RESEARCH

Therapeutic Model. In the Profession and Practice of Horticultural Therapy

This book chapter outlines a therapeutic model of horticultural therapy, emphasizing engaging in facilitated horticultural activities to achieve specific treatment goals related to physical or psychological well-being.
Program Types: Therapeutic
Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Children/Youth, Dementia/Traumatic & Acquired Brain Injuries, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Rehabilitation, General Population, Chronic/Acute Health Conditions, Grief/Loss, Corrections/Justice-Involved, Neurodevelopmental Differences
Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes, Low Care/Independent Long-Term Homes, Schools/Educational Settings, Hospitals/Clinics, Rehabilitation Centers, Workplace Environments, Public/Botanical Gardens
Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Sense of Purpose, Enhanced Spiritual Health, Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function, Sensory Stimulation, Improved Physical Health, Improved Balance, Decreased Need for Pain Medication, Increased Horticultural Knowledge, Increased Self-Efficacy
Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Counselling, Education
Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Meal/Diet-Based Activities, Medicinal Plants, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Plant Propagation, Plant Sales, Vocational Skill Development, Greenhouse/Nursery Production, Environmental Education, Mindfulness/Visualizations
Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Case Studies
Measurement and Evaluation: Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness
Research Source: Books/Book Chapters
Access: Free
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Summary

This chapter describes a therapeutic model of horticultural therapy, where participation in horticultural activities is facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist to achieve specific goals within an established treatment, rehabilitation, or vocational plan. It emphasizes that the therapeutic process itself, rather than the end product, is the key and highlights that physical setup allowing connection back to nature is a major influence that leads to physical and psychological recovery. The model is applied in diverse settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and prisons.

The therapeutic model focuses on programs seeking physical or psychological outcomes, addressing issues such as mental health, addiction, physical rehabilitation, and chronic diseases. Activities are designed to optimize physical and mental health, with therapists using a strength-based approach to cater to the individual needs and goals of participants, whether children with developmental disabilities or adults recovering from addiction. Documented health outcomes include improvements in attention, reduced pain and stress, modulated agitation, and decreased reliance on medications.

Link

Irish, J., & Young, P. (2019). Therapeutic model. In The profession and practice of horticultural Therapy. CRC Press, 175-218.

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