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: HLTFTG52124). INFTA-Certified FTGs perform a vital role in preventative health and therapeutic medicine.

Forest Therapy Guide training is best suited for people who are:

• passionate about nature and its healing potential
• interested in helping others to connect with nature and improve their well-being
• have a strong personal connection with nature
• are willing to deepen their own understanding of nature and Forest Therapy
• are able to work with people from all walks of life and backgrounds
• are patient, compassionate, and empathetic
• are able to create a safe and supportive environment for participants

INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guides have used the training to start or expand their own business or are, for example:

• healthcare professionals, such as therapists, counselors, or social workers
• educators, such as teachers, nature guides, and environmental educators
• health & wellness professionals, such as tour operators, yoga instructors, meditation teachers, or life coaches

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)

 

 

 

 

The training – conducted by the INFTA-Accredited Training Provider, Institute of Forest Therapy Pty Ltd – is open to national and international applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are 12 exclusive training places available. The language of instruction is English.

The requirements to participate in the training are:

• a tertiary degree or 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 fit
• 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 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/support in Kyoto is managed by Mr. Jesse Efron, INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide

• six-months course duration (Professional Training Course Code: HLTFTG52124; June to December 2024)
• compact five-day introductory workshop at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Kyoto, Japan (12-16 June 2024)
• unique opportunity to guide Public Forest Therapy sessions at the Kyoto Botanical Garden as part of its 100th anniversary
  
• 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 full-fledged, six-months training course (Professional Training Course Code: HLTFTG52124, June to December 2024) amount to USD 3,300.-.

The fees include:

• five-day INFTA Forest Therapy Introduction at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, 12-16 June 2024 (incl. all training material)
• six-months supervised and mentored INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide Training (at a location of your choice).

The tuition fees for the five-day INFTA Forest Therapy Introduction at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, 12-16 June 2024 (incl. all training material) amount to USD 1,300.-.