The Earthbody Institute
Embodied Engaged Ecotherapy
The Earthbody Institute is an educational and transformational organization that offers affordable, practical, and growing-edge Ecotherapy training. We empower people to integrate foundational principles and skills of Ecotherapy directly into their current work.
In this time of immense cultural and ecological shifts, we have the sacred opportunity to embrace new radical possibilities for change. Let us come together to create new cultures of care, deepen our belonging to the other-than-human world, and weave these into systems that honor Life and serve justice.
Contact
Niralli D'Costa
Email: earthbodyinstitute@gmail.com
Phone: (510) 519-1323
“I’d been dreaming for years about doing therapy in nature, but I felt nervous about the issues involved in taking clients outdoors safely. This class was very holistic – they covered the legal, ethical, and clinical issues thoroughly, and she contextualized it all with political, philosophical, and spiritual perspectives. The weekly discussion forums and video conferences made me feel part of a learning community that was spread around the globe. I even got outdoors for my first ecotherapy session with a client! This course truly helped me expand my practice, and I did some personal and spiritual growth along the way.” ~ Kip Williams, PhD
Some Upcoming Events
For more events, check The Earthbody Institute website.
Professional Online Ecotherapy Certificate Program – Level 1:
All are welcome! Our Level 1 course is a dynamic, interactive forum to learn and practice Ecotherapy with the support of a teacher and a peer group. As part of an Earth-honoring community, you’ll receive theoretical and practical training, individual and group consultation and peer support to integrate Ecotherapy and nature-based techniques into your current work. - We are currently enrolling 3 cohorts for the Winter/Spring of 2026, with one "All are Welcome" Level 1 offering, a BIPOC cohort, and a LGBTQIA2S+ cohort. Start dates are Feb. 27th, March 18th, and March 11th respectively.
LGBTQIA2S+ Course:
“I have been profoundly changed by the LGBTQIA2S+ course. To list a few of the things that I gained from this training: having valuable skills, techniques, and language to utilize in my ecotherapy practice; shifting my perspective in how I engage with the human and more than human world; a deeper understanding about how queerness exists in nature...fully grasping the truth that nature IS queer; better understanding my role as a settler, healing professional, and human that is a part of this bigger beautiful system of Earth.” -anonymous
Professional Ecotherapy Certificate Immersion Program – Level 2:
A transformational experience of learning and practicing Ecotherapy in natural settings as part of an Earth-loving, supportive community. This five-day, land-based immersion will deepen your personal relationship with nature and help you integrate Earth-based practices into your work. You will learn and practice a wide variety of techniques and leave with the tools and skills you need to practice Ecotherapy confidently with both individual clients and groups, indoors and out. This program offers a nourishing blend of experiences in scenic natural settings, including deep nature connection, Authentic Movement in nature, Joanna Macy’s the Work That Reconnects, and sacred ceremony. Summer 2026 - Two cohorts, now enrolling! "All are Welcome" Immersion: May 31, 2026 to June 5, 2026 | Ben Lomond Quaker Center | Ben Lomond, CA Taught by Niralli D'Costa & Adrián Villaseñor Galarza. NEW LGBTQIA2S+ Immersion: July 12-17, 2026 | Ben Lomond Quaker Center | Ben Lomond, CA Taught by Kellum Lewis & Johnette Walser.
“Deciding to enroll in the Level 2 Ecotherapy Immersion was one of the best decisions of my life! This experience has transformed my life, and has brought me home to myself. I’m highly grateful, and highly recommend this powerful program with The Earthbody Institute.” - Joy Long, LCMHC
Professional Ecotherapy Certification Program – Level 3:
Our most in-depth and growing-edge program, centered in embodied, activism-inspired Ecotherapy and Earth-rooted leadership, culminating with an Ecotherapy Certification. Rooted in a decolonial framework, a core pillar of this program is weaving the individual to the collective. It offers a three-month online conceptual and practical training along with a five-day experiential immersion. You will expand your capacity to articulate and address critical issues of our planet, and help others navigate the range of hope and grief needed in this time of tremendous change. You’ll also be part of a strong, ongoing community that will empower you to take your next steps both personally and professionally, to bring your Ecotherapy offerings into the world. All are Welcome Cohort now enrolling! Spring Online Program begins March 3, 2026. Summer In-Person Immersion: August 2-7, 2026 | Ben Lomond Quaker Center | Ben Lomond, CA Taught by Niralli D’Costa & Amanda Morrison.
"The Level 3 experience deeply integrated the spiritual, physical, and mental with social justice. It was the most comprehensive and intensive of the trainings. Facilitators took us on a deep journey within ourselves, and created space for connection to each other, community, and the natural world." - Tiffany Wright, LCSW