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Carolinas Horticultural Therapy Network
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What is Horticultural therapy?
The American Horticultural Therapy Association has two definitions of practice that support the role of a horticultural therapist. Whatever type of nature based therapy practiced, CHTN encourages everyone to join, support, and share knowledge and ideas Horticultural therapy is the participation in horticultural activities facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist to achieve specific goals within an established treatment, rehabilitation, or vocational plan. Horticultural therapy is an active process which occurs in the context of an established treatment plan where the process itself is considered the therapeutic activity rather than the end product. |
WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC HORTICULTURE?
Therapeutic horticulture is the participation in horticultural activities facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist or other professional with training in the use of horticulture as a therapeutic modality to support program goals. Therapeutic horticulture is the process through which participants enhance their well-being through active or passive involvement in plant and plant-related activities.
Horticultural therapy is a time-proven practice. The therapeutic benefits of garden environments have been documented as early as the 19th century, when Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and recognized as the "father of American psychiatry," wrote of the positive effect gardening had on individuals with mental illness.
In the 1940s and 1950s, rehabilitative care of hospitalized war veterans significantly expanded acceptance of the practice. No longer limited to treating mental illness, horticultural therapy practice was embraced for a wider range of diagnoses. Today, horticultural therapy is widely used within a range of rehabilitative, vocational and community settings.
Horticultural therapy techniques are employed to assist participants to learn new skills or regain those that are lost. Horticultural therapy helps improve memory, cognitive abilities, task initiation, language skills and socialization. In physical rehabilitation, horticultural therapy can help strengthen muscles and improve coordination, balance and endurance. In vocational horticultural therapy settings, people learn to work independently, problem solve and follow directions.
(Source: AHTA website)
