ACT in Nature: From City to Forest, a 2-Day Nature-Based ACT Training for Therapists
June 5–6, 2027 | In person in Montreal or online from anywhere
Overview
ACT in Nature is a two-day training for therapists that combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with nature-based practice. It is led by clinical psychologist Dr. Moire Stevenson, founder of Mindfulness Outdoors.
Join in person in Montreal, starting at Concordia University’s District 3 Innovation Centre and continuing outdoors in Mount Royal Park. Montreal is an easy trip from Ottawa, Toronto, Quebec City, Vermont and upstate New York. You can also join online from anywhere. The 2027 sessions run June 5 and 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Completing both parts earns 14 continuing education hours, accredited by the Ordre des psychologues du Québec and the Canadian Psychological Association.
A Unique Training Experience
You will not be confined to a conference room all day at this training! We will start our day at the inspiring District 3 Innovation Centre at Concordia University and continue the day in the beautiful forest of Mount Royal Park. Option available to attend online and connect while exploring natural spaces in your area.
This unique learning environment will help you to rebalance in a natural setting and provide the perfect backdrop for personal and professional growth.
Part 1: ACT and Ecotherapy Basics
Discover how to enhance your practice with the powerful combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and nature. In this training, you’ll explore ACT’s core principles while using nature as a backdrop for experiential practice. Through guided nature-based interventions, you’ll learn how to integrate the natural environment into your therapeutic approach. This training is eligible for 7 hours of continuing education and is accredited by the Ordre des Psychologues de Quebec and the Canadian Psychological Association.
Part 2: Supporting Client Change with ACT and Nature
In this training, you'll explore how to support behaviour change in clients by integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with nature-based practices. We'll focus on applying ACT principles to help clients build and sustain healthy habits, using nature as a grounding and motivational force. Through experiential exercises in natural settings, you’ll learn effective strategies for guiding clients toward meaningful, lasting change. This training is eligible for 7 hours of continuing education and is accredited by the Ordre des Psychologues de Quebec and the Canadian Psychological Association.
What You'll Gain at this Training
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Practical Applications: Explore evidence-based ACT techniques to address anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, and more.
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Nature as Co-therapist: Discover how to enhance ACT interventions through nature-based practices that foster personal well-being.
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Mindfulness Skills: Learn guided meditation and informal mindfulness techniques to use with your clients and also your own mindfulness practice.
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ACT Essentials: Participate in a course which will provide you with the ACT essentials, so that you can start using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with your clients.
Practical Information
Prerequisites
This retreat is ideal for psychologists, psychotherapists, and students and trainees seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in ACT and ecotherapy. No prior experience with ACT is required, but a basic understanding of therapeutic principles and practices is recommended.
Continuing Education Credits
This training program is eligible for 14 hours of continuing education and is accredited by the Ordre des Psychologues du Quebec and the Canadian Psychological Association. Continuing education hours are also eligible with other organizations. Please email Dr. Stevenson at info@moirestevenson.com if you have any questions.
Transportation & Accessibility
The venue is easily accessible by public transport (Guy metro or Lucien L’Allier metro station, 129 bus route). We will be walking from the venue on Guy Street to Mount Royal Park. If you have reduced mobility or other accessibility concerns, please email Dr. Stevenson at info@moirestevenson.com immediately so that we can accommodate you.
Nourish Your Own Mental Health
You deserve a moment to take care of yourself!
Our goal at these retreats is to provide you with training contexts that allow you to be open and creative.
There is a heavy focus on experiential learning. You will learn ACT basics and the essentials of guiding clients through experiential practice. You will also engage in experiential practice yourself throughout the training. This will leave you feeling more knowledgeable, confident, relaxed and nourished.
About your facilitator, Dr. Moire Stevenson
I’m Dr. Moire Stevenson (she/her), a clinical psychologist, ecotherapist, and nature-based wellness educator. For over a decade, I’ve helped people live fuller, more meaningful lives - and helped clinicians build the skills to do the same.
I hold a PhD in Clinical Psychology (Research and Intervention) from the Université de Montréal (2015) and a Combined Honours degree in Biology and Biochemistry from Dalhousie University (2003). I’m a pediatric psychologist with recognized expertise in pediatric illness, trauma, disability, and accessibility, and I’m on staff at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, where I work with children, teens, and families navigating some of life’s most complex challenges.
I founded MindfulnessOutdoors.org, a social enterprise and integrative outdoor wellness platform offering Walk and Talk Therapy, nature-based mindfulness programs, professional training, and community events. I’ve hosted over 250 outdoor well-being events and built a thriving Meetup community of 3,000+ members, which has given me years of experience translating ecotherapy from theory into real-world practice.
As an accredited trainer recognized by the Ordre des Psychologues du Québec (OPQ), the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), I’ve trained hundreds of therapists and healthcare professionals in nature-based and ecotherapy approaches, alongside clinical training on working with children and teens. I’m also a recognized Clinical Supervisor with the OPQ, and I’m passionate about helping clinicians grow their skills and confidence in practice.
Come learn with me, and bring nature-based approaches into your own clinical work.
