Horticultural Therapy in Healthcare - A Therapeutic Treatment Modality

Course overview

This course is designed to assist health care professionals in designing a horticultural model to be used in a variety of settings. The value of using horticulture as a therapeutic model includes maximizing the social, cognitive, physical and/or psychological functioning in an individual, thus leading to an improved general health and well-being. Also, included are various types of gardening approaches to benefit an individual with special needs. At the conclusion, participants will be able to: 1. Explain the influences on the profession of horticultural therapy. 2. Define horticultural therapy. 3. Discuss the types of settings horticultural therapy is used. 4. Give examples of 3 types of horticultural programs and goals for each type. 5. Identify the people horticultural therapy serves. 6. Recognize the benefits of horticultural therapy for both the individual and the community. 7. Explain the process of treatment planning, selecting activities to meet treatment objectives, and the purpose and importance of recording outcomes. 8. Identify gardening styles best suited for an individual with special needs.