IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy | Training Programs
Professional Training in Forest Medicine, Shinrin Yoku and Clinical Forest Therapy
Do you work with people and want to broaden your professional practice by integrating nature-based approaches to health promotion and therapy? Our training programs combine scientific foundations, proven methods and practical skills – from firsthand experience to certified training in clinical forest therapy.
IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy | Firsthand Expertise
Learn, Experience and Apply with Confidence
For healthcare professionals: Our professional development programs are designed for people who want to integrate nature-based approaches into their work in an informed and responsible way. Forest Medicine, Shinrin Yoku and forest therapy are at the heart of our courses, with a clear focus on their practical use in healthcare and education.
A scientifically grounded training profile: You benefit from a distinctive training and course profile that brings together pioneering research from INFOM, our collaboration with Dr. Qing Li, and the practice-oriented IM-WALD-SEIN® Method. This gives you access to scientifically grounded approaches that go well beyond wellness and broaden professional practice in healthcare and education.
Learning formats with a strong practical focus: Depending on the training format, we combine expert input, experiential learning, case work, reflection and structured opportunities to apply what you have learned. Our intensive clinical training programs complement online learning and self-study with practical modules in specialist clinical settings and at selected model sites. This turns knowledge into confident professional practice.
Build your professional expertise: Deepen your understanding of Forest Medicine, Shinrin Yoku and forest therapy, develop practical skills and learn how to use nature-based approaches effectively and responsibly in your work with people.
Explore our current courses
in Shinrin Yoku, Forest Medicine and clinical forest therapy, or get in touch for
personal advice. For a first impression, you can also browse our
→ 2027 Course Brochure.
Our Training Programs
The Right Path for Your Professional Goals
Whether you are curious to get started, want to deepen your expertise or are ready to specialize, our training programs offer different pathways to match your experience and professional goals.
Getting Started and Exploring
Would you like to discover Shinrin Yoku, Forest Medicine or forest therapy first? Our workshops provide a sound introduction, give you the opportunity to experience methods firsthand and help you explore how they could complement your professional practice.
In-Depth Professional Development
Would you like to broaden your professional skills? Our advanced training programs allow you to explore selected topics in greater depth, try out new approaches and build confidence in applying them in your own professional setting.
Specialization and Certification
Would you like to apply forest therapy professionally in clinical or therapeutic settings? Our certified intensive training programs guide you step by step toward strong methodological skills and confident practical application.
Personal Guidance
Do you value active learning, space for questions and shared reflection? Small learning groups and experienced instructors create a supportive setting for professional exchange and help you transfer what you learn into your own practice.
Current Training Programs at a Glance
Calendar Overview
Check back regularly: New dates and special training formats are added throughout the year. Learn more about our → training locations for in-person courses. Or browse our compact → 2027 Course Brochure.
October 23, 2026 | Interdisciplinary Case Review: Reflect on Cases Together
February 26, 2027 |
Interdisciplinary Case Review: Reflect on Cases Together
March 13, 2027 | Online Workshop: Biophilic Design for Healthcare, Therapy, and Counseling
April 16, 2027 |
Course Start: Clinical Forest Therapy – Lifestyle-Related Diseases
May 8, 2027 | One-Day Workshop: Shinrin Yoku, Forest Bathing and Nature Photography
May 21, 2027 | Course Start: Clinical Forest Therapy – Psychosomatics
May 28, 2027 |
Interdisciplinary Case Review: Reflect on Cases Together
May 29 to 30, 2027 |
Intensive Workshop: Nature Journaling and Expressive Writing
June 11 to 13, 2027 |
Featured Travel Experience: The Shinrin Yoku Premium Special 2027 in Croatia
June 26, 2027 | One-Day Workshop: Shinrin Yoku, Forest Bathing and Nature Photography
July 24, 2027 | Introductory Shinrin Yoku Workshop 2027
October 9, 2027 | One-Day Workshop: Shinrin Yoku, Forest Bathing and Nature Photography
October 16, 2027 | Introductory Shinrin Yoku Workshop 2027
October 23 to 24, 2027 |
Intensive Workshop: Nature Journaling and Expressive Writing
November 27, 2027 | Online Workshop: Biophilic Design for Healthcare, Therapy, and Counseling
December 4, 2027 | One-Day Workshop: Shinrin Yoku, Forest Bathing and Nature Photography
By Appointment |
Individual Supervision
Featured Travel Experience 2027: Shinrin Yoku Premium Special in Croatia
Back to the roots of IM-WALD-SEIN®: Ten years after our first forest bathing experiment in Croatia, we are returning for three extraordinary days. Immersive nature experiences, Shinrin Yoku, health, community, and memorable travel moments make this anniversary program our featured travel experience for 2027.
Exclusive Anniversary Program | Forest Bathing, Shinrin Yoku and Forest Therapy in Croatia
Three Exclusive Days of Forest Immersion, Health, Community and Enjoyment
Our IM-WALD-SEIN® story began in the forests of Croatia in 2017. Ten years later, we are returning: three exceptional days combining scientifically grounded Shinrin Yoku and Forest Therapy with immersive nature experiences, your own personal IM-WALD-SEIN® Experiment, community, health and enjoyment.
Become part of the next chapter in our IM-WALD-SEIN® story: together, we return to where it all began, revisit selected elements of the 2017 Forest Bathing Experiment – and perhaps even write a new book. No prior knowledge is required – curiosity, openness and a spirit of discovery are all you need.
June 11 to 13, 2027 | Fužine, Croatia | 6 to 12 participants
New 2027 Dates for Certified Clinical Forest Therapy Trainings
Our IWSA-certified intensive training programs provide scientifically grounded skills for the professional application of Forest Therapy in treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, and health promotion. The Lifestyle-Related Diseases program offers two qualification tracks: Clinical Forest Therapy and Forest-Based Health Promotion. The Psychosomatics program is designed for medical and therapeutic professionals. Scientifically grounded online coursework, structured self-study, and intensive practical training at a clinical model site form an integrated, practice-oriented learning program.
Intensive Training Program | IWSA-Certified
Clinical Forest Therapy with a Focus on Lifestyle-Related Diseases
The certified
Lifestyle-Related Diseases intensive course provides advanced skills in
Clinical Forest Therapy and Forest-Based Health Promotion. Key areas include lifestyle-related diseases, stress regulation, and the professional and safe application of forest therapy and health promotion methods. Depending on their professional background, participants complete one of two
IWSA qualification tracks.
Next Start: April 16, 2027
Intensive Training Program | IWSA-Certified
Clinical Forest Therapy with a Focus on Psychosomatic Medicine
The certified
Psychosomatics intensive course provides advanced skills for the professional application of Clinical Forest Therapy in psychosomatic and psychotherapeutic settings. Online coursework, structured self-study, and intensive practical training in the forest form an integrated learning experience.
Next Start: May 21, 2027
New for 2027: Online Workshop on Biophilic Design for Healthcare, Therapy, and Counseling
Spaces are an integral part of medical care, therapy, and counseling. Yet we rarely pay much attention to the spaces themselves. Our new one-day online workshop invites you to see your familiar professional surroundings from a fresh perspective and explore the potential of biophilic design.
Online Workshop: Biophilic Design for Healthcare, Therapy, and Counseling
Understand How Spaces Affect Us and Recognize Their Potential
How do healthcare practices, therapy rooms, and counseling spaces influence well-being, communication, and the way people feel? What role do natural qualities play? This workshop combines scientific insights with the key principles of biophilic design. In the interactive Case Lab, we examine selected real-world examples, identify potential sources of discomfort, and explore untapped opportunities.
An interactive one-day online workshop for professionals who want to see their work environments in a new light and gain fresh perspectives on health-supportive design.
March 13, 2027 | November 27, 2027
New for 2027: Psychologically Grounded Intensive Workshops in Nature Journaling and Expressive Writing
Nature experiences and personal writing offer distinctive pathways to self-awareness, reflection, and health. This new two-day intensive workshop makes that connection personally accessible while also exploring psychologically grounded, professional applications in working with people.
Intensive Workshop | Nature Journaling and Expressive Writing
Experiential Learning, Professional Reflection, and Practical Application
How do mindful nature perception and personal writing work together – and what matters when these experiences are used in therapy, counseling, education, or health promotion? The workshop combines intensive firsthand experience with psychologically grounded reflection and shared learning. Two days in a small group for practitioners who want to build experience-based knowledge and develop new perspectives for their professional practice.
May 29 to 30, 2027 | October 23 to 24, 2027
New for 2027: One-Day Workshop on Shinrin Yoku, Forest Bathing, and Nature Photography
Photography begins with seeing—and with feeling. This one-day workshop combines conscious nature perception with photographic seeing and is designed especially for practitioners working in Shinrin Yoku, forest bathing, forest therapy, and nature-based health promotion.
One-Day Workshop | Shinrin Yoku, Forest Bathing, and Nature Photography
Firsthand Experience, Photographic Seeing, and Practical Application
How does our perception of nature change when we begin to look more closely through photography—and what possibilities can this open up in work with people? The workshop combines direct nature experience with professional photographic guidance and shared reflection. An intensive practice day in a small group for practitioners who want to discover new perspectives on nature perception and expand their professional toolkit through a photographic approach. Participants work with their own smartphone; no prior photography experience is required.
May 8, 2027 | June 26, 2027 | October 9, 2027 | December 4, 2027
Shinrin Yoku Workshops 2027: Orientation and Firsthand Experience
Explore Shinrin Yoku through a sound professional foundation and firsthand experience. Our compact workshops bring together scientific principles, the original Japanese approach developed by Dr. Qing Li, the IM-WALD-SEIN® Method, personal experiences in nature, and professional exchange.
Workshop | Introduction to Shinrin Yoku
An Orientation and Self-Discovery Day
This compact workshop offers a practical, evidence-informed introduction to Shinrin Yoku and its use in professional practice. It covers Dr. Qing Li’s approach, scientific foundations, the IM-WALD-SEIN® Method, and firsthand experience in nature. Experiential learning, reflection, and professional exchange are closely integrated.
July 24, 2027 | October 16, 2027
New and Available Now: Professional Supervision and Case Reviews for Forest Therapy and Nature-Based Health Promotion
Professional supervision and case reviews support ongoing reflection and the continued development of professional practice in forest therapy, forest bathing, and Shinrin Yoku. The focus is on specific questions arising from your own work, professional reflection on processes and interventions, and the development of well-founded options for action. The programs are independent of any training institute or professional association and are open to qualified practitioners from a range of training backgrounds.
Practice Support | Individual Professional Supervision
Confidential Reflection on Your Professional Practice
Individual supervision provides a confidential setting for reflecting on specific questions and challenging situations from your forest therapy practice. The focus is on professional assessment, your role as a practitioner, and developing practical ways forward. Designed for qualified practitioners working in nature-based health promotion and therapeutic settings.
Online Supervision Session | 90 Minutes | German or English | By Appointment
Practice Support | Interdisciplinary Case Review
Analyze Cases Together and Learn from One Another
The focus is on specific cases from nature-based health promotion, forest therapy, forest bathing, and Shinrin Yoku. A particular strength of the format is its interdisciplinary exchange: different professions and training backgrounds offer fresh perspectives on each case and open up new approaches and possible solutions. Designed for qualified practitioners working in nature-based health promotion and therapeutic settings.
Online Interdisciplinary Case Review | 120 Minutes | 3 to 6 Participants
Training Locations at a Glance
IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy | Nature-Based Professional Training
Walderlebniszentrum Regensburg: Learning in the Heart of the Forest
Walderlebniszentrum Regensburg is located in Prüfeninger Holz, on a limestone plateau with sweeping views of the city. It is surrounded by a mixed forest managed using close-to-nature forestry practices and home to nearly 20 native tree species. Forest discovery and play trails, an arboretum, and a variety of sensory stations invite visitors to explore the woodland from fresh perspectives. Operated by the Bavarian Forest Administration, the center has received the “Umweltbildung.Bayern” quality seal for environmental education. It brings forest knowledge to life through engaging nature experiences.
For our workshops in Shinrin Yoku, nature photography, and Nature Journaling, the diverse grounds offer many opportunities for exploration, mindful awareness, and creative expression. An on-site seminar room provides space for discussion and reflection, complementing the practical activities in the forest.
Walderlebniszentrum Regensburg is easy to reach by car or public transportation. Participants traveling from farther away will find a wide range of accommodations in Sinzing, Eilsbrunn, and Regensburg to suit different preferences and budgets.
Good to know: Please register for our workshops directly through the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy website, rather than through Walderlebniszentrum Regensburg.
Address: Rieglinger Höhe 1, 93161 Sinzing, Germany
IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy | Clinically Grounded Professional Training
Sana Kliniken Sommerfeld: Clinical Training and Reference Site
Sana Kliniken Sommerfeld is located in the green countryside northwest of Berlin, surrounded by Brandenburg’s forests and lakes near Beetzer See. The spacious clinic grounds, with their extensive woodland and green spaces, have a long history as a forest sanatorium. The IWSI/INFOM-certified Clinical Forest Therapy Pathway builds on this tradition and is integrated into orthopedic rehabilitation and multimodal pain management.
As a clinical training and reference site of the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy, Sommerfeld provides excellent conditions for our intensive training courses in Clinical Forest Therapy. Here, participants can put their knowledge into practice, experience forest therapy methods firsthand, and explore their application in clinical settings.
Clinical care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and immediate woodland access make Sommerfeld a distinctive place to learn. The clinic is easy to reach via the A24 or by public transportation, with hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals nearby to suit different needs and budgets.
Good to know: Information and registration for our intensive training courses are provided directly by the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy.
Address: Waldhausstraße 44, 16766 Kremmen (Brandenburg), Germany
Helpful Information
FAQ: Training Programs at the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy
Find answers to common questions about training at the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy. If you have specific questions or would like help choosing the right course for your background and goals, we’ll be happy to offer personal guidance.
Who are the training programs at the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy designed for?
The IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy offers training for interested individuals and professionals with different levels of experience and career goals. Options include introductory Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) workshops that require no prior experience, specialized workshops in Nature Journaling, Nature Photography, and Biophilic Design, as well as supervision and case review sessions for qualified practitioners. The certified clinical intensive courses are designed for professionals with relevant prior qualifications.
What is the difference between Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing), Forest Medicine, and Clinical Forest Therapy?
Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) is the mindful experience of being in the forest and engaging with nature through all the senses. Forest Medicine investigates how forest environments affect human health and explores the scientific evidence behind these effects. Clinical Forest Therapy uses the forest as a therapeutic setting. Like other clinical interventions, it is provided according to clinical indications, standardized procedures, defined intensity and duration, and quality assurance standards, with clear treatment goals, professional responsibilities, safety protocols, and documentation.
Can I train in Clinical Forest Therapy without a medical degree?
Yes. The IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy offers two qualification tracks within its intensive course on Lifestyle-Related Diseases. Medical, therapeutic, and psychosocial professionals may qualify as Clinical Forest Therapists. Professionals with suitable backgrounds in prevention, health promotion, counseling, education, or coaching may pursue the qualification of IWSA-Certified Course Leader in Forest-Based Health Promotion.
Can I take IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy courses online?
Yes. The IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy offers online, in-person, and hybrid courses depending on the learning objectives. Online options such as case reviews, individual supervision, and the Biophilic Design workshop allow participants to learn remotely and exchange professional insights. In-person workshops in Shinrin Yoku, Nature Journaling, and Nature Photography combine instruction with direct experiences in nature. The clinical intensive courses combine online theory, independent study, and two days of hands-on training at clinical training sites. Courses range from one-day workshops to intensive courses spanning several months.
What is the learning experience like at the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy?
The IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy emphasizes small learning groups and personalized guidance. Research-informed instruction is combined with firsthand experience, hands-on exercises, and professional reflection. Participants explore methods through direct practice and learn how to apply them responsibly in their own professional settings. Depending on the course, case discussions, peer supervision, and individual feedback further support the learning process.
What qualifications do the instructors at the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy have?
The IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy’s interdisciplinary faculty combines academic qualifications, clinical experience, and practical expertise. Instructors include Dr. Melanie H. Adamek (Forest Medicine and Clinical Forest Therapy), Sabine Oberg (psychology), Dr. Aran Tomac (psychiatry), and Simone Raus (Biophilic Design). Collaboration with internationally recognized Forest Medicine researcher Dr. Qing Li and the International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine (INFOM) further strengthens the Academy’s scientific foundation. Additional specialists contribute their expertise to individual courses.
Where are IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy courses held?
The IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy offers nature-based, hands-on workshops at the Walderlebniszentrum Regensburg in Bavaria, Germany. Practical training for the clinical intensive courses takes place at specialized clinical training sites, including Sana Kliniken Sommerfeld near Berlin, Brandenburg, Germany. Online training opportunities are also available.
What certificate will I receive from the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy?
Depending on the course, the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy awards certificates of participation or IWSA certificates. Successful completion of a clinical intensive course leads to a qualification in Clinical Forest Therapy or forest-based health promotion, depending on the course and the participant’s professional background. These certificates document the professional competencies acquired through continuing education.
How much do the courses cost, and how long do they take?
Fees vary depending on the course. Current examples range from €125 for a two-hour online case review to €1,980 for a clinical intensive course. The introductory Shinrin Yoku workshop costs €210 and requires no prior experience. Course duration and workload range from short workshops to intensive courses extending over several months. Current fees and included services are listed on the individual course pages. (Prices as of October 2026; all amounts include applicable VAT.)
How do I register, and can I get advice beforehand?
You’re welcome to contact the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy by phone or email to inquire about any course, with no obligation to register. Contact details are available on the individual course pages. For clinical intensive courses, an initial inquiry is followed by a personal consultation. We’ll answer your questions and discuss whether the course is a good fit for your professional background and goals. Upon request, you can also receive an invitation to a free online information session. All registrations are handled directly by the Academy, not by the course locations.