RESEARCH

Embracing Nature Connectedness to Enhance Horticultural Therapy Interventions

This blog post advocates for incorporating nature connectedness into horticultural therapy to enhance well-being and environmental stewardship. It introduces the “Five Pathways to Nature Connectedness” as a framework for deepening human-nature relationships and suggests using these pathways in therapy to address climate anxiety and promote positive societal change.
Print Form

Summary

This blog post emphasizes the importance of nature connectedness in horticultural therapy to improve overall health, wellness, and pro-environmental behaviors. It addresses climate anxiety and eco-distress, suggesting that meaningful action, like creating native plant gardens, can mitigate these issues. The article introduces the concept of nature connectedness, focusing on the human-nature relationship and its impact on mental well-being and environmental stewardship.

It highlights the “Five Pathways to Nature Connectedness” (Senses, Beauty, Emotion, Meaning, and Compassion) developed by the University of Derby, which encourages deeper personal interactions with nature. The article suggests implementing these pathways into horticultural therapy interventions to foster a sense of stewardship and promote positive change on a societal level, especially in the face of the current climate crisis.

Link

Griffin, C. (2023). Embracing nature connectedness to enhance horticultural therapy interventions. HTI.

Other Recommended Research

Self-Care and Plant Care Journaling Questions

Nature-related journaling prompts.

Beeswax Trivia

A short interactive trivia game with true and false questions about beeswax. Conducive for opening a session focusing on beeswax.

Tomato Guessing Game Riddles

Participants use photos and riddle clues to guess different tomato varieties.

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

This thesis examines how a gardening-based social enterprise helps people of all abilities by providing meaningful work, social connections, and a sense of belonging. While it highlights the benefits of inclusion and community participation, it also points out challenges like funding and governance that need to be addressed for long-term success.

‘Into the Wild’: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces

This Meta-synthesis highlights the benefits of holding therapy sessions in nature, which can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance emotional well-being. While outdoor therapy offers unique advantages, such as greater openness and connection with nature, it also requires careful consideration of client suitability and professional training.

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

Gardening can help people with dementia feel more active, connected, and less lonely by improving their physical and mental well-being. The article highlights the need for more accessible gardening programs in the community to support social engagement and a better quality of life.

Report

Contains abusive or derogatory content
Contains mature or sensitive content
Contains misleading or false information
Contains spam, fake content or potential malware
Harassment or bullying behavior

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

  • See blocked member's posts
  • Mention this member in posts
  • Invite this member to groups
  • Message this member
  • Add this member as a connection

Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

Report

You have already reported this .