Research & Practice of Forest Therapy for Public Health
The International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) implements and promotes Forest Therapy as an evidence-based Public health practice through international partnerships with research institutions, government bodies and other relevant stakeholders.
INFTA Forest Therapy Guides meet a Hinoki Cypress tree
at the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens
INFTA
The International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) is committed to establish Forest Therapy as scientifically-proven natural medicine by expanding its networks and establishing partnerships with research, education and Public health bodies across the globe. Through these networks, INFTA will access studies, contribute to research on and create awareness about Forest Therapy. INFTA's mission is to make Forest Therapy accessible for the health and well-being of people world-wide.
What is Forest Therapy?
Forest Therapy is a research-based public health practice of guided immersion in forests with the aim of promoting mental and physical health whilst relaxing and enjoying the forest. Recognized widely as a Public health practice, Forest Therapy is gaining acknowledgement globally as evidence-based, cost-effective and natural medicine.
What is a Forest Therapy Guide?
A Forest Therapy Guide is an experienced professional who is certified and qualified with specialist skills, knowledge and competencies in the application of Forest Therapy as a Public health practice in suitable forests and nature settings.
What are the origins of Forest Therapy?
According to the World Health Organization, stress is the health epidemic of the 21st century and is responsible for many forms of chronic illnesses. In the 1980s, Japan recognized the physiological and psychological dangers of stress and depression and sought out a new, affordable and effective way to combat it. This was the beginning of "Shinrin-yoku", roughly translated as 'taking in the forest atmosphere' or 'forest immersion'. Across the last three decades this led to the development of the Public health approach of Forest Therapy.
New - Online 2023
start your training anytime, anywhere!
(open for applications)
Australia/Victoria
22-26 March
USA/Wisconsin
7-11 June
(open for applications soon)
Start your professional, internationally-recognized training to become an INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide any time, anywhere.
Affordable, Flexible, User-friendly & Supportive
Six-months, One-on-One Mentored Training
Optional Practical Training Workshops
Innovative, 24/7 Learning Management System
Based on the International Core Curriculum of Forest Therapy (ICCFT)
Deepen Your Own Nature Practice
Certification and Accreditation with INFTA
Multiple Career Options in Public Health
INFTA is engaged increasingly in a number of research projects collecting further evidence of Forest Therapy as an effective, affordable Public health practice.
Read Evidence
Research References
Collaborating successfully with government, organisational and corporate stakeholders, INFTA endorses Forest Therapy as an evidence-based Public health practice globally.
Benefits for People
Benefits for Health Systems
Activities and Awareness
Prevention & Therapy
Buy Handbook
The International Handbook of Forest Therapy
The first International Handbook of Forest Therapy defines the scientific domain of this innovative, evidence-based and timely Public health approach. More than 50 authors from around the world were brought together to offer their expertise and insights about Forest Therapy from a variety of research perspectives.
The theoretical discussion of the effects related to the biophilia hypothesis presented here is complemented by research results compiled across the last three decades in the fields of psychology, medicine and biochemistry from Asia. The book also highlights the latest developments with regards to Forest Therapy in a number of different countries, ranging from China and Australia to Germany and Norway.
The handbook constitutes a major milestone in research in this field. It sets the baseline for Forest Therapy to be implemented worldwide as a powerful and financially prudent Public health practice.
Forest Therapy offers exactly what people need right now!
Many people suffer from stress and lifestyle-related illnesses. Most of us have a poor work-life balance. Our lifestyles have also led to environmental issues.
As an INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide you reconnect people to nature and make a real difference.
Would you like to reconnect people to nature?
"The planet does not need more successful people. But it desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds. It needs people who live well in their places. It needs people of moral courage willing to join the fight to make the world habitable and humane and these qualities who have little to do with success as we have defined it."
David Orr, Professor of Environmental Studies
Be Supported
One-to-one mentoring.
Combine your passion with your purpose.
Feel Connected
Join a community of mature, committed professionals.
Work with a trusted training partner for a long term.
Make steady progress towards clear goals.
Be Respected
Become a leader in your community. Qualified, trained and confident.
"What you do will make a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."
Affordable Training
International Qualification
Blended Learning - Online & In-Person
Experienced & Qualified Trainers & Mentors
Access Research, Practice & Business Tools
innovative, 24/7 Online Learning Platform
"When I learned about INFTA's Forest Therapy Guide training, I was bursting with excitement to sign up. From my first initial contact with Susan I felt supported on my journey to become an INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide. I found the course material, formal sessions and practicum informative and challenging. The training was well-structured and I always felt comfortable and safe to explore new concepts and ideas with INFTA. The personal transformation that occurred for me over the course of the Forest Therapy Guide training have been life changing. The mentoring I have been provided and continue to be provided on my journey has helped me to develop and grow as an INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide."
Belinda McCawley - Founder of Mindful In Nature
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