WELLNESS - FORESR THERAPY

Forest Therapy 

What is Forest Therapy?

Forest Therapy also known as Sylvotherapy, derived from the Latin “sylva” meaning “forest,” is a traditional, non-medicinal approach to healing through interaction with the forest. It’s the art of connecting with the plant world, where trees are the great masters. This  practice, also referred to as shinrin yoku in Japanese, meaning “forest bathing,” has witnessed a notable surge in popularity in recent years. However, sylvotherapy is not limited to forest bathing alone. While hugging trees or hiking in the forest are a part of it, there is much more to experience beyond these.

Today, numerous scientific studies support its positive effects on cardiovascular, immune, and mental health. Forest Therapy engages the senses and cognitive abilities, helping participants to sleep better, feel fitter, and listen to their intuition. Forest Therapy combines scientific and energetic approaches for a holistic approach to wellness.

Who is This Training For?

Whether you are in professional retraining, a student or an already established wellness professional, you will surely benefit from this training.

Reconnecting with nature is an essential human need, especially as seen during lockdowns when the dependence on nature was clearly felt around the world.  This newfound appreciation for nature has sparked a collective desire to raise awareness and educate others about the importance of preserving and nurturing the natural world.

By training in forest therapy, you are not only educating yourself (even if it is already a good starting point). You are also contributing in your own way to the world and to the collective.

This training is accessible to all, designed to be affordable and requiring no prior knowledge. The only prerequisite: love the plant world and love to stroll in nature.

Numerous wellness practices benefit from combining with sylvotherapy. Whether you are a naturopath, geobiologist, phytotherapy consultant, art therapy practitioner, energy or life coach, we are convinced that sylvotherapy will be an undeniable asset to your career.

So if you’re reading this, you’ve come to the right place.

What You'll learn

During this forest therapy training, you will learn about the origin of sylvotherapy and how humans have always been in touch with nature and the world of trees. You will also study the impacts of the environment on human beings, for their physical and mental health.

The training also introduces you to what it means to be a forest therapy guide, what its role is and how to carry out an outing among the trees. You will see what the many benefits of forest therapy are, thanks to the therapeutic action of phytoncides, and how to practice well. Several approaches are offered during the modules, such as curative sylvotherapy and forest tea sessions. 

Our training devotes an important part to trees and plants, teaching you how to differentiate the most common plant species, as well as their associated symbolism.

Some alternative techniques can enrich the practice of forest therapy, so the course invites you to an introduction to aromatherapy. In addition, it focuses on indoor sylvotherapy, which is very useful when outdoor practice is not possible for health reasons or weather conditions. The training also covers gardening and even offers you to create your own small indoor forest, in order to explore all the possibilities offered by nature. Also, the concept of the sit spot, the place where you sit to reconnect with nature, is explained to you and how to practice it in your daily life.

Finally, you will receive many examples of possible exercises to do with trees, tips for finding the right places for forest therapy, how to conduct a complete session, and the right approach to communicate professionally to build your career.

How to Practice as a Forest Therapy Guide?

Being a forest therapy guide is primarily a mindset. As you spend time in nature, you’ll naturally begin to stop, observe, and appreciate the surroundings. You’ll feel compelled to touch a branch or marvel at the growth of a bud. Eventually, you’ll exude such positivity that people you encounter will inquire about your profession.

As a forest therapy guide, you have numerous options for conducting sessions. These can be held in forests, parks, wild areas, gardens, or even indoors, where you can create a forest-like environment. You can cater to a diverse audience, including adults, children, communities, companies, students, and associations, adapting each session accordingly.

Promote yourself through blogs, social media, and outreach to companies and communities. Word of mouth and your dedication will help grow your client base.

Regarding pricing, group sessions typically range from $20-35 per person, while individual sessions align with office consultation rates, roughly $75-85 per person. 

Organization of the Training and Obtaining the Certificate of Success

The training is organized in a fun and educational way, alternating theoretical knowledge, practical examples, and tree presentations.

• You have unlimited access to all 10 modules.
• All course materials are available in text and audio format, which you can freely download to work offline if you wish.
• An entire module covers conducting a forest therapy session, providing all the necessary details.
• Tips on creating a blog and using social media are included.
• A multiple-choice knowledge test validates your training for certification.

When you feel ready, you can take the final exam to obtain your personalized certificate. If you don’t pass the exam on your first try, don’t worry—you can retake it without any additional costs or extra administrative steps.

Experience Our Dynamic, Interactive, and Innovative Curriculum

MODULE 1 – THE ORIGIN OF FOREST BATHING

In this first module, you’ll explore the origins of sylvotherapy and dive into the concept of Shinrin-yoku, particularly its significance in Japan. You’ll examine the role of nature in our lives and its significance for us as people living in the modern world. Additionally, you’ll learn to distinguish between the concepts of forest bathing and forest therapy.

Here’s what you’ll cover in Module 1:

– Shinrin Yoku: ancient origins, contemporary relevance
– The history of sylvotherapy
– The role of nature in modern society
– Enhancing physical well-being in natural settings
– The wisdom of nature
– Nature is accessible to everyone
– Understanding the difference between forest bathing and forest therapy

MODULE 2 – THE IMPACT OF THE ENVIRONMENT ON HUMANS

This module explores how the environment impacts human beings, highlighting the unique ways individuals experience their surroundings. A person’s environment can have both positive and negative effects, sometimes leading to stress and related symptoms. You’ll dive into the psychology of colors, scents, and textures, while also examining issues such as chemical pollution, noise, and overstimulation—factors that can harm health.  Additionally, you’ll assess how nature influences human well-being.

In this second module, you’ll cover:

– The psychology of colors
– The impact of colors on well-being
– The significance of the color green
– Aromas and the psychology of smells
– Texture and the sense of touch
– Various types of pollution
– Nature’s effects on human beings
– The impact of the environment on the individual

MODULE 3 – PRINCIPLES AND FOUNDATIONS OF SYLVOTHERAPY

This third module introduces you to the core principles and foundations of sylvotherapy. You’ll explore the various types of sylvotherapy, which are diverse and complementary, catering to the unique approaches of each practitioner. The module covers the spiritual aspects of sylvotherapy, including the symbolism of trees and plants (which are detailed extensively), meditative practices, and energy sylvotherapy, focusing on the flow of energies through chakras and meridians. The scientific aspects are also emphasized, with studies highlighting the impact of negative ions on health.

In Module 3, you will learn about:

– The principles and foundations of sylvotherapy
– The spiritual symbolism of trees and plants
– The steps taken by the guide and the participant
– Energy sylvotherapy
– Curative sylvotherapy: oxygen, negative ions, and Mycobacterium vaccae
– Creative, culinary, and recreational sylvotherapy
– The transition from forest bathing to forest therapy

MODULE 4 – PREPARING AND RUNNING A SYLVOTHERAPY SESSION

In this module, you’ll explore the complete structure of a sylvotherapy session. It includes numerous recommendations, activity ideas, tips, and group exercises. You’ll also learn how to engage the senses, with a special focus on the taste, featuring various edible plants found in the forest. Practical aspects like logistics and weather considerations are also covered.

In the fourth module, you’ll discover:

– Smell
– Taste
– Touch
– Sight
– Sound
– Logistical preparations
– Weather considerations
– Mandala creation, tea ceremonies, and other possibilities

MODULE 5 – SIT SPOT AND INDOOR FOREST BATHING

The fifth module of the training invites you to explore the Sit Spot practice and its benefits. You’ll delve into the full process of a Sit Spot session, complete with exercise ideas. Additionally, you’ll learn about various plants and elements to create an indoor “forest,” allowing you to reconnect with nature whenever you like.

In this module, you’ll explore:

– The relevance of the Sit Spot practice today and its importance
– The impact of technology on our lives
– How to use the Sit Spot to differentiate between nature and technology
– Practical steps for engaging in the Sit Spot practice
– The benefits of indoor forest bathing
– Choosing between guided sessions with a professional or practicing solo
– How to create your own indoor “forest”
– How to conduct an indoor forest bathing session

MODULE 6 – PHYTONCIDES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE BODY

This module emphasizes the significant role of phytoncides—measurable molecules that reinforce the scientific foundation of sylvotherapy. You will explore what phytoncides are, the various types that exist, the factors that affect them, and their effects on individuals.

In Module 6, you will discover:

– Phytoncides: origin and definition
– Classification of phytoncides
– Factors influencing phytoncide activity
– Effects on physiological health
– Impact of phytoncides after forest bathing
– Effects on psychological well-being

MODULE 7 – TRADITIONAL SLYVOTHERAPY

This seventh module is all about trees. It covers various species found in Europe and other continents, whether they are native, adapted, or exotic. You will learn how to select a forest that is ideal for practicing sylvotherapy and guiding a group. This selection involves considering the types and number of trees present, as well as the energy the location offers as an exploration space. Additionally, you will learn how to choose the right tree for a sylvotherapy session, tailored to the specific needs of the participants.

In Module 7, you will explore:

– Outdoor sylvotherapy
– Native and integrated trees
– Conifers
– Deciduous trees
– Exotic plants
– Selecting the right tree for the participant
– Choosing the right forest

MODULE 8 – INDOOR SLYVOTHERAPY: PLANTS AND THEIR PROPERTIES

The eighth module delves into a different aspect of sylvotherapy—practicing it indoors. This approach is ideal for those who cannot visit a forest or park due to physical, emotional, mental, or scheduling constraints. Indoor sylvotherapy is also beneficial when outdoor conditions aren’t suitable for group activities. It provides a way to bring nature into urban settings and improve the quality of indoor environments. This module introduces you to a variety of plants and encourages considering gardening as a connection to sylvotherapy.

Key topics covered in this eighth module include:

– Indoor sylvotherapy: plants and their properties
– Depolluting plants
– Common indoor pollutants and their effects on health
– Phytopurification: essential plants for your garden
– The role of therapeutic plants in sylvotherapy
– Gardening as a form of sylvotherapy
– Psychological benefits
– Physiological benefits

MODULE 9 – NOTIONS OF AROMATHERAPY

This ninth module introduces you to aromatherapy, a technique that beautifully complements sylvotherapy. Essential oils not only offer exceptional qualities but also allow you to create olfactory atmospheres ideal for indoor sylvotherapy and to enhance outdoor sylvotherapy walks. They engage the sense of smell, tap into our memories, and emit energetic vibrations.

In this module, you will explore:

– The basics of aromatherapy
– The benefits of using essential oils in sylvotherapy
– Proper techniques for using essential oils
– The significance of chemotypes
– Understanding labels and their meanings
– Selecting the right essential oil for your home sylvotherapy sessions

MODULE 10 – LAUNCHING A CAREER AS A SYLVOTHERAPIST

In this final module, you’ll receive guidance on how to launch your career as a sylvotherapy professional, including tips on developing your business, effective communication, and increasing your visibility. This module explores various marketing strategies to help you quickly establish and sustain your practice.

Module 10 offers valuable insights on:

– Building your career in sylvotherapy
– Changing your lifestyle and worldview
– Expanding your reach
– Starting a blog
– Understanding competition
– Identifying your target audience
– Guest blogging opportunities
– Utilizing social media effectively