CEU: Into the Woods, Rooted Practice: Experiencing Nature Therapy

Into the Woods, Rooted Practice: Experiencing Nature Therapy is a 2‑hour experiential CEU training designed for social work and helping professionals seeking embodied, restorative approaches to well‑being and practice sustainability. Participants will be guided through core principles of nature therapy and forest bathing using structured, sensory‑based practices that support presence, mindful awareness, and meaningful connection with the natural environment.

The training integrates experiential activities with discussion of the theoretical and clinical foundations of nature‑based interventions, including their relevance to stress regulation, nervous system support, professional resilience, and overall well‑being. Emphasis is placed on translating lived experience into practice insight.

Participants will engage in guided reflection to explore how nature‑based approaches may be ethically and practically incorporated into diverse social work settings, roles, and populations. The training supports both personal restoration and professional application, offering participants grounded, accessible ways to integrate nature‑informed practices within their scope of practice. 

Event Details:

• Open to: All students, faculty, staff, community
• When: March 19, 1:00-3:00 pm
• Where: Taylor Arboretum
• Registration: Registering is the only way to receive CEUs. If you would like to attend but do not need CEUs, you may attend for free! Advance registration is required for all attendees. Registration closes the day before the event. (Widener SW Alumni: please contact socialwork@widener.edu for discount coupon code).

CEU events and CEUs are free for current Widener students, faculty, and field instructors. Widener alumni need to pay $10; everyone else, $25. After the event, you will be emailed your certificate.

Register Now!

After registering, you should receive a confirmation email within 2 business days.
Questions? Reach out! socialwork@widener.edu

Christina Gigler MSW, LCSW: Professor Gigler is committed toward social justice advocacy, particularly around matters involving diversity, equity and inclusion. She has been an active member of NASW-PA throughout her social work career and currently serving on the NASW-PA Ethics Committee.  Professor Gigler is involved in volunteer leadership positions in her community serving youth and families.  She has facilitated local, regional, state and national presentations on topics of clinical supervision, field instruction, crisis intervention, social media, self-care and ethics.  Professor Gigler is excited to be a part of Widener’s Center for Social Work Education and am committed to work to empower others through learning, teaching, modeling, advocacy and service.

Professor Regina M. Rothe, MSW, LCSW, is a social work educator and clinician with more than 30 years of experience in academic, healthcare, and community-based settings. She serves as Director of Social Work Community Services at Widener University’s Center for Social Work Education and has held multiple leadership roles in field education while also teaching as an adjunct instructor. She earned her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania and her BA in Psychology from Bloomsburg University. Throughout her career, Ms. Rothe has combined clinical practice, leadership, and education, working with individuals and families affected by mental health challenges, trauma, and life transitions. Her trauma-informed approach is informed by advanced training in Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, and the Flash Technique. Committed to social justice, experiential learning, and reflective practice, she continues to bridge the worlds of education and clinical work, preparing future social workers while fostering healing, resilience, and meaningful connection.