Online Course

Therapeutic Storywork with Groups in and with the Natural World

This course will equip educators with some of the tools of working in a therapeutic way with nature based stories, storylines and storymaking. 
Write your awesome label here.

Enrollment Now Open!

Spaces are limited on a first come first serve basis.

Enrollment Closed

This course is full or has already taken place. Subscribe at the bottom of this page to hear about future courses.

NOTE:

*I believe everyone deserves access to learning. Pay What You Can options and Scholarships available for those who need it! Email caylin@forestschooled.com for more info.
Cost: $95 CAD

Description

'Therapeutic Storywork with Groups in and with the Natural World'

In these times of growing anxiety and often unresolved trauma, contact and, importantly, deeper connection, to the more than human can provide essential respite and often resolution to some of the anxieties we all face. We are creatures of metaphor and the language of story can help us find meaning, hope and ways of working through life’s problems.

This online course will equip educators with some of the tools of working in a therapeutic way with nature based stories, storylines and storymaking. While this does not equip educators with counselling or therapy skills it will provide a framework for educators to work with their learners in a therapeutic and playful way through story in nature.

For people who have been on the Working WITH Distressed Behaviour course or the one day workshop Anxiety and Trauma in the Outdoors with Jon, this workshop is an extension of these two courses but equally stands alone for those new to this area of work.

The course will cover:

  • The therapeutic benefits of storymaking and telling – what is trauma and anxiety and the role of story
  • Exploring body sensation and emotion through some simple story exercises
  • Techniques of working with traditional tales and their meanings
  • The key components of a ‘story’ to bring meaning to stressors in the human world
  • When and how to work with story - it's all in the timing!
  • Ways of processing story in groups in the nature space – through various ‘emotional playgrounds’ and ‘activities’
  • Creating and telling our own stories through nature based metaphors
  • How to effectively work with pace, passion, place, pitch and tone – body and voice together
  • Resources and stories (old and new) to lean into
This course will be facilitated live by Jon Cree and Caylin Gans online via Zoom


*IMPORTANT NOTE: The Zoom call will NOT be recorded. Attendance to live calls is required so please double check your availability before signing up!


SCHEDULE FOR LIVE CALL:
Saturday, February 8th, 2025 - 11:00am-4:00pm EST (please check what this is in your time zone!)


TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. Please note that no refunds can be given for online course purchases.
2. The course fee is per person. If you have a friend or colleague who would like to join the calls with you from the same device, they will need to also be enrolled.

GROUP AGREEMENT:
This group will discuss topics that may be sensitive in nature. By signing up, you are agreeing to help create and maintain a safe and inviting space for ALL to share diverse perspectives. If you think you need it, please also have supports in place to care for your personal needs and wellbeing before, during, and after the event.

Course Facilitators

Meet Jon
(He/Him)
Jon Cree is a rare creature usually found rummaging around his natural habitat of the woods, paddling in his canoe or hibernating in a hammock. He is easily identified by his charismatic hats, giggly infectious laugh and a slightly squeaky voice when excited. Being a social creature he is at his best when in company and is a long time earth educator, Forest School leader, storyteller and environmental trainer. He has worked with numerous groups of all ages over the last 40 years, within the UK and internationally. His passion has always been working with learners challenged by our education system and who thrive in the natural world. He has long time worked with adolescents from a variety of settings - from mainstream secondary schools through to pupil referral units, special schools, youth clubs and looked after children. He has recently co-authored 'The Essential Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy' and has just started working with co-author, Marina Robb, on a comprehensive nature based training programme for health practitioners.
Meet Caylin
(She/Her)
Caylin has a passion for nature-based, experiential, and holistic approaches to education and has enjoyed working with people of all ages in a variety of outdoor settings, including national parks, nature centers, educational farms, and city parks - so far in 3 different countries (USA, UK, and Canada)! She initially started Forest Schooled as a blog to share what she was learning while working with children outdoors. Now it's become her way to support and deepen learning and professional practice for nature-based educators all over the world through mentorship, workshops, and professional learning communities. Curious about where Caylin feels happiest? Outdoors, and in the rain!
Created with