The Cedarsong Way Therapy Track

The Cedarsong Way Forest School Therapy track was developed by Molly Lannon Kenny, Erin Kenny’s sister, and a speech-language pathologist who specializes in working with kids with significant developmental, social-emotional, and behavioral challenges.

This track was created for forest school teachers or administrators who would like to open up their schools to include more children with diverse needs, or who are already serving children who require a different kind of support and would like to learn best practices for inclusion.

It is also aimed at forest school teachers who want to offer direct services to kids with disabilities, or who would like to use their outdoor program as an adjunct to other clinical services the child may be receiving.

Parents, teachers, clinicians and early education specialists of all types will also benefit from learning how and why specific techniques work, how to create goals and objectives, how to identify and measure progress and outcomes, and how to document and summarize their work for funding, interdisciplinary teamwork, and promotion.

Upon successful completion of the course, eligible attendees will receive a certificate with the designation “Forest School Therapist.”

“This program not only incorporates evidence-based therapeutic practices but also harnesses the calming influence of the outdoors. Molly and team are creating a best in class approach to support children in an emotional, mental, and physical way. Always with love and inclusion for all.”

What past participants are saying

“The Cedarsong Way Therapy Track training has been life changing for me. There are various children in my Nature School program with different learning abilities and this training has given me different perspectives and ways in which I can improve my program to provide students with a better experience. What I have liked the most so far is the parent approach – many ways of partnering with parents, working closely with them so that Nature programs not only “accommodates” children of all needs but more importantly so that all children and families thrive and feel part of a community that embraces everyone. The biggest takeaway so far is that we are all different in beautiful ways and as adults it is our responsibility to make a difference by teaching our children to honor and embrace differences of those around us. “We are all the same” does not cut it anymore because our children are so smart and see differences all around them, instead nurturing in our children from a young age the ability to appreciate and value those differences in others is one of the biggest gifts and legacy we can give this young generation.”

What is nature therapy?

How does the course work?

Apply and register now

Questions for Consideration

The Cedarsong Way Forest School Therapist training

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Name
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pronouns
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Therapy vs Therapeutic
1. Listening to the way Molly explains the difference between therapy and therapeutic, how would you describe these concepts in your own words?*
2. Perhaps just thinking about the term scope of practice for the first time as related to “nature therapy” or a therapy track, what is your understanding of it? What would be in, and what would be out of your scope of practice?*
3. Thinking about the skills and experiences you have had with outdoor education, what are some things you would include in your scope of practice if offering “therapy” in the Cedarsong Way?*
4. Outside of the time you’ve spent studying and providing nature education, what is your background and experience in working with folks with disabilities? What is your understanding of accessibility and inclusion? What are some of the ways you could describe your training that might help you to promote yourself as a person able to address the unique concerns and needs of parents and children who are on a different developmental timeline or track?*
5. What are some specific goals, changes, perspectives you can imagine that you might be offering to parents and their children that are not already included in your general educational model?*
6. What is your understanding of a goal being functional, measurable and achievable? What is the difference between each of those terms?*
7. Think of a scenario, it can be anything really; something you’ve experienced in your work, in which you can foresee a challenge that might come up with a child you are working with. Can you think of a goal you might have for that particular child? What would be your objectives? And how can you define your goal?.*
Integrated Movement Therapy
1. What is my understanding of the term “wholeness based?” What does it mean to come from a wholeness vs. pathological perspective?*
2. Why is the “inner work” of a therapist important?*
3. What are three key insights that led to the development of Integrated Movement Therapy?*
4. How can I open my mind, my heart, my sphere of experience so that I can genuinely meet people where and as they are? In what ways am I limited by my beliefs, my own background, my experiences, in being able to see the complexity and wholeness of the person in front of me? *
5. What does it mean to say a person is “perfect and whole” just as they are? *
6. How do I feel like I am in partnership with my client/student? When is it hard for me to see them as unlimited? How am I being changed and inspired by my interaction with my client/student?*
 7. When do I tend to get stuck in the idea of “fixing” something? What is an example of a time when I could really see how all of the person is interconnected in every way? *
8. What is an activity I could apply to each one of the six core principles? *
9. What barriers do I already feel coming up in my own ability to carry out this framework?*
10. How can I add structure, and in particular visual structure, to the Cedarsong Way when it specifically values unstructured time*
11. How can I bring simple, accessible movement into my work and why is it helpful? *
12. How am I understanding and paying attention to the language I use and the language my client/student uses as a powerful part of the therapy?*
13. What opportunities do I give my clients and students to self-calm? How do I create a social context for them? In what ways am I addressing their sense of self?*
14. How can I create the optimal learning environment for my clients and students? How am I already doing this? What could I improve based on what I have learned? *
15. Give an example of how we use underlying or related functions to address an issue*
16. What is the function of the prefrontal cortex and how does it relate to our “triggered” behaviors?*
17. Describe the ways that the metaphor of “finding the hot-springs” can help us to understand our different approaches to the therapeutic environment*
18. Which of these pathways tends to be my default? When am I more interested in outcome than in process?*
19. Does a process perspective mean I don’t have goals? Please explain. *
20. How am I already creating structure and continuity in my setting? How can I improve what I am doing based on what I’ve learned?*
21. Why do we always incorporate the principle of language stimulation, even if the person has no language “issues?”*
22. What are some examples of the principle of physical stimulation?*
23. How does the principle of self-calming inform and enhance self-efficacy?*
24. Can I create social interaction when it is just me and the client? How do I facilitate social interaction in group experiences?*
25. What have I learned about direct self esteem building and why is it so fundamental to this approach?*
Third Video/Book Documentation
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Date:*
Book reading or video episode title:*
What about this reading or video was most interesting to you or that surprised you?*
Please provide a one paragraph summary of what you learned.*
After reading this book, or watching this video, where are you inspired to explore further or study next based on the information you gained?*
How might you use this information in your life or in your teaching?*
Fourth Video/Book Documentation
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Date:*
Book reading or video episode title:*
What about this reading or video was most interesting to you or that surprised you?*
Please provide a one paragraph summary of what you learned.*
After reading this book, or watching this video, where are you inspired to explore further or study next based on the information you gained?*
How might you use this information in your life or in your teaching?*
Experiential Explorations
Activity*
Tell us a little bit about your experience; any observations or insights that particularly resonated. There is a link below for you to upload any photos, videos, drawings or written notes you might want to include. This is not required but is an option if you want to express yourself in another way.*
Optional media upload
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Please briefly explain how this activity fits into literacy learning and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics).*
Activity*
Tell us a little bit about your experience; any observations or insights that particularly resonated. There is a link below for you to upload any photos, videos, drawings or written notes you might want to include. This is not required but is an option if you want to express yourself in another way.*
Optional media upload
Drop files here or

Max. file size: 10 MB, Max. files: 1.
Please briefly explain how this activity fits into literacy learning and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics).*
Activity*
Tell us a little bit about your experience; any observations or insights that particularly resonated. There is a link below for you to upload any photos, videos, drawings or written notes you might want to include. This is not required but is an option if you want to express yourself in another way.*
Optional media upload
Drop files here or

Max. file size: 10 MB, Max. files: 1.
Please briefly explain how this activity fits into literacy learning and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics).*
Why are the principles and philosophies of The Cedarsong Way so important?
Please upload your own 1-2 minute video telling us in your own words why The Cedarsong Way is important.
Why is The Cedarsong Way important?*
These videos will not be used for any other purpose than to document your response within the context of this Foundations training, unless we have specifically asked for and received permission for its use. If you are not able to upload a video, please convert it to YouTube and send us the link directly. You can upload a photo in this space to allow you to submit the form.
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One hour mentorship session
Here you will be asked to simply prepare some thoughts to bring to your mentorship session. Feel free to fill in the two questions with single word notes or bullet points - you do not need to provide written responses.
Mentor:*
Date and method of $85 payment to mentor.*
Date:*
Start time*
Sessions should be limited to one hour and are a good way to practice timing and boundaries with other adults which can sometimes be difficult when working with families. Please document your start and end time to exercise this skill.
End time*
Choose one aspect of The Cedarsong Way and describe why it speaks to you, how it is different from other models you are familiar with, and how it might challenge you.*
(Remember, you can simply jot down notes here. You do not need to respond in full.)
The Cedarsong Way holds the belief that most adults who grow up to love the natural world had their own naturalist mentor, maybe a parent, a relative or neighbor, or a camp counselor or guide. Tell a little about your nature mentor and how they impacted you.*
(Remember, you can simply jot down notes here. You do not need to respond in full.)
Copyright
Copyrighted The Cedarsong Way® (TCW) materials shared with students of TCW online courses remain the property of The Cedarsong Way® which reserves all rights. This is done both to protect the intellectual property of the TCW Organization and to ensure the integrity and proper use of the TCW approach.
By checking the boxes below, I am showing understanding and agreement with respect to the copyright on instructional materials provided in TCW instructional online programs.*
- I have permission to copy, for personal and professional use, any portion of the workshop material. No TCW instructional material or online training course is to be copied in its entirety without expressed permission from The Cedarsong Way® Organization.
- I agree that when TCW activities are incorporated into my educational programs, credit is to be given to The Cedarsong Way® for their use.
- I understand that failure to abide by the terms of this Agreement may result in legal action with The Cedarsong Way entitled to, in addition to any damages or other remedy at law, an injunction to prevent any violation of the terms herein without the necessity of posting bond, and the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its attorneys’ fees and costs related to any legal action.
Use of the Cedarsong Way® Name
Use of the Cedarsong Way name should be limited as follows. Please check the boxes below to acknowledge your understanding and agreement.
Anyone*
Because we believe in and value the central tenets of The Cedarsong Way, we want our reach to be far and wide. You can hep us to do that by crediting The Cedarsong Way as you apply your training in educational environments and programs. We encourage your use of The Cedarsong Way as an inspiration in your work.
- I agree to credit The Cedarsong Way as appropriate as I apply this training to my educational setting.
Foundations training*
Those who have received introductory training in TCW Foundations Course but who have not attained certified status, agree to limit their representation of their association with TCW to that training. Further professional training is necessary to use the title TCW Instructor/Teacher, TCW accredited school or any other name that implies more complete training than you have actually had within this online course. Those and similar terms are reserved for instructors who have completed our further intensive Teacher Training Programs. When you receive a certificate of completion of a Cedarsong Way® Foundations course you are permitted to say you have completed an introductory Cedarsong Way course.
- I agree to represent my training status with The Cedarsong Way as limited to completion of the Foundations course.
Certified Cedarsong Way teacher*
Becoming a certified teacher in TCW is a lengthy process, including many hours of observation and participation in a TCW certified teacher training program. You must receive a certificate of completion in The Cedarsong Way® Teacher Training to use this term.
- I agree to not use the term Cedarsong Way teacher until I have completed the Cedarsong Way teacher training.
Advanced Cedarsong Way teacher*
To use the title of Advanced Cedarsong Way teacher, one must complete both the Foundations and Teacher Training courses, and then complete the Advanced training which includes in depth study and practice in specific areas including special needs, advanced naturalist training and continuing education in related educational pedagogies. When you receive the certificate of completion for the Advanced Teacher Training, you may use the term Advanced Cedarsong Way teacher.
- I agree not to use the term Advanced Cedarsong Way teacher as I represent my affiliation with The Cedarsong Way until I have earned the certificate of completion for this level.
Accredited Cedarsong Way School*
Becoming accredited in TCW is a lengthy process, including participation in TCW teacher training program, completion of your school accreditation application and a review. You must have successfully completed The Cedarsong Way® Accreditation process to use this term.
- I agree to not use the term Cedarsong Way school, Cedarsong Way accredited school, or any other designation that implies that my school is professionally accredited by The Cedarsong Way until I have completed the accreditation process, paid the accreditation fee, and received confirmation of my school's accreditation.

The Cedarsong Way Therapy Track

What past participants are saying

What is nature therapy?

How does the course work?

Apply and register now

The Cedarsong Way Forest School Therapist training

Therapy vs Therapeutic

Integrated Movement Therapy

Third Video/Book Documentation

Fourth Video/Book Documentation

Experiential Explorations

Why are the principles and philosophies of The Cedarsong Way so important?

One hour mentorship session

Copyright

Use of the Cedarsong Way® Name