HORTICULTURE is the art and science of growing plants, Horticultural Therapy has been defined as ‘the use of plants and gardens for human healing and rehabilitation’. It is an ancient practice but rather new profession Horticulture has been used as therapy for centuries. The premise of creating a tranquil garden setting for therapeutic purposes is believed to have originated in the 19th century with Dr. Benjamin Rush, often referred to as the ‘The Father of America Psychiatry’ and a signer of the America Declaration of Independence, who observed and documented the benefits of working with plants for his patients. He believed that garden settings had a calming effect on the mind of those suffering from mental illness. Throughout the ages, gardens of all varieties have been revered as a place of peace and tranquility where one can escape to reflect and rejuvenate. This has given rise to the concept of horticultural therapy that is growing in popularity today.
An increasing large body of research attests to the unique values of horticulture as a therapy for people with physical, mental, emotional and social disabilities.
The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) was formed in 1973 to promote and develop the horticultural therapy profession. AHTA provides training and professional registration within the United States. The professional designation of Horticultural Therapist Registered (HTR) which is recognized nationally and internationally, requires a university degree with course in horticulture, human services and therapy in addition to a 480 hour internship supervised by a credentialed horticultural therapist.
Degrees in horticultural therapy are offered in some universities like Colorado State University, Oregon State University, Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and Texas A&M University.
According to the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA) defines horticultural therapy as a “formalized discipline of the use of horticultural activities and other related activities to enable people to participate in their own healing process. It is more properly administered by trained professionals such as horticultural therapists but can be practiced by many others informally.
In the UK, Horticultural Therapists (generally called social and therapeutic horticulture STH practitionals within the field), they work with clients to promote health and well being. Through individually tailored STH programmes and with caring and observant encouragement, they help clients develop across physical, cognitive, social and emotional spectrums. Today horticultural therapy at any level is recognized as a useful alternative therapy that supports healing by promoting happiness, peace and gratification. It is also helpful for relieving stress and assists in the general well being for those suffering from physical and psychological disabilities. They work with a wide range of people who are disabled or disadvantaged by age, circumstance or ability. Clients include those recovering from illness, people with learning and behavioural difficulties and people with mental ill health such as depression or dementia.
Using horticulture as therapy builds on a special connection between people and plants and the natural world to promote healing in a non threatening way. H.T. uses gardening and plant-related projects to improve people’s physical, cognitive, emotional and social functioning.
As plants are non discriminatory and non threatening, anyone can be successful. It doesn’t matter how old or intelligent a person is, their race, religion and IQ don’t matter either. Plants will respond to anyone providing care. Studies show that success with plants can lead to successes in other aspects of our lives. This is important for individuals whose disabilities or limitations might hinder their accomplishments in other pursuits.
Its non invasive application is suitable for everyone. Today horticultural therapy is worldwide practice, recognized as an effective treatment for clients of all ages and abilities. The discipline has been introduced in various settings. It is used in rehabilitation and vocational centers youth outreach programs, nursing homes and other types of old peoples facilities, hospitals, hospices, homeless shelters, substance abuse centers, prisons, schools, mental health centers and botanical gardens. Four distinct program types as defined by AHTA, are used to provide horticultural therapy for special populations in this vast array of settings:
HORTICULTURAL THERAPY: The engagement of a client in horticultural activities facilitated by a trained therapist to achieve specific and documented treatment plan where the process itself is considered the therapeutic activities rather than the end product.
Therapeutic Horticulture: A process through which participants strive to improve their wellbeing through active or passive involvement with plants and plant related activities. In a therapeutic horticulture program, goals are not clinically defined and documented but the leader has training in the use of horticulture as a medium for human well being.
Social or Community Horticulture: A leisure activity related to plants and gardening. A typical community garden or garden club is a good example of social horticulture setting. No treatment goals are defined no therapist is present, and the focus is on social interaction and horticulture activities.
Vocational Horticulture: A vocational horticulture program, which is often a major component of a horticultural therapy program, focus on providing training that enables individuals to work in the horticulture industry professionally either independently or semi independently. These individual may or may not have some type of disability. Vocational horticultural programs may be found in schools, residential or rehabilitation facilities, prisons, among other places.
Benefits of Horticultural Therapy: There are many benefits to horticultural therapy and its non invasive application. For the elderly in old people’s home, it can help provide a sense of purpose and be a platform for developing friendships and sense of community. For those confined to hospice care, gardening can provide a sense of hope and renewal in prison settings, horticultural therapy teaches inmates responsibility and commitment as well as job training while tending to the prison’s gardens. Gardening can provide meaningful work, not busy work for clients in long term care. It provides opportunities to make decisions, develop cognitive skills and become part of a community. The sensory stimulation in a garden may slow the effects of dementia, stimulate memory and assist in coping with chronic conditions. While people can benefit from simply viewing and growing plants, the benefits of people plant interactions can be focused and enhanced with guidance from a horticultural therapist. Adaptive tools and therapeutic gardens can provide an even greater degree of accessibility and therapeutic benefit. Horticultural therapy is becoming widely accepted worldwide, but still need to be more recognized in the formal sectors such as healthcare and education ‘institutions are realizing the need for complementary alternative therapies such as HT Horticultural therapy could be a vital part of any kind of treatment center.
The advantage of working with a horticultural therapist
You can certainly practice horticultural therapy informally on your own, but you may benefit more from working with a certified horticultural therapist or going for formal training. A horticultural therapist is a trained professional who works with a rehabilitation team including doctors, occupational therapists and mental health practitioners to teach patients about the art of gardening, the creation of a therapeutic garden and its benefits. For people with disabilities, mental issues or emotional challenges a trained horticultural therapist can help initiate the healing process by introducing patients to the concept of gardening and cultivating their appreciation for all that a garden has to offer.
Horticultural therapy is an emerging profession that forms a large and cultural significant part of green care, the conceptual framework using other natural mediums for therapy such as care farming and ecotherapy.
A simple garden is all you need
The setting for horticultural therapy does not have to be elaborate or complex, a simple garden in your backyard or plant boxes can be therapeutic. The primary objectives are to express your creativity through plant life, try new things, and derive a sense of accomplishment for your efforts. In addition, a garden is a great place to share the great outdoors with your family and friends while reaping the many health benefits it has to offer.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
