On this page, the general profile, competencies and skills of an INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide are outlined. Also, find out what Forest Therapy sessions comprise of. This information will help you to better understand the profession and career opportunities of INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guides.
Alex Musgrove, INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide, New South Wales/Australia
To being with, have a look at the key learning outcomes. On successful completion of the six-months INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide Training, you will be able to:
I have been living in the Royal National Park, on the south coast of Sydney for the past fifteen years. During this time, many of my weekends were spent exploring the varied natural environment, which provided access to the bush, beach, flora, fauna and the rich aboriginal history. I grew to love the complexity of this environment, and over time realised how very connected I had become with the land. I loved being here and started to ponder on how I could share with others this unique place.
Then I came across a book by Florence Williams called ‘The Nature Fix’ which introduced me to the idea of Forest Therapy.
After investigating courses about Forest Therapy, I found INFTA was the best option as course provider because it is the world’s leading peak body on Forest Therapy, they are also locally based in Australia. I enrolled in the introductory workshop on Forest Therapy, and from there committed to the six-month course to become a certified INFTA Forest Therapy Guide.
The INFTA training was comprehensive and practical. We explored the science and research behind FT, and addressed the fundamentals of Shinrin yoku Forest Therapy. The training helped us to grow our connection to the natural world.
The INFTA course also taught how to develop your training into a FT guiding business.
There were significant obstacles to overcome during the course; the 2019 bush fire season in Australia, meant the Royal National Park was closed for several months to visitors. Immediately after reopening, the world experienced the Covid-19 pandemic, with the associated social restrictions.
I am grateful to INFTA for their ongoing support through the unexpected challenges encountered during the course. The INFTA instructors gave excellent mentoring, as well as constructive and timely feedback on the assignments. This helped to guide and develop my skill set, to become an INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide.
I have now completed several Forest Therapy walks with participants reporting positive experiences. I feel confident and excited to offer this effective therapy to members of the public, especially as people are needing more contact with nature after prolonged periods of being at home due to Covid-19.
I am looking forward to implementing the next stage of my business plan by guiding a Forest Therapy walk as a certified INFTA guide.
New South Wales
Dr. Nerkez Opacin from Melbourne, Victoria/Australia, describes the positive transformation he experienced when becoming an INFTA-Certified and Accredited Forest Therapy Guide:
Greg Cassidy from Blackwood, Victoria/Australia, describes his pathway how he has become an INFTA-Certified and Accredited Forest Therapy Guide:
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INFTA acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
