Application – Forest Therapy Guide Training, June 2023

Extend your professional scope and become a Forest Therapy Guide (FTG) certified by and accredited with the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) (Professional Training Course Code: HLTFTG57123). INFTA-Certified FTGs perform a vital role in preventative health or therapeutic medicine. The training is suited for medical and allied health practitioners, psychotherapists or environmental specialists who are active in hospitals, spas, resorts, hotels and wellness centers, in Government departments, organisations, companies or running their own practice.

INFTA’s training adheres to the International Core Curriculum for Forest Therapy (ICCFT) validated by experts from over 20 countries in Europe, America, Asia and Australia in 2017. The recommended overall duration of the INFTA FTG training is six months and comprises of:

• compact introductory workshop (40 hrs over five days)
• theoretical and practical training (248 hrs over five months)
• theoretical and practical examination (8 hrs over several days)

• a tertiary degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field or at least three years of relevant professional work experience
• proficiency in reading, speaking and writing English as well as adequate IT skills
• skills and experience in teaching, advising or dealing with people
• physically, mentally and emotionally fitness
• interest in health, nature and environmental issues
• capable of being outdoors for several hours per day
• professional behaviour and ethical conduct
• ability to self-manage studies, attention to detail completing assignments on time

These requirements are necessary due to the nature and responsibilities of Forest Therapy Guides who have to be capable of leading diverse groups of people outdoors at different biospheres and locations. Also, a current First Aid certificate (which may be acquired separately from other training providers prior to the final exam) and adequate insurance coverage are compulsory for each FTG trainee.

The INFTA Forest Therapy Guide Training utilizes the latest international research and focuses on the evidence-based aspects of this Public Health practice. The training is delivered by experienced and INFTA-Certified and Accredited Forest Therapy Guides, dedicated mentors, lecturers and support staff (all having tertiary degrees and specialized in their subject area):

• the training is coordinated by Susan V. Joachim, President of INFTA and Founding Member of INFTA Germany
• the training is quality-controlled and monitored by Prof. Dr. Dieter Kotte, Secretary & International Strategic Advisor of the INFTA, who – among other qualifications – holds a PhD in International Comparative Education from the University of Hamburg, Germany, and is Honorary A/Prof, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Australia
• the logistics and marketing for the training are managed by Teri Knuese, CEO of MTK & Associates, LLC

If you wish to become an INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide just complete and submit the Application Form. Again, please note there are only 12 training spots available for this training cohort. These are reserved in the order of applications received and accepted.

INFTA is looking forward to welcoming you to its next Forest Therapy Guide Training in North America.

• six-months course duration (Professional Training Course Code: HLTFTG57123; June to December 2023)
• compact five-day introductory workshop at the Pringle Nature Center (7-11 June 2023)
• 296 lessons of instruction (compact introductory workshop, online training, practical exercises and tasks, feedback and mentoring sessions, teleconferencing)
• comprehensive INFTA Forest Therapy Guide training material
• access to the innovative INFTA Learning Management System (INFTA LMS)
• access to INFTA’s online database (containing 200+ research articles, brochures and books about Forest Therapy, biology, forestry, physiology, biochemistry, medicine, Public health and related topics)
• practical and theoretical exams
• INFTA Forest Therapy Guide Training Certificate (upon successful completion of the course)
• FREE accreditation with INFTA for a period of six months (after successful completion of the Forest Therapy Guide Training)

The tuition fees for the six-months training course (Professional Training Course Code: HLTFTG57123, June to December 2023) amount to USD 3,950.-.

The fees include:

• five-day INFTA Forest Therapy Introduction at the Pringle Nature Center, 7-11 June 2023 (incl. transport from/to Fairfield Inn & Suites, Kenosha, Pleasant Prairie; light lunches, refreshments and all training material)
• six-months supervised and mentored INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide Training (at a location of your choice).

The fees will have to be paid upfront at the time of submitting your application to reserve your exclusive training slot.

Payment can be made immediately online via credit card. Fees do not cover accommodation, transport, insurance or any third-party certificates to be obtained. Cancellation is possible any time prior to 1 May 2023; any cancellation must be submitted to INFTA in written and carries a cancellation fee of USD 500.-. Please refer to our disclaimer, terms & conditions and privacy policy.