Instructors | Our Curriculum | Read our FAQs | Our Approach
If you love spending time in nature, you already have the most important trait of a successful nature therapy guide!
Our professional certification program takes you the rest of the way, sharing proven tools and techniques for growing your business and helping your clients rekindle nature bonds.
Fully distance-based and on your schedule, we molded our program to deliver quality education while meeting your needs.
Join our network of successful guides and coaches around the globe, with an institution that has been serving the wellness community for a decade.
Read on to learn more, or submit our form to start a conversation today!
Curriculum & Materials
The program consists of 24 educational hours and can be completed in 1-6 months (up to 12 months allowed) at your pace. The 6-module multidimensional curriculum is customized to your needs and balances naturalism, spirituality, and practical skills needed to design and lead safe, uplifting nature experiences for diverse participants in various settings. Each module includes several small projects to help you master key concepts.
Scroll down to learn about each module or download the syllabus.
Scroll on to learn more about our curriculum and approach!
“Doing these activities has helped me to remember the connection with the energies of nature that I had forgotten and greatly missed.” ~ Student
Learning Objectives
Click the module name to expand its objectives.
See it in action! Read our students’ work.
- Overall Course
- Module 1: Nature Therapy
- Module 2: Natural History
- Module 4: Practical Aspects
- Module 5: Nature Therapy Walk Template
- Module 6: Practicum
- Module 3: Spiritual Nature
Course Objectives:
- Design and lead safe, uplifting nature experiences for diverse participants in various settings.
- Describe empirical and theoretical research linking nature with improved wellbeing.
- List methods to improve nature access and reduce common barriers.
- Identify your ecoregion and summarize its natural history.
- Apply concepts of spirituality and mindfulness in the context of nature.
- Implement trail leadership skills including interpretation, etiquette, and safety.
- Develop indoor and outdoor nature therapy activities using key pathways to nature connectedness.
Details: Click through the remaining tabs above to view objectives and materials for each module.
Lesson Objectives:
- Define nature therapy and provide examples.
- Summarize evidence-based, research-supported benefits of nature therapy.
- Discuss hypotheses on why nature therapy exerts positive effects.
- List barriers to nature access and propose methods to overcome them.
- Distinguish between the roles of the Guide and the licensed clinician.
- Identify the Guide’s most important role.
Materials included: Nature Therapy Walks: 22 Sensory Activities to Enjoy in Nature for Wellbeing e-book, Module 1 Workbook, About Nature Therapy Infographic, Types of Nature Therapy Infographic, Using Science to Evaluate Claims Handout, Licensing Considerations Handout, 10 Peer-Reviewed Scientific Articles on Nature Therapy, Social Justice and Nature Therapy Handout, Nature as a Guide e-book, Various Video Resources
Module 1A (optional) Lesson Objectives:
- Compare and contrast nature therapy approaches for children versus adults.
- List the essential elements of nature play.
- Describe components of effective nature play spaces.
- Discuss how to work with parents to facilitate nature access.
- Identify techniques to help children overcome fears of nature.
Materials included: Module 1A Workbook, Addressing Fears of Nature Chapter, Children’s Nature Play Ideas Handbook, Children & Nature Report, Various Reports, Various Video Resources
Lesson Objectives:
- Identify your region’s biome and eco-region.
- List your region’s prominent natural features and discuss their natural and cultural histories.
- Identify the region’s most common, characteristic, or iconic flora and fauna.
- Explain how the region’s natural history influences its culture and economy.
- List techniques for effective and respectful wildlife viewing.
Materials included: Module 2 Workbook, Wildlife Viewing Tips Infographic, Nature Yearbook Template, Ecological Regions of North America Article, Resources on Your Ecoregion*, Various Video Resources (*student accesses these using provided links and, as needed, instructor assistance)
Lesson Objectives:
- Describe interpretation and list interpretative techniques that can be used in nature therapy.
- Differentiate between ecophilia and ecophobia.
- Identify common natural hazards in your region and discuss risk management techniques.
- Discuss group dynamics and illustrate basic techniques to manage groups.
- Explain how to utilize “Leave No Trace” principles during Nature Therapy Walks.
- Locate and select appropriate settings to hold nature therapy sessions.
- Describe the “sales funnel” and how you can utilize it to attract participants and companies.
- List options for integrating nature therapy into a career.
- Describe approaches for working with clinicians to help clients achieve goals using nature.
Materials included: Module 4 Workbook, Practical Aspects Infographic (Selecting a Trail; Trail Safety; Marketing), Trail Etiquette Infographic, Working with Clients and Clinicians to Achieve Goals Using Nature Handout, Nature Therapy for Workplace Wellness Handout, Interpretive Techniques Handouts, Sample Waiver, Making a Difference Excerpt, Business Worksheet, Sample Walk Announcement and Follow-up Email Templates, Managing Groups Handout, Environmental Education in Urban Areas Handout, Various Video Resources
Lesson Objectives:
- List key features of the Nature Therapy Walk Template.
- Explain how template components can translate into a positive experience for participants.
- Develop specific nature therapy activities.
Materials included: Module 5 Workbook, Nature Therapy Walks Template Worksheet, Survey and Debriefing Worksheet, Tea and Nature Ceremonies Infographic, Nature Arts and Crafts Infographic, Custom Guided Activity Worksheet, Various Video Resources
Lesson Objectives:
- Demonstrate core competencies by designing, conducting, and analyzing a nature therapy session.
Materials included: Module 6 Workbook, Nature Therapy Walks Guide Business Cards, Graduation Certificate (upon graduation)
Lesson Objectives:
- Develop an individual definition of “spiritual” and discuss how nature can be incorporated therein.
- Describe mindfulness and its relationship to nature therapy.
- Describe how to navigate multicultural beliefs regarding nature and spirituality.
- Define “archetypes” and list nature-specific examples for application in nature therapy.
- Discuss spiritual or cultural principles or beliefs associated with your region’s nature and environment.
- List key pathways to nature connectedness.
- Identify options for conducting nature therapy sessions indoors.
- Discuss reasons and processes for building nature shrines.
Materials included: Module 3 Workbook, Spiritual Nature Infographic, Mindfulness in Nature Infographic, Meditation Music, Animal Speak Excerpt, Archetypes Handouts, Indoor Nature Therapy Handout, Building a Nature Shrine Handout, 2 Guided Meditations, 31 Nature Poems, 3 Peer Reviewed Scientific Articles on Mindfulness, Peer Reviewed Scientific Article on Nature Connection, Example of Interpretation of Geologic Features, Various Video Resources
Meet the Instructors
The Academy prides itself on its mentorship. From enrollment to graduation, your instructors will be accessible and responsive to your needs and growth.

Cortney Cameron, an earth scientist and nature therapy practitioner, holds a B.A. in earth and ocean sciences from Duke University, an M.S. in earth science from North Carolina Central University (where she was an NSF Graduate Research Fellow), an M.B.A. from the Quantic School of Business and Technology, and a certificate in wetlands and water resources from the University of Florida. The co-author of Nature Therapy Walks, popular with many professional therapists, she developed her practical approach to nature therapy after using nature immersion to heal from an eating disorder and the early deaths of her parents, leading numerous nature walks for others, and using her scientific background to digest and synthesize the research in the field. A lifelong nature lover who grew up in the wilds of the Appalachian Foothills, she is currently a hydrogeologist working in water resources and environmental protection in the state of Florida and has served as Secretary and Treasurer for the Southeastern Geological Society. A storyteller and songwriter, she has published several creative and scientific works, including the Catians comic book, the Geologist in Love nature poetry chapbook, and the nature-themed children’s books Look, a Bee! and Atlas and the Lucky Flower. As the founder, curriculum writer, and lead faculty for the nature therapy educational program at the Academy, she has trained numerous nature therapy guides and currently leads a team of three nature therapy mentors/instructors.

LindaJoy Rose, PhD is a therapist, author, professional speaker, international trainer, and Academy founder with over 25 years of experience. The author of eight books, Dr. Rose has been featured in The Huffington Post, eHow.com, Tampa NBC affiliate Daytime TV, Yahoo! Lifestyle, Instyle, and more. As a former director for the American Board of Hypnotherapy, she is a pioneer in subconscious dynamics and clinical hypnotherapy. She also spearheaded a healthy lifestyle retraining program with an Astra-Zeneca Foundation grant at one of the nation’s largest clinics. The daughter of two Holocaust survivors, Dr. Rose serves as a volunteer docent at the Florida Holocaust Museum. Dr. Rose developed her practical and delicious eating philosophy to overcome a debilitating auto-immune disorder, which she combined with her background in psychology to launch the Academy’s coaching program. Click here to learn more about the Natural Wellness Academy.

Denise Montgomery has worked with natural energies and nature magick since the 1980s, incorporating the sacred connections among the elements and web of life into her spiritual practice. She grew up exploring a small farmtown, where she came to know the seasonal cycles of the creeks, caves, coal hills, crops, trees, and fireflies. Voted “Star Greenhand” of her Future Farmers of America chapter at 14, Denise still keeps a trove of hidden agricultural knowledge close to her heart. Denise holds a B.A in psychology and an M.A. in composition. Today, she connects with nature at San Diego’s beaches and mountains while serving as faculty for several Academy programs.
“The module workbooks are captivating. The experiences are like being transported into another dimension. I had the greatest mentor.” ~ Graduate
Our Approach
The last time you ventured into nature, how did it make you feel? If you’re like most people, you came away feeling uplifted, all-around better. After all, research shows that spending time in nature (also known as nature therapy, ecotherapy, and forest bathing) makes people happier and healthier. Yet, people are spending less time in nature than ever before.
What if you had actionable tools to help effectively share nature experiences with others? As a Certified Nature Therapy Guide, you’ll help your clients reconnect with nature in ways that work for them, with all of the benefits that entails.
Nature therapy walks can be completed in as little as half an hour at minimal cost and physical exertion, while still providing an intensive and uplifting experiential and spiritual interaction with nature. You facilitate the process by providing structure and comfort, sharing contextual information about local nature, identifying and interpreting key features, and leading specific mindfulness activities. We also provide tips on hosting nature therapy sessions in non-traditional settings, such as the home or yard, so you can achieve a wider reach.
The program features among lowest tuition in the industry, requires no extended travel, and includes all the materials you need, saving you time and money. Plus, the Natural Wellness Academy has certified wellness coaches all over the world, so you can trust you’re receiving a quality education.
The comprehensive curriculum weaves together aspects of naturalism, spirituality, the science of nature therapy, and practical skills such as trail leadership, interpretation and business basics. You’ll master a flexible framework for facilitating safe and positive nature experiences for your participants.
If you love nature and enjoy spending time in nature, you already have the most important traits of a successful nature therapy guide. Our program can take you the rest of the way, sharing proven tools and techniques for growing your business and helping your clients rekindle their nature bonds.
We feel this work is important for improving well-being for people and nature, so we hope you’ll join us on this journey. Please reach out with any questions.
Chat With Us
Chat with one of our instructors for a free consultation about our certification, and get a free Nature Therapy Infographic and a Guided Nature Meditation!
“The course design and content are just wonderful! I honestly feel so very lucky to have found a course that suits me so well.” ~ Graduate
*Payment plans may be available. We’ll never sell or share your information outside of the Academy.
FAQs
As an example, graduates of our program have successfully launched full-service nature wellness retreats, led outstanding nature walks for groups, enhanced their life coaching practices with nature walks, developed nature play spaces for children, guided intimate one-on-one nature experiences, and more.
- Most frequently, nature therapy guides host nature walks or meditations, typically thirty minutes to three hours in length, and may opt to charge a fee commensurate with length, materials supplied, and demand (usually between $10 and $50 per person for group walks, more for a private walk).
- Some guides offer multi-day nature-based retreats, charging accordingly higher fees (ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the retreat).
- Others work with local businesses, parks, and wellness centers to provide nature-based experiences to employees, visitors, and patients, which may involve per-person fees or billing the facility a flat charge.
- Guides can work with clinicians hand-in-hand to help clients achieve clinician-recommended goals using nature-based activities.
- Guides may teach nature therapy classes for continuing education or personal enrichment at local community colleges, museums, parks, wellness centers, or educational institutions.
- Another option is to consult with clients and businesses on incorporating more nature into their homes and premises, for example by implementing gardens, nature-friendly landscaping, bird feeders, indoor plants, and nature artwork.
- Guides sometimes publish and sell books or develop other creative materials, including social media channels, based on their unique approach to nature therapy, covering things such as their philosophy and activities.
- Guides can offer nature-based spirituality services, such as at religious and healing institutions.
- Guides may further specialize in environmental education and related fields, for example, offering nature-based play and learning experiences to parents, schools, parks, and other groups.
- Guides may lead green exercise sessions, such as yoga in the forest.
- Many other possibilities exist depending on the guide’s interests, experience, education, and specializations. Many guides choose to give back by offering occasional gratis services to environmental nonprofits, underserved groups, or by donating a portion of proceeds to worthwhile causes.
We truly believe our low tuition provides value to our students by minimizing the financial burden created by course fees, without any sacrifice of quality. A review of our syllabus demonstrates the breadth and comprehensiveness of our program, including a smorgasbord of custom-made and curated course materials specifically designed to help you succeed. Since 2013, the Natural Wellness Academy has helped graduates around the globe to launch successful wellness careers in numerous subspecialities. Graduates of the nature therapy program have successfully launched full-service nature wellness retreats, led outstanding nature walks for groups, enhanced their life coaching practices with nature walks, developed nature play spaces for children, guided intimate one-on-one nature experiences, and more.
Click here for a summary comparison of our program to other popular nature therapy certifications.
In developing our materials, our goal is to identify the most important concepts needed to be a successful and effective nature therapy guide, then we condense those essentials into an accessible format, organized via modules into a logical structure that progressively and seamlessly builds skills. Students frequently compliment us on how easy and fun our materials are to digest, including infographics (plus several that can be shared with your clients!), hand-outs, and worksheets, augmented by numerous resources for those wanting to take deeper dives into specific nature therapy sub-topics.
Additionally, students receive access to the Natural Wellness Academy student Facebook Group (our “virtual campus”), plus the class forum, where instructors share and analyze recent news and research articles. As a bonus, you will be automatically enrolled, at no additional cost, into the Academy’s Webinars Library and Essential Effective Coaching courses.
Please see the syllabus for a full list of materials included.
Our general philosophy is that nature is the best teacher of nature therapy. Our teaching approach regarding nature therapy is down-to-earth and applications-focused, yet flexible. So, in developing assignments/projects and in assessing student work, we emphasize doing and feeling over knowing (but students will get plenty of exposure to all three!).
This approach also allows us to offer the certification as a distance program: your love and experience with nature is your fundamental asset as a guide, then we help you go the rest of the way by sharing key information and skills that will help you be effective and successful. But just because miles may separate you and your instructor, doesn’t mean that you’ll be on your own! In addition to a treasure trove of specially-developed course materials that make self-study seamless, you’ll have access to a qualified instructor who will provide uplifting and useful feedback and help.
The format of the course is largely self-guided using our custom course materials with experiential projects, combined with regular instructor feedback and guidance following each module and on an as-needed basis per student request. It’s somewhat akin to the “flipped classroom” approach becoming popular at universities, where students view the lecture materials in advance, then time with the professor is focused on hashing out specific student questions. This style of teaching recognizes that students enter our program with varying levels of interest and expertise in our target knowledge areas, and it allows students to customize their learning according to their needs, schedule, and preferred level of interaction.
In developing our materials, our goal is to identify the most important concepts needed to be a successful and effective nature therapy guide, then we condense those essentials into an accessible format, organized via modules into a logical structure that progressively and seamlessly builds skills. Students frequently compliment us on how easy and fun our materials are to digest, including infographics (plus several that can be shared with your clients!), hand-outs, and worksheets, augmented by numerous resources for those wanting to take deeper dives into specific nature therapy sub-topics.
To top it off, our friendly instructors are just a phone call or email away, ready to bounce ideas, provide feedback, and delve farther into your areas of interest to help you succeed.
We recommend checking out the syllabus for more details!
Ready to enroll now?
“This course has been a blessing. It’s awesome!” ~ Graduate
One-time tuition payment includes all materials.
Email support@naturalwellnessacademy.org with any questions!
© The Nature Therapy Center