N4H

Training

Professional training and certification that turn nature-based science into practical skills for healthier people, organizations, and communities.

International Professional Certification

International Forest Therapy Practitioner Certification Program

A three-level professional training pathway that integrates the science of forest therapy, field-based facilitation skills, international practice standards, and locally adaptable program design.

International standards
Online theory + in-person practicum
Three progressive levels
ICFT certification

Program Overview

From foundational facilitation to advanced professional leadership

Developed by the North American Institute for Nature and Human Health (N4H), the program brings together specialists from the International Council of Forest Therapy (ICFT), UBC MINT, and the wider forest-therapy field. It is based on the Global Standard for Forest Therapy Practice (GSFTP-001:2025) and is authorized for certification by ICFT.

Participants progress through a standardized three-level curriculum that combines scientific foundations, practical techniques, professional ethics, safety management, program design, and real-world application. Those who complete the applicable training and pass all assessments are eligible to receive the corresponding ICFT international certification.

Built for practice

Learn to facilitate forest-based experiences, manage groups safely, and develop programs for different audiences and settings.

Internationally aligned

Training and assessment follow a unified professional framework grounded in GSFTP-001:2025.

Designed for organizations

Available for wellness destinations, tourism organizations, counselling practices, EAP providers, study-tour operators, and nature-education organizations.

Academic and Professional Framework

N4H

North American Institute for Nature and Human Health

N4H leads the development of international standards in forest therapy and provides curriculum development, scientific and academic foundations, expert instruction, and certification authorization support.

ICFT

International Council of Forest Therapy

ICFT establishes unified assessment criteria and professional practice requirements, reviews training-provider qualifications, maintains practitioner records, and issues certification.

Practice standardGSFTP-001:2025

DeliveryOnline learning and forest-based training

AssessmentTheory, field practice, and comprehensive review

Ongoing developmentRefresher training, faculty supervision, and industry connections

Certification Pathway

Three progressive levels

Each level builds on the knowledge, field competence, and professional responsibilities developed at the previous stage.

Level 1

Forest Therapy Guide

Entry-level professional training. Designed for newcomers to the field and front-line group leaders. Graduates are prepared to independently facilitate introductory forest experiences, short stress-reduction programs, and foundational guided activities.

30 international certification hours5 weeks of blended learning8 hours of guided forest-therapy practicum

Learning outcomes

Understand foundational theory, professional standards, and basic safety management; confidently use sensory-awareness and group-facilitation techniques; and deliver a standardized forest-therapy experience from start to finish.

Foundations and international standardsHistory and development of forest therapy, major approaches, key definitions, professional ethics, and an introduction to GSFTP.

Science of forest therapyHow natural environmental factors—including forest phytoncides and negative air ions—may influence human physiology and psychological regulation.

Core facilitation skillsThe five-stage forest-activity process, sensory guidance, silent immersion, and group-dynamics practice.

Safety managementSite-risk screening and responses to common incidents and emergencies.

Comprehensive assessmentWritten theory assessment, live field facilitation, and a structured post-session review.

Level 2

Professional Forest Therapy Practitioner

The core qualification for professional practice and program delivery. Designed for full-time practitioners, lead facilitators at forest-wellness destinations, and project managers.

Admission requirement: a Level 1 Forest Therapy Guide certificate.

120 international certification hours4–5 months of systematic professional study7-day intensive in-person practicum

Delivery includes online and in-person theory instruction, focused seminars, peer supervision, intensive field training, mentor-led reflection, and a professional-practice presentation and review.

Learning outcomes

Master advanced facilitation and group management; apply trauma-informed principles, emotional-support practices, and end-to-end risk management; and design, deliver, and evaluate customized forest-therapy programs.

Advanced facilitationProcess management, group dynamics, and adaptations for different populations, seasons, and environments.

Emotional support and safeguardingPsychological safety, recognizing and responding to high-risk emotional states, and maintaining professional boundaries.

Context-specific program designIntegrating forest therapy with mindfulness, sound-based practices, the arts, and other modalities; developing multi-day intensives and corporate EAP programs.

Outcome evaluationForest-site assessment, observation of physical and psychological indicators, and preparation of project reports.

Professional operationsPricing, client service, and compliant professional practice.

Practicum and professional reviewEnd-to-end facilitation placement, case discussion, and comprehensive practice assessment.

Level 3

Advanced Global Forest Therapy Instructor

An advanced industry credential. Designed for organizational leaders, curriculum developers, senior supervisors, and professionals engaged in international knowledge exchange. Graduates are prepared to contribute to instructor training, curriculum development, forest-therapy destination planning, and international collaboration.

Admission requirement: a Level 2 Professional Forest Therapy Practitioner certificate plus at least one year of relevant professional experience.

12 months of advanced study4 pathways for specialization

Learning outcomes

Develop expertise in curriculum design, instructor supervision, and destination-wide operational planning; work confidently with professional standards, policy alignment, and cross-regional collaboration; and lead advanced training, academic exchange, and flagship industry projects.

Required Core

Global industry landscape and policy application
Therapeutic forest-landscape design and ecological operations
Research foundations and data-system development
Cultural ethics and cross-regional collaboration
Large-scale events and international exchange

Choose One Specialization

Clinical and healthcare integration
Supportive applications for chronic conditions and emotional disorders; collaboration models for healthcare institutions.

Advanced facilitation
Large-program coordination, premium client care, and comprehensive crisis response.

Research and curriculum development
Curriculum iteration, local adaptation, and development of teaching materials.

Instructor training and supervision
Teaching methods, instructor evaluation, and training-system development.

Completion assessment: candidates submit a capstone outcome for joint review by an international expert panel. Successful graduates are added to the ICFT global instructor directory.

Institutional Partnerships

Flexible delivery and authorization models

1. Sponsored Cohort Training

A partner organization selects participants for the full program. We provide the curriculum, instruction, assessment, and certification services, while the partner coordinates its learners.

Best suited to: wellness and tourism organizations building an internal team of qualified professionals.

2. Regional Program Authorization

A partner organization receives authorization to recruit participants and deliver courses within an agreed region. We provide the curriculum system, intellectual-property authorization, certification authorization, and remote support; the partner manages marketing, enrolment, and on-site delivery.

Best suited to: training organizations and tourism groups with established channels or franchise networks.

Build internationally aligned forest-therapy expertise

Whether you are beginning a new professional pathway or developing an organization-wide training program, this three-level curriculum provides a structured route from foundational facilitation to advanced leadership.

Contact N4H to discuss enrolment, cohort training, or regional program cooperation.