FTHub Summer School
Oceans
October 10–17, 2027
Train in the heart of the Atlantic
FTHub Forest Therapy Practitioner
8-Day In-person Immersive Training
- October 10–17, 2027
- Azores Islands, Atlantic Ocean
- In English
- Limited to 15 Participants
Free Insight Session
OCTOBER 15
6 pm CEST · 5 pm UK · Noon ET · 11 am CT · 9 am PT
Learn all about the in-person immersive training program with experts and trainers.
Training in partnership with:
Watch
From previous editions
A glimpse into what an FTHub intensive in-person training looks like in practice.
Why train with Forest Therapy Hub?
The only method researched at scale with international public funding.
What sets this apart
What makes it unique
This is not a standard Forest Therapy certification. FTHub Summer School Oceans is the first expertly designed Forest Therapy Practitioner training with a groundbreaking focus on the vital role of Blue Spaces, oceans, coasts, rivers, and thermal waters, in sustaining both human and planetary health.
The training takes place in the heart of the Atlantic, where the volcanic landscapes, laurissilva forests, and pristine coastal environments of the Azores provide the most powerful setting for this work.
You will train in marine waters, wild hot springs, ancient endemic forests, and volcanic craters, and be guided by world-leading experts who are present with you throughout the entire program.
The location
The Setting
São Miguel, the Green Island of the Azores, is a volcanic mid-Atlantic landscape among the rarest and most biodiverse ecosystems in Europe. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with over 80 endemic plant species and 20+ cetacean species offshore, the training draws on the expertise of the University of the Azores’ Okeanos marine research center.
This is not a backdrop. It is the training.
Main program locations
A TYPICAL DAY
Mornings begin in the field — a Forest Bathing Walk in a laurissilva forest, a blue space session on the Atlantic coast, or an immersion in volcanic hot springs. Afternoons return to the Caloura Hotel Resort for module content: theory, methodology, expert sessions, and debriefs. Some evenings include optional experiences at Poça da Dona Beija or informal reflection with trainers. The rhythm is deliberate: experience first, then science, then integration.
Who Is This For?
Who is this training for?
From all backgrounds. At any stage.
Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy Guides trained by other organizations who are ready for advanced practice
Health and well-being professionals (psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, nurses, physicians) looking to integrate nature-based approaches
Educators, trainers, and facilitators working with specific populations in nature-based settings
Organizational well-being and HR professionals designing nature-based programs
Environmental and ecotourism professionals expanding into therapeutic services
Community health practitioners developing green social prescribing programs
Experienced nature-based practitioners seeking the highest professional certification and recognition
Curriculum
What you will learn
Six areas of advanced therapeutic competence.
Nature-Based Intervention Design
How to design structured, population-specific interventions with clear goals, session progressions, and outcome measures. You learn to create multi-session programs, not just individual sessions, using the FTHub 5 Components of Nature-Based Interventions as your design framework.
Working with Specific Populations
Adapting your practice to diverse groups: people experiencing stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, chronic conditions, social isolation, and life transitions. You develop the awareness to tailor interventions to the needs, capacities, and contexts of each group, from corporate teams to community health settings to therapeutic programs.
Advanced Facilitation & Holding Space
Deepening your facilitation practice: trauma-informed approaches, working with strong emotions, managing risk in nature-based settings, and the ethics of therapeutic practice.
Research Literacy & Evidence-Based Practice
Reading and applying research findings. Designing assessment frameworks for your programs. Contributing to the evidence base as a practitioner-researcher.
Healthcare & Institutional Integration
How to position Forest Therapy within existing pathways, healthcare, education, social care, and corporate well-being. Nature social prescribing models, referral systems, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the language and frameworks that institutions use.
Advanced Application
Building on the foundational understanding gained at the FTHub Forest Bathing Guide level, you apply the FTHub Method, the Liquid Interactions Model, and the FTHub 5 Components of Nature-Based Interventions at a therapeutic level, designing multi-session programs with structured sequences adapted to specific populations and institutional contexts.
What's Included
What’s included in every FTHub Summer School
- All program content is delivered in person during the immersion. All trainers and experts are present on site.
- 8 days of intensive, immersive, in-person FTHub Forest Bathing Guide training with experienced FTHub lead trainers
- Full FTHub Forest Therapy Practitioner curriculum: intervention design, specific populations, healthcare integration, advanced facilitation, research literacy
- Daily field practice in the local natural environment
- Real-time feedback from FTHub lead trainers
- International cohort experience, with professionals from diverse countries and backgrounds
- Dual certificate upon completion: FTHub Certified Forest Bathing Guide + FTHub Certified Forest Therapy Practitioner
- Hub Seedlings Pro Annual membership: directory listing, professional tools, network, and Lab access
- Priority consideration for FTI Lab research projects
+ Online access
also included
In addition to the in-person training, you can still enjoy the standard 36-week online access to the full course materials, 16 live online classes, 72 online mentoring sessions with group dynamics, and 12 online Forest Bathing Walks.
Attendance at this online content is not mandatory, but it allows you to revisit the content at your own pace and complete the practice requirements.
3.300 €
EARLY BIRD: EUR 2900 | USD 3290
Until December 22, 2026
EARLY BIRD: EUR 3100 | USD 3520
Until March 22, 2027
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLAN:
#1 | Registration (deposit): EUR 1000 | USD 1137
#2 | April 12: 50% of the remaining amount
#3 | August 9: 50% of the remaining amount
EARLY BIRD: EUR 2900 | USD 3290
Until December 22, 2026
EARLY BIRD: EUR 3100 | USD 3520
Until March 22, 2027
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLAN:
#1 | Registration (deposit): EUR 1000 | USD 1137
#2 | April 12: 50% of the remaining amount
#3 | July 12: 50% of the remaining amount
PROGRAM Outline
Full program outline
The FTHub Forest Therapy Practitioner program is structured in modules that combine self-paced learning, live online sessions, and practical assignments. It builds from the FTHub Forest Bathing Guide curriculum into an advanced therapeutic practice.
Click the tab below for the complete program structure.
Modules 1 – 14 | Full content outline
Module 1 – FTHub Conceptual Framework
- Principles of health and their practical application.
- Planetary Health: principles of health and its contributing factors.
Module 2 – Knowledge to Design Nature Experiences
- Path selection criteria in diverse natural environments, such as marine environments, rivers, forests, deserts, and urban parks.
- Risk analysis to create a safe environment for the participants.
Module 3 – Skills and Techniques to Guide Nature Experiences
- Group management techniques and facilitation of dynamics that support the experience of the participants.
- Methods and skills to communicate effectively with the participants.
Module 4 – Relation Between Nature and Humans
- Somatic components of connection.
- Practical skills for an optimal bodily experience of connection with the environment.
Module 5 – FTHub Method: Sequences
- Theoretical framework of the FTHub Walk Activities Sequences.
- FTHub Walk Activities Sequences.
Module 6 – FTHub Method: Liquid Interactions Model
- The Liquid Interactions Model: theoretical inspiration.
- The Liquid Interactions Model: structure, science, and themes to design nature connection activities.
- From theory and science to practice: how to apply the theoretical foundations to the design of nature-based activities.
Module 7 – Nature-Based Well-being Plan, Social Prescribing and Green Prescription
- Conceptualize and design Nature-Based Well-being Plans.
- Integrate health and well-being practices under social prescribing and nature prescription.
Module 8 – Theories, Science, and Scientific Research
- Fundamentals of Forest Medicine: practical integration of the main benefits of nature in human health.
- Scientific foundations and techniques to enhance your nature connectedness and support that of your participants.
Module 9 – Expressive Arts in Nature and Skills to Integrate Nature-Based Well-being Practices into Professional Contexts
- Expressive arts: practical application in Forest Bathing.
- Fundamental elements of organizational and emotional well-being nature-based experiences.
Module 10 – Skills for Selecting Healthy Spaces: urban parks, green and aquatic environments
- Knowledge about ecosystems and diversity, and their impact on well-being.
Module 11 – Design of Forest Therapy Interventions
- The steps and elements to be considered when designing a Forest Therapy intervention.
- The life cycles model and the importance of the Liquid Interactions Model (LIM) in designing appropriate interventions.
- Specific populations: vulnerable populations and mental health disorders, and how Forest Bathing/Therapy can alleviate them, based on scientific studies.
Module 12 – FTHub Nature-Based intervention model
- The FTHub 5 Components of Nature-Based Interventions.
- FTHub Forest Therapy Intervention Program.
- Operationalized Forest Therapy Interventions grounded in +30 pilot research projects.
- Programs with intervention recommendations by Life Cycle and by Specific Populations following the FTHub Method.
Module 13 – Group Dynamics: general well-being and the link to clinical, social, and holistic applications
- Development of personal skills and resources to support the integration of experiences.
Module 14 – Nature-Based Expressive Arts as an intervention tool
- Expressive Arts in Nature for Forest Therapy interventions.
- Intervention evaluation and scales.
- Scientific References
A bibliography with more than 340 references and scientific articles on which the training is based
- Certification Requirements
+ Design a Nature-Based Well-being Plan
+ Design a Nature-Based Intervention following the FTHub Intervention Program.
- Additional Requirements
+ Certification in “First Aid” (or “Wilderness First Aid”)
+ Certification in “Mental Health First Aid”
These certifications are not provided by the FTHub and are not included in the training fee. They can be completed during the rest of the program.
The Team
Trainers & Experts
Bring out your best with an interdisciplinary and multicultural team of the most experienced trainers and leading international experts in specific areas of knowledge.
Dr Jill Litt
Prof. Environ. Health Univ. Colorado | Assoc. Res. ISGlobal BCN
USA
Simon Bell
Prof. Landscape Architecture, Estonian University of Life Sciences
United Kingdom
Alex Gesse
Executive Director
Spain
Manuela Renzi
Training and Capacity Building Director
Italy
Sonia Juárez
Learning and Finance Director
Portugal
Dual Certification
The FTHub Forest Therapy Practitioner program awards a dual certificate: you graduate as an FTHub Certified Forest Bathing Guide and an FTHub Certified Forest Therapy Practitioner.
This means the program covers the full FTHub Forest Bathing Guide curriculum before advancing to therapeutic practice, making it suitable for professionals who want to complete the entire pathway in one program.
FTHub Certified
Forest Bathing Guide
FTHub Certified Forest Therapy Practitioner
Logistics
Program details
Everything you need to plan your stay and prepare for the training.
PROGRAM LOCATIONS
The training will be held at various locations designated as “campus” across São Miguel Island. Activities will be held within and beyond the main campus, at environmental centers, hot springs, beaches, and volcanic sites.
Caloura Hotel Resort (info | map). This hotel will serve as the central point of the training and the departure point for all the field trips. Address: Rua do Jubileu, 27, 9560-206 Água de Pau, São Miguel, Azores.
Praia da Baixa d’Areia (info | map). Marine waters, Forest Bathing Blue Walk.
Praia da Caloura (info | map). Coastal green and blue spaces workshop.
Furnas Environmental Interpretation Center (info | map). Laurissilva forest walk.
Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center (info | map). Wild hot springs walk.
Poça da Dona Beija (info | map). Optional evening hot springs session.
ACCOMMODATION
MEALS
A welcome dinner is included in the training fee. Other meals are at the participant’s discretion. For lunch, FTHub may pre-reserve specific restaurants where you can pay directly. Each will offer a range of prices and cater to diverse dietary requirements.
A few weeks before the event, the Learning Team will contact you regarding any specific dietary restrictions.
COSTS
The training fee includes a welcome dinner and transportation to and from program locations outside the hotel, as detailed below. All other food, transportation, and accommodation costs are not included.
The training program may be slightly modified due to weather conditions or force majeure. A detailed schedule will be provided to registered participants one month before the start of the training.
If you have further questions or require assistance with planning your accommodation and travel, please contact us at adm@foresttherapyhub.com.
TRAINING CALENDAR
WELCOME & DINNER | October 10 | 7:00 – 9:30 pm | Restaurante Casa do Abel (map)
BREAKS | Lunch break: 1:30 – 2:30 pm | During the content sessions, 30-minute coffee breaks will be provided.
| DAY | MORNING | AFTERNOON |
OCT 11 | FIELD TRIP | Campus: Praia da Baixa d’Areia (info | map) 9:00 – 11:00 am: Forest Bathing Blue Walk #1 | Marine Waters 11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Training Welcome | Campus: Caloura Hotel Resort (info | map) 3:00 – 4:30 pm: Forest Bathing Blue Walk Debrief 5:00 – 6:00 pm: Module 1 – FTHub Conceptual Framework |
OCT 12 | FIELD TRIP | Campus: Praia da Caloura (info | map) 9:00 – 11:00 am: Workshop: Nature-based Well-being Plan | Green and Blue Spaces 11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Module 7 – Nature-based Well-being Plan | Green and Blue Spaces | Campus: Caloura Hotel Resort (info | map) 3:00 – 4:15 pm: Module 2 – Knowledge to Design Experiences in Nature 4:45 – 6:00 pm: Module 3 – Skills and Techniques to Guide Experiences in Nature |
OCT 13 | FIELD TRIP | Campus: Furnas Environmental Interpretation Center (info | map) Transportation departure: 8:00 am, Caloura Hotel Resort (map) 9:30 – 11:30 am: Forest Bathing Walk #2 | Laurissilva Forest (humid, endemic to Macaronesia) Noon – 1:00 pm: Forest Bathing Walk Debrief | Campus: Caloura Hotel Resort (info | map) 3:00 – 4:00 pm: Module 5 – The FTHub Method: Sequences 4:30 – 5:30 pm: Module 6 – The FTHub Method: Liquid Interactions Model OPTIONAL | Forest Bathing Walk #3 | Urban Hot Springs | At Poça da Dona Beija (info | map) |
OCT 14 | Campus: Caloura Hotel Resort (info | map) 9:00 – 10:00 am: Content by experts 10:30 – 11:30 am: Okeanos Expert 11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Content by experts | Campus: Caloura Hotel Resort (info | map) 3:00 – 6:00 pm: Walk Preparation (optional) |
OCT 15 | FIELD TRIP | Campus: Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center (info | map) Transportation departure: 8:00 am, Caloura Hotel Resort (map) 9:00 am – Noon: Forest Bathing Walk #3 | Wild Hot Springs (guides in training) | Campus: Caloura Hotel Resort (info | map) 3:00 – 4:00 pm: Forest Bathing Walk Debrief 4:00 – 4:45 pm: Module 4 – The Relation between Nature and People 5:00 – 6:00 pm: Module 13 – Group Dynamics: general well-being and the link to clinical, social, and holistic applications |
OCT 16 | Campus: Caloura Hotel Resort (info | map) 9:00 – 10:00 am: Module 8 – Theories, Science and Scientific Research 10:00 – 11:00 am: Module 11 – Design of Forest Therapy Interventions 11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Module 12 – FTHub Nature-based Intervention Model | Campus: Caloura Hotel Resort (info | map) 3:00 – 4:15 pm: Module 9 – Expressive Arts in Nature and Skills to Integrate Nature-based Well-being Practices into Professional Contexts 4:45 – 6:00 pm: Module 14 – Nature-based Expressive Arts as an Intervention Tool |
OCT 17 | Campus: Caloura Hotel Resort (info | map) 9:00 – 11:00 am: Forest Bathing Walk #4 (guides in training) 11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Closure | CLOSING CEREMONY | – |
What Our Students Say
Real practitioners. Real outcomes.
Hear from previous FTHub Summer School participants.
Eeeva Salvik
FTHub Forest Therapy Practitioner • Switzerland
Elayna Toby Singer
FTHub Forest Therapy Practitioner • USA
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Blue Spaces focus of this FTHub Forest Therapy Practitioner training?
Is there any preparation required before this FTHub Summer School In-Person Forest Therapy Practitioner training?
Are places limited?
Yes. FTHub Summer School Oceans is limited to 15 participants to ensure personalized attention, meaningful group dynamics, and direct access to trainers during every session. Once the group is full, registration closes. We recommend applying early to secure your place.
How do I get to the Azores?
Fly to Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) on São Miguel Island. Direct flights are available from Lisbon, Oporto, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Vienna, and other European cities. Azores Airlines operates non-stop flights from Boston and New York (JFK) year-round, and from Toronto and Montreal. Over 15 airlines serve the airport, including TAP, British Airways, Lufthansa, Transavia, and easyJet. From the airport, the training campus at Caloura Hotel Resort is approximately 30 minutes by car.
Where should I stay?
Accommodation is at your discretion. The Caloura Hotel Resort serves as the central training campus and will accommodate the team and experts. Registration at this hotel is not mandatory. São Miguel offers a wide range of accommodation, from guesthouses to resort hotels, across the island. We recommend staying close to the Água de Pau or Caloura areas for convenience. FTHub can assist with planning if needed. Contact adm@foresttherapyhub.com.
What should I bring?
What is the weather like?
October in the Azores is mild, but the weather can change quickly. This is one of the most pleasant times in the Azores, with mild temperatures around 18–22°C, lower humidity than summer, fewer tourists, and the island at its greenest. Rain is possible at any time of year, so waterproof layers are recommended. The program may be adjusted for weather conditions if necessary.
