Ethical Practice Framework for Ecotherapy-Informed Practitioners
Professional Certificate in Ecotherapy-Informed Practice
This Ethical Practice Framework provides guiding principles for graduates of the Professional Certificate in Ecotherapy-Informed Practice (“the Program”). It is intended to support safe, responsible, and professional application of nature-based wellbeing practices.
Ecotherapy-informed work carries a duty of care — to participants, communities, and the natural environments in which practice occurs.
Graduates are expected to uphold the following principles.
- Do No Harm
Practitioners must prioritize the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of participants at all times.
This includes:
- conducting appropriate risk assessments
- selecting suitable environments
- monitoring participant wellbeing
- responding appropriately to distress
- avoiding practices that exceed one’s competence
When in doubt, safety takes precedence over program outcomes.
- Work Within Competence
Practitioners must operate within the limits of their training, experience, and professional qualifications.
Graduates should:
- recognize when participant needs exceed their expertise
- seek supervision where appropriate
- pursue continuing professional development
- refer participants to qualified health professionals when necessary
Completion of this Program does not replace clinical training.
- Maintain Clear Professional Boundaries
Practitioners must communicate the nature of their services transparently and avoid misrepresentation.
They must not:
- present themselves as licensed therapists or healthcare providers unless appropriately credentialed
- imply clinical treatment where none is provided
- guarantee therapeutic outcomes
Honest representation protects both practitioner and participant.
- Informed Consent
Participants should understand:
- the nature and purpose of the activity
- any potential risks
- the limits of confidentiality in outdoor settings
- their right to withdraw
Consent should be voluntary, informed, and ongoing.
- Respect Psychological Safety
Nature-based experiences can evoke strong emotional responses.
Practitioners should:
- create supportive environments
- avoid coercive emotional disclosure
- respect participant readiness
- allow choice in levels of engagement
- incorporate grounding practices when needed
Emotional wellbeing must be held with care.
- Cultural Respect and Humility
Nature is deeply interconnected with culture, identity, and heritage.
Practitioners are expected to:
- respect Indigenous relationships to land
- avoid cultural appropriation
- acknowledge traditional custodians where appropriate
- engage with cultural knowledge responsibly
- remain open to learning
Culturally responsive practice strengthens ethical integrity.
- Environmental Stewardship
Ecotherapy-informed practice includes responsibility toward the natural world.
Practitioners should:
- minimize ecological impact
- follow local environmental regulations
- model sustainable behavior
- leave natural spaces undisturbed whenever possible
The wellbeing of people and planet are interconnected.
- Promote Participant Autonomy
Participants should be empowered — never pressured.
Practitioners must respect:
- personal limits
- accessibility needs
- neurodiversity
- health conditions
- individual comfort levels
Choice enhances both safety and growth.
- Confidentiality and Privacy
Practitioners should take reasonable steps to protect participant privacy, recognizing that outdoor settings may reduce confidentiality.
Best practice includes:
- selecting appropriate locations
- discussing privacy limitations
- avoiding public disclosure of participant information
Trust is foundational to ethical practice.
- Professional Integrity
Practitioners are expected to demonstrate honesty, accountability, and professionalism in all aspects of their work.
This includes:
- accurate representation of qualifications
- ethical marketing
- responsible program design
- reflective practice
- commitment to ongoing learning
Professional integrity builds public trust in emerging fields such as ecotherapy.
- Commitment to Continuous Reflection
Ethical practice is not static.
Graduates are encouraged to regularly reflect on their work and ask:
- Is this safe?
- Is this within my competence?
- Is this in the participant’s best interest?
- Am I respecting both people and place?
Thoughtful reflection strengthens practitioner judgement over time.
A Living Commitment
By completing this Program, graduates join a growing community of practitioners dedicated to safe, respectful, and responsible nature-based practice.
Ethical care for people and the natural world ensures that ecotherapy-informed work contributes positively to individual wellbeing and collective flourishing.
