Nature-based Counseling

Why this program?

The Graduate Certificate in Nature-based Counseling is a five course, 15 credit-hour program with a program objective to integrate ecological perspectives within the concepts and practices of mental health counseling.

What can you do with this certificate program?

Students interested in ecotherapy, deep ecology, earth-based traditional healing practices, non US-centric nature healing practices, ritual and rites of passage, mindfulness, horticultural, or nature-based settings. Graduates possess competencies in both conventional counseling and nature-based counseling.

What will this program look like?

• To develop basic skills and knowledge necessary to incorporate culturally relevant nature-based modalities into mental health settings, from healing to well-being. This includes a general understanding of the history of the field, foundational theory, broad treatment applications, and ethical practices.
• To develop critical thinking skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate as a practitioner in counseling that integrates nature-based interventions, including ethical considerations, cultural relevance, risk mitigation, evaluation, and integration of current research.
• To possess competencies in nature-based counseling to be employable in a range of mental health settings.