Therapeutic support doesn’t always happen indoors. It can happen around a campfire, on a woodland walk, or while climbing or paddling in a loch.
If you already work outdoors, you’ve probably seen how nature can help people build confidence, process emotions and engage in different ways. But understanding why those approaches work, and how to use them safely and ethically requires a different set of skills.
The Therapy Adventure believes in doing therapy differently.
They develop accredited qualifications for outdoor professionals who want to combine their existing practice with therapeutic knowledge.
Why create a qualification in Outdoor & Adventure Therapy?
Outdoor professionals are increasingly supporting children and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties and other mental health challenges.
Until recently, there wasn’t a qualification that combined outdoor leadership with therapeutic knowledge. Outdoor qualifications focused on leading activities safely, while therapy qualifications rarely considered the outdoor environment.
The Certificate in Outdoor & Adventure Therapy was developed by Open Awards and The Therapy Adventure to bring those two disciplines together. It has been credit rated by Queen Margaret University at SCQF level 7, with 30 credit points, and is Ofqual regulated.
It’s given me the language and professional understanding to support so much of what I’ve always known intuitively through my own experiences outdoors. The sessions are fantastic, the content is incredibly in-depth and informative, and I’ve learned so much already. – Tinuke
Who is it for?
The qualification is designed for experienced outdoor practitioners, including forest school leaders, outdoor instructors and adventure practitioners. Our students work in schools, alternative provision, charities, businesses and community organisations.
Many learners already know outdoor practice works. They join the programme to understand the psychology behind it, develop their therapeutic knowledge and build confidence in delivering safe, ethical and evidence-informed support.
Being able to dig into each theory in more detail has been invaluable. Outdoor and adventure therapy is a space that is always adapting and I’ve experienced it as a welcoming and flexible space. – Becky
Why does SCQF credit rating matter?
The credit rating by Queen Margaret University means the qualification has been independently mapped against the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
For learners, this offers assurance that the programme combines practical outdoor learning with academic rigour, including research, critical analysis and reflective practice.
It also helps employers, schools, councils and commissioners understand the level of learning completed and supports progression into further and higher education.
The course has made me look at my practice differently. I’m learning how to use varied client assessment methods to set values-based goals that make a positive difference to how I measure outcomes. – Lea
Looking ahead
Outdoor & Adventure Therapy continues to evolve as more organisations look for ways to support mental health and wellbeing beyond traditional settings.
By combining practical experience with research-informed teaching and independent academic recognition, the organisation is helping to develop practitioners who can deliver safe, ethical and evidence-informed therapeutic support wherever the outdoors becomes part of the therapeutic journey.
Useful links
Visit The Therapy Adventure website for more information.
Find out how to place a learning programme on the SCQF
Learn more about the third party credit rating service at Queen Margaret University