We usually recommend beginning with either our online Introduction to Ecopsychology course or our three-day in-person Threshold course. Both offer a solid grounding in the maps, models, and approaches we use in applied ecopsychology. They’re a great way to get a feel for our style, meet our tutors, and decide whether you’d like to continue with further training.

If you are certain you wish to embark on a professional pathway, you can apply directly to our Foundation Year or Advanced Pathway programmes.

You will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to work with people in nature using ecopsychology-based methods. Our three realms of practice – Nature, Health & Wellbeing, Wholeness, Healing & Growth/Eco Therapy, and Deeper Nature/Spiritual Ecology – cover everything from nature-connectedness for health to deep soul work.

Our courses are designed for:

• Counsellors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and other health & wellbeing practitioners
• Teachers, youth workers, and community leaders
• Conservationists and environmental activists and nature connection coaches
• People seeking a career change into nature-based work
• Those wishing to deepen their own relationship with nature

This varies depending on your stage of study:

• Threshold Course – No additional study required.
• Foundation Year – A short assignment, reflective write-ups after each weekend, and participation in a peer support group. A tutor will guide you through the year.
• Advanced Pathway (AP) – Year One includes a larger written assignment. Year Two involves developing your practice, writing case studies, maintaining a creative record of your journey (VOCA), and engaging with a tutor, InterVision group, and practice partner between modules.

Across all levels, we encourage regular reflection, journaling, nature-based practice, and further reading.

We offer nationally recognised OCN London qualifications:

• Level 2 – Equivalent to GCSE (e.g. NatureWell Facilitator)
• Level 3 – Equivalent to A Level (e.g. Foundation Year)
• Level 4 – Equivalent to first-year degree (e.g. Advanced Pathway)

OCN London moderates and externally verifies our courses. We hold Direct Claim Status, meaning we are recognised for delivering high-quality learning and assessment.

After the Foundation Year, you’ll be qualified as a nature-based facilitator, able to work confidently in one or more realms of practice. After the Advanced Pathway, you’ll be recognised as an ecopsychology practitioner and certified in our three core models: NatureWell, Natural Self Eco Therapy (NSET), and Deeper Expansive Nature (DEN).

Many graduates go on to:

• Set up their own practice
• Work within health, education, environmental, or community organisations
• Continue into specialist CPD or supervision

No. You do not need to be a qualified therapist.
Natural Academy’s ecotherapy training is professionally rigorous and equivalent in depth and scope to a Level 4 psychology-based programme, providing the theory, skills, ethics, and reflective practice required to work safely and effectively in ecotherapy and nature-based wellbeing settings.

We strongly recommend being supported by an experienced ecotherapist during training. This supports your own wellbeing, strengthens ethical practice, and helps you hold space for others with care and responsibility.

Location: Most courses take place at Ham Green Outdoor Centre (near Bristol) and other UK wild venues (Devon, Wales, Sussex, Scotland).

Accommodation: Camping is included at most venues.

Food: Unless stated otherwise, food is not included – self-cater, bring your own, or share cooking.

Physical Requirements: Most activities are low to moderate intensity. You’ll never be asked to go beyond your limits. We work in all weathers, adapting for safety and comfort. We have indoor spaces at Ham Green Outdoor Centre.

See website for details.

Absolutely. The vocational pathway is designed to build on your existing skills and weave them into nature-based facilitation or ecotherapy practice. Many students integrate previous careers in therapy, education, conservation, or community work into new, grounded forms of practice.

Support includes:

• A dedicated tutor for guidance and reflective practice
• Peer support groups
• Opportunities for supervision and mentoring – InterVision groups (Advanced Pathway Year Two)
• Opportunity for personal growth and development through nature connectedness.