Therapeutic Horticulture as Therapy: How it Works
The practice of working with plants and nature aimed and improving well-being is known as Therapeutic Horticulture or Horticultural Therapy. However, Therapeutic Horticulture can also be used as an intervention in mental health therapy. How does it work in therapy?
Working with plants and being out in nature is incredibly grounding and calming. Whether its working in the garden, taking a stroll in the park or hiking, our mind and body instantly feels the impact of engaging in a nature based activities through a renewed sense of wellness.
Using therapeutic horticulture as an intervention for mental health and wellness isn’t new however. Its been around for centuries.
During the Renaissance for example, gardens were built not just as a symbol of power and wealth, but also for comfort and enjoyment. They included water features and the symmetrical beauty of nature to provide a sensory experience. Therapeutically, renaissance gardens were noted for their calming and relaxing effect, while also providing an outlet for socializing and contemplation.
“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 credibility and was embraced for a much wider range of diagnoses and therapeutic options”
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 in plant and plant-related activities.”
More recently however, nature based therapies are being recognized as a valuable modality for improving mental health. Several studies have shown that therapeutic horticulture as an intervention for mental health and wellness has a marked positive effect on people suffering from anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders.
Studies conclude that working with plants relieves stress, improves symptoms of depression and more. For example, Therapeutic Horticulture can help the ADHD brain to relax, focus or concentrate.
Other research have shown that working with soil increases chemicals in our brain that are associated with improving mood, much like antidepressants and other mood medications.
As technological advancements, the structures we live in, and other life changes that have led to living a hectic and stressful lifestyle continues to evolve, horticultural therapy and other nature therapies provide a much needed resource to make a shift towards mental health and wellness.
Therapeutic Horticulture as a Mental Health Intervention
Therapeutic horticulture for mental health therapy is the process of using plants and nature based activities as an intervention in the treatment of mental health therapy. The process aims to use nature as a treatment for psychological symptoms.
What are the Differences in Therapeutic Horticulture when used in Therapy vs a Wellness Workshop?
Therapeutic Horticulture for mental wellness also uses plants and nature based activities, but the focus shifts to targeting well-being.
The following table breaks down the difference between Therapeutic horticulture in mental health therapy vs therapeutic horticulture for wellnes:
Therapeutic Horticulture in Mental Health Therapy
Therapeutic Horticulture for Wellness
Therapeutic horticulture involves activities are both passive and active using plant or plant related materials
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.
Examples of Passive:
Basically, the key difference is that active therapeutic activities require more labor and physical movement. Sometimes needing tools like shovels or pruners. Passive activities tend to be laid back, lean towards using the senses and cognitive awareness.
Planting seeds, watering plants, harvesting herbs are examples of active therapeutic horticulture activities.
Passive therapeutic activities include making nature mandalas, making tea bags or floral designs.
Therapy or Therapeutic?
Curious what it actually feels like to work through anxiety, grief, or trauma with your hands in the soil instead of just talking about it? Different from Traditional Talk Therapy, Therapeutic Horticulture and other Nature-Based Therapies offer a gentle, grounded way into the therapy process. No gardening experience needed. Just an open mind.
Nature-Based Approaches to mental health
Nature Therapy
Wellness Workshops
Mental Health Therapy
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