Foundations of Outdoor Therapy

This course introduces students to working therapeutically outdoors and the field of outdoor therapy, providing a space to explore and critically reflect on some of the key foundations in this multidisciplinary field.

It is an opportunity to consider the complexity of this field and how we understand and uphold ethical practice and professional boundaries across various contexts and settings of practice and theoretical frameworks.

There will be an opportunity to explore how we approach safety and risk with space to discuss programme design and delivery, taking into account intersectionality and wider systemic issues.

This course is also an invitation for you to consider your own relationship with the outdoors, nature, and adventure as well as an opportunity to reflect and share your own understandings and experiences of professional practice.

Schedule

Sessions are held online, with opportunities to engage in creative and experiential activities. There will be space for individual reflection, small group work, and whole group discussion. Specific readings and reflective tasks are provided in-between sessions. Sessions will not be recorded.

First online session: 2 February – 8 sessions until the end of March 2026.
Cost: R500 (Excluding final in-person session).

Who is this course for:
This course is for youth, teachers, guides, adventure camp facilitators, human resources development officers, youth pastors, or anyone looking for a qualification in the outdoors.

Presenters: University of Cumbria & Adventure Institute

Accreditation received: The Continuing Professional Development certificate will be co-presented by the Adventure Institute and the University of Cumbria – certificate by Adventure Institute and UOC.

Please note: this course is not therapy, supervision or accredited training, and you will not be qualified to work or use the title of outdoor therapist upon completion of this course. You will however get recognition from the University of Cumbria and Adventure Institute for the completion of this introductory course.