Sea Turtle

Nature & Forest Therapy Guide Training in Sign Language

A deeper way to connect...

We’re offering our training as an online and in-person hybrid, facilitating a deeper immersion into the practical application of Nature and Forest Therapy. With Nature immersions happening near Gainesville, FL, this training will introduce emerging Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and signing nature enthusiasts to the values of accessibility, deep listening, reciprocity, and eco-cultural awareness in building relationships with human and more-than-human communities. It will also offer mentoring on applying those values to real-world projects.

Both ANFT and Wild Cypress believe that Nature is for everyone—and that reclaiming our connection to the natural world begins with removing barriers to access and fostering belonging.

Wild Cypress’s values are rooted in sign language, silence, and expressive play. Our approach invites participants to experience the natural world beyond words, creating spaces where all forms of communication are honored. This collaborative training embodies that vision by offering immersive, inclusive Nature Therapy experiences designed specifically for Deaf and Disabled participants, as well as allies invested in making Nature accessible for all.

The training will teach ways of responding to the social and ecological challenges of our time from a space of connection and community, exploring models of leadership rooted in kinship, care, and accessibility.

Key modules include:

Foundations of Nature & Forest Therapy for Diverse Learners
Cultivating Accessible & Inclusive Nature-Based Practices
Guiding with Kinship: Relational Approaches to Leadership
Sensory Engagement & Communication in Nature Connection
Facilitating Immersive Retreats & Community-Based Programming

Under the guidance of Summer Crider, guest teachers, and certified guides, participants will take part in a six-month training exploring the philosophy and possibilities of Deaf-inclusive and disability-centered Nature & Forest Therapy. The training begins in a 4-day in-person immersion in north Florida—offering hands-on experience in creating accessible Nature Therapy experiences that celebrate diverse ways of engaging with the land.

The language of this training cohort will be offered in American Sign Language.

At its core, this program aligns with Wild Cypress’ mission:

"Through Nature Therapy, we bridge the gap between humans and nature—restoring harmony, healing the spirit, and embracing communication beyond words."

Co-Hort Schedule Highlights:

OCTOBER 10-13, 2025- Immersion Phase:

Gather together in-person at Wildflowers Meadow Homestead, including a sunset kayaking excursion with EarthKinship and experience the hidden gems of Wild Florida.
Experience Forest Therapy walks and debriefs, learn the Standard Sequence, Scope of Practice, Language of Invitation, and Edges.
Experiential learning sessions on Heart Sense and Circle Facilitation.
Solo wanders for self-reflection and deeper connection to nature.
Practice Guiding each other and plan for deeper practicum during the 6 month Remote Phase

OCTOBER-FEBRUARY 2025- Remote Learning Phase:

Bi-weekly Zoom calls for Q&A, walk debriefs, and assignment discussions.
Scheduled Zoom meetings (sharing circles) are every other Wednesdays, 8-10pm EST.
- There will be twelve 2 hours meetings, and four (4) Virtual Group Walks.
- Estimated duration of virtual/screen time: 30 hrs total.
Participants have the option of completing course assignments self-paced, with our “sharing circles”. Everyone will have the opportunity to record their debriefs and share with each other.

MARCH 2025- Graduation & Retreat:

In-person Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training and certification with a certified Deaf WFA Trainer.
Special opportunity to guide each other and participate in a silent immersion retreat, leading to opportunities to help facilitate future Silent Retreats.
Opportunity to meet and interact with other Deaf Nature experts in Florida.
Special Ceremony and Graduation at the end of immersion. Certification will be issued.

Training and Graduation

FAQs

What is the cost?

The total cost of the ANFT core guide training which is a crucial part of the certification training program is $3845, which is due at first day of training (October 1st) and we do accept payment plans. Immersion retreats are separate from the tuition and are approximately $500-$1000, which includes boarding and meals.

What if I cannot afford it?

The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy has payment plans where you pay in increments monthly. We also have resources and guidelines on how you can seek funding support- perhaps from your employer, your business, or vocational rehabilitation. There are different creative ways to get access to funds to make it affordable for you to attend the retreat and complete the training until certification.

Who should apply?

This training is for anyone, but it benefits mostly those who appreciate and enjoy Nature, who are curious to learn about the practice of Nature & Forest Therapy and what it involves with its benefits. You’ll be learning the Way of the Guide and learn how to apply it in your current work. Perhaps you’re a counselor, educator, involved in the field of holistic healing, like reiki or mindfulness/ life coaching- you can find ways to apply Nature therapy approaches in your practice/work. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to get to know more about Nature and Forest Therapy and how it helps us heal ourselves, our community, and the more than human world we know as Nature.

Have more questions?

The ANFT provides a list of common questions and answers on their FAQ page that might respond to some of your questions.

Email or Book an "Discovery Call" with Summer to answer any other questions.

Learn more about ANFT...

2025-2026 Dates & Deadlines

September 15th - Registration deadline for the Immersion
October 1 (UPDATED) - Registration deadline for the Sea Turtle Cohort Training Program, if you opted for a payment plan which requires a deposit.
October 1- Cohort Training begins (online Zoom)
October 10-13- 4 day Immersion Retreat in Melrose, FL
March 27-29- 3 day Immersion, WFA training, and Graduation in Melrose, FL
March 31- ANFT Certificate issued when all courses has been completed

Training Objectives

What You Will Learn

Learn how to guide ANFT's Standard Sequence - A Powerful approach to nature connection
Sequencing forest therapy invitations for maximum impact and benefit
The heart-centered Way of the Guide approach
The Language of Invitation to help create powerful connections with self and nature
Somatic techniques for embodied awareness
The pedagogy and fundamentals of nature connection
Nature and forest therapy research and knowledge
Trail awareness and safety -how to choose a forest therapy trail
Getting to know your bioregion, its history, watershed, awarenesses and more
Facilitation skills that promote an open environment for group sharing
Expressive arts activities for forest therapy
Tips for successfully promoting your forest therapy offerings

Past Trainings

Testimonials from our certified guides...

Deaf people face unique challenges with getting full access to communication in their native language, and thus, have fewer opportunities to get the full benefit of Nature and Forest Therapy.

At ANFT, (which stands for Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) we believe that the practice of Nature and Forest Therapy is for everyone, and inclusion is essential.

We are excited to announce that with the support of ANFT, we are offering a special cohort of up to 12 Deaf and Hard of Hearing participants, provided in American Sign Language, by an experienced ANFT trainer, in collaboration with a certified Deaf Nature and Forest Therapy guide. Interpreters will be provided to facilitate communication in this cohort.

I hope you are interested in helping us pave a new perspective in the way we guide with the Forests to connect humans the More Than Human World to help heal this world.

About the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy

The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) Guides and Programs is the most experienced global leader in Forest Therapy Guide Training, and promoting the development and practice of Forest Therapy. Our Forest Therapy Guide Training draws on the latest medical research, new developments in the field of nature connection, and ancient traditions.
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Our heart-based "Relational Forest Therapy" approach focuses on rebuilding relationships with the More-Than-Human World as a foundation for healing people and planet.

We are a mission-driven Limited Liability Company founded in 2012 as a response to global warming and other environmental catastrophes. Our mission: nurture heart-centered relationships between all peoples and the more-than-human world of nature. Our strategy: We train guides, teaching the pedagogy and methods of The Way of the Guide, and how to apply these in the context of Forest and Nature Therapy.