Level 5 Diploma in
Eco-Psychotherapeutic Practice
 

The diploma is designed for qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, coaches, mental health and wellbeing practitioners and educational professionals who wish to deepen their relationships with the natural world and their local  environment, whilst increasing their knowledge, skills and confidence to work therapeutically outdoors.  Throughout the programme, you will be supported to develop a personal model of integrated ecological practice that reflects your values, professional context and unique relationships and ways of working.

The qualification is delivered through four seasonal, three-day immersive workshops in nature, alongside online content and learning days, reflective practice groups, and one-to-one tutorials. This carefully balanced approach creates space for experiential learning, reflection, and personal growth, while supporting you to develop a model of practice that reflects your experience, setting, and professional aspirations.

The learning modules are designed around the rhythms and qualities of the seasons, offering a learning journey that unfolds naturally throughout the year.  As each season brings new perspectives, you will have opportunity to build your ecological knowledge, relationships and practice in a grounded and experiential way.SeasonModulesAutumn:  Soul1: Ecological Self and SoulWinter:     Mind2: Therapeutic FrameSpring:     Spirit3: Ecological Self and Spirit4: Skills and interventionsSummer: Body4: Skills and interventions5: SynthesisAutumn: Harvest5: Synthesis

The three-day nature-based immersive workshops for 2027/28 take place: Thursday 16 - Saturday 18 September 2027Thursday 2 - Saturday 4 December 2027Thursday 20 - Saturday 22 April 2028Thursday 22 - Saturday 24 June 2028Sessions begin at 11.00 on a Thursday and end at 16.00 on a Saturday. Additional online learning days, reflective practice groups and tutorials are scheduled throughout the year and dates will be shared with participants before the start of the programme.

Our in-person immersive sessions are based in Delph, Saddleworth, Greater Manchester.Learning takes place across a variety of local natural environments including farmland, woodland, riverside and reservoir settings and more urban and post-industrial locations. The diversity of locations is designed to offer opportunity to experience different aspects of eco-psychotherapy which may resonate with your own personal settings and to experience and to reflect on the impact of local culture and place. All locations are within walking distance of our base in Delph, although participation will require a reasonable level of physical fitness. If you have any accessibility requirements or would like to discuss whether the programme is suitable for you, please don't hesitate to get in touch.Further practical information, including travel guidance and details of local accommodation options, will be provided upon registration.

ModuleContent1: Ecological Self and Soulo   Introduction to the courseo   The Ecological Selfo   Developing ecological relationshipso   Ecological grief and activism 2: Therapeutic Frameo   Perspectives on eco-psychotherapyo   Therapeutic relationships outdoorso   The case for ecological practiceo   Challenges and practical issueso   Assessment and contractingo   Practitioner specific issues 3: Ecological Self and Spirito   Context and placeo   Spiritual and cultural perspectiveso   Exploring Spiritualityo   Diversity and accessibilityo   Ritual and seasonal practiceso   Ethical practice 4: Skills and Interventionso   Systemic and relational therapeutic modelso   Ecosensory movement and embodied practiceo   Working with Placeo   Story, symbolism and metaphor 5: Synthesiso   Development of a personal eco-psychotherapeutic framework and practice

The diploma is assessed through an ongoing learning journal, participation in experiential group work during the workshops and a 3,000-word written assignment exploring your personal framework and emerging model of practice. These elements are designed to encourage reflection, integration and the development of a personal ecological approach to your therapeutic practice.

The total cost of the diploma is £1,900, which includes all experiential workshops, online learning, reflective practice groups, tutorials and CPCAB accreditation fees.  Accommodation is not included. Flexible payment plans are available on request

If you feel this programme might be right for you, then please contact enquiries@nurturinghope.co.uk to arrange an informal discussion, ask any questions and consider whether you would like to join us on this learning experience.