Therapeutic Horticulture for Mental Health
When traditional talk therapy isn’t enough to help us feel truly grounded
We are deeply connected to the world around us and often our healing reflects the natural cycles of growth, rest and renewal.
What is Therapeutic Horticulture?
As defined by the American Horticultural Therapy Association:
“Therapeutic Horticulture
is the participation in horticultural activities facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist or other professionals 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 with plants or plant-related activities.
How is Therapeutic Horticulture used in Mental Health Therapy?
Therapeutic Horticulture is a tailored approach in mental health therapy that uses plants or plant materials as interventions for a wide variety of mental health treatment goals and client populations.
Therapeutic Horticulture May Benefit Clients Experiencing:
- Poor concentration and lack of awareness
- Overpowered by traumatic experiences
- Restlessness and have difficulty relaxing
- Repetitive racing thought loops
- Imbalance during life transitions and loss
- Struggling with eating habits and diets
- Perfectionism and Self-Criticism
- Scattered emotions
- Feeling detached or in autopilot
Integrating therapeutic horticulture interventions with mental health therapy are a perfect compliment for the treatment of various mental health conditions:
and others…
“Dr. Benjamin Rush, recognized as the “Father of American Psychiatry,” was first to document the positive effect working in the garden 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 gained in credibility and was embraced for a much wider range of diagnoses and therapeutic options”.
(AHTA)
Therapeutic Horticulture is typically less clinical than Horticultural Therapy, and focuses more on wellness. However, as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with training in Therapeutic Horticulture, I offer a holistic personalized approach that integrates Therapeutic Horticulture activities with traditional talk therapy as part of the treatment plan goals. Activities and progress tracking follow AHTA Standards for Horticultural Therapy, alongside CPC License standards.
What are sessions like?
During therapy sessions, therapeutic horticulture activities are used to channel the benefits of working with plants or plant materials in a confidential and non-judgmental environment. Therapeutic Horticulture activities make learning feel natural and effortless, while healing and restoring. The focal point is on the therapeutic psychological benefits of the activity rather than the end product.
Therapeutic horticulture is used as a tool that intentionally focuses on plants caring for people.
Activities focus on enhancing a person’s emotional, physical, social or spiritual wellbeing to help achieve specific therapy goals.
For example, during a therapy session, a client is guided to make a card using pressed flowers while processing what was unable to be said to a loved one before passing. This activity facilitates the grieving process in a more gentle and personal manner.
Therapeutic Interventions are either passive or active.
Examples of Therapeutic Interventions: passive or active.
What are Active and Passive Interventions?
Active: hands-on, physical and direct participation with plants.
Examples of Active:Passive: experiencing or observing. May use plants or plant materials.
Examples of Passive:
How is Therapeutic Horticulture different from Gardening?
Gardening has the purpose of growing and maintaining a plant. Gardening may focus on growing food, or cutting flowers for arrangements for example. Likewise with crafts, the goal of crafting is focused on what you are making – Maybe for selling, fun or home decor for example.
In Therapeutic Horticulture, the focus and the goal of the activity is the person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to explore Therapeutic Horticulture for Mental Health further?
Therapy is flexible and adjusts to what is right for you. We can always switch to another modality or continue.
Existing or returning client? Please log in to the client portal
When You Need More Individualized Support
Therapeutic Horticulture can offer meaningful opportunities for grounding, reflection, emotional awareness, and connection. If you’re looking for a more traditional approach to understanding your emotions, working through difficult experiences, and changing patterns that are affecting your life, therapy can provide a space to explore those concerns at your own pace.