Forest Therapy Certification

Rooted In Sound Certified Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing) and Therapeutic Nature Guide

Shinrin-yoku: The Simplicity of ‘Forest Bathing’

Shinrin-yoku: The Simplicity of ‘Forest Bathing’

This Japanese practice of PREVENTIVE health is all about the significance of understanding how the human body responds to the natural world.

Think about what it feels like to be in the forest— to be surrounded by ancient giants with bright, soft leaves and deep protective roots. You hear the water running through the veins of the earth and each small creature kept safe and alive in the pristine expanse of green canopy. What can you touch? Smell? This is the essence of shinrin-yoku, or the intentional act of becoming immersed and finding repose in the quiet embrace of mother earth.

Forest bathing is not exactly what it sounds like— no bathtubs involved. As a translation from Japanese, ‘bathing’ refers to the act of spending time within nature and allowing this experience to strengthen our connection to liminal space and transformation.

A small waterfall cascading over rocks surrounded by a forest with tall trees and autumn foliage.

Become a Rooted In Sound Certified Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing) and Therapeutic Nature Guide

IN THIS CLASS:

Here at Rooted in Sound, we’re offering the opportunity to be a forest bathing guide. We want to teach you how to incite the senses, activate the mind and find tranquility. We will bring focus and meaning to the moments we spend in each natural environment. In Pittsburgh we’re fortunate enough to live in a city that maintains beautiful and wild public parks, perfect for getting lost among the trees. Let’s have an adventure and step out of the urban to find serenity waiting for us in a thoughtful walk through the woods. Embrace biophilia.

We have two different lessons, 2 guided Forest Baths, and one supervision. In order to be a certified guide with Rooted In Sound. Depending on your back ground you may only need one of the lessons, the Forest Baths and the supervision.

Lesson one

The Basics of Forest Bathing. 16 hours

  • Techniques

  • Meditations

  • Science behind forest bathing

  • Benefits

Lesson two

Pennsylvania plant life and our natural setting. 16 hours

  • Native plants

  • Common medicinal plants

  • Botany Basics

  • Common Wildlife

Practicum

  • Assist 2 forest bath sessions

  • Lead 2 forest bath sessions with a certified guide.

Japanese Forest Bathing Certification Program

$450.00 (Per Module - There are 3 modules in this program)

Required reading not included in price and will be at an additional cost.
The reading list is provided upon completion of enrollment.

Lush green forest scene with a waterfall, moss-covered rocks, and a gentle stream.
Waterfall in a forest landscape with trees and rocks.
Coastal landscape with ocean waves, beach, and trees.
Person playing singing bowls in a forest setting near a stream.
Wooded hiking trail with sunlight filtering through trees, moss-covered rocks, and dense foliage in a forest setting.
View from below of a large, moss-covered tree with multiple branches extending outward.
Scenic waterfall surrounded by rocks and trees in a forested area with sunlight streaming through the canopy.
Sunset through bare trees casting long shadows on a snow-covered road.
Traditional Japanese garden with a wooden arched bridge over a pond, surrounded by lush green trees and shrubs.

Shinrin-yoku

If you love the forest and you love helping people transform this Certification is for you! Please fill out an application below.

References & Helpful Links

Don’t just take our word for it— the research is out there. Educate yourself. Knowledge is empowering.

Fantastic article by Atlantic contributor Rahawa Haile

Science is sexy