Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture Course

Course Summary

Root in Nature’s virtual, self-paced Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture course provides an overview of the principles and practices of horticultural therapy, including the physical, social and psychological benefits of working with plants.

It teaches how to facilitate, adapt and evaluate therapeutic horticulture sessions while providing foundational horticulture and safety training. Learning from Katie McGillivray joined by guest speaker experts in the field, students will finish this course with the skills to facilitate activities with individual clients and small groups.

This immersive introductory course provides an excellent foundation for those interested in enhancing their skill set, adding a therapy option or pursuing a career in the field.

Course Fees

$229 USD including supplemental resources
$179 USD for students and HT/TH volunteers

This course content is CE pre-approved by NCTRC for 8 hours and approved for PCC’s with TRO

We love hearing from you!

"This course has been exceptional and provides a wide array of information related to the practice of HT. It provides a unique opportunity to learn about and engage with the HT modalities. The information is laid out clearly and provides opportunity for reflection and application of what you are learning."

"I think that this training has been the best training in Therapeutic Horticulture that I have done. The course provides you with the necessary foundation to provide your clients with good quality Therapeutic Horticulture sessions. Even if you already have knowledge of horticulture therapy and are a practitioner, the training provides you with relevant information that could enhance your practice. I love the mindful moments because they allow me to take pauses and nurture myself. I found this training fantastic!"

"If you want an easily digestible AND quality understanding of the practice of therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy, this is the course! It was well organized, concise, easy to move through, and rich with information. The information is insightful and will help strengthen your skill sets in this field."

"Beautiful course that inspired and encouraged me to dig deeper and expand my horticulture therapy practice."

"The variety and expertise of Katie, Alexis and the guest speakers was fantastic. A very interesting, well designed course."

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Benefits for Participants

Enhancing the environment

Plants and nature create a calming and relaxing environment that can promote wellness and enhance the overall atmosphere of a therapy session.

Reducing stress

Exposure to plants and nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which is beneficial for individuals who are experiencing mental health conditions or chronic illnesses.

Improving physical health

Spending time in nature and around plants can promote physical activity and exercise. Therapeutic horticulture activities can be incorporated into therapy sessions to promote physical health.

Boosting mood

Being in nature and around plants can boost mood and help individuals feel more positive and optimistic. This can be especially helpful for individuals who are experiencing depression or other mood disorders.

Promoting social connections

Group therapeutic horticulture sessions can provide opportunities for social interaction and connection, as well as promote bonding and create a sense of community.

Benefits for Course Students

Specialized knowledge

The Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture course provides specialized knowledge and skills related to using plants, gardening, and nature as therapeutic tools, which helps practitioners incorporate this into therapy sessions.

Professional development

Training in therapeutic horticulture can be a valuable form of professional development for practitioners which enhances their skills and knowledge, making them more effective in their role as a therapist.

Expanded therapy options

Through this course, practitioners can expand the range of therapy options they can offer their clients and can provide clients with unique and effective therapeutic experiences.

Improved client outcomes

Therapeutic horticulture has been shown to improve a range of outcomes for clients, including mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life. Practitioners can learn how to effectively use horticulture to improve their clients’ outcomes.

FAQs

Is this course pre-approved for Continuing Education (CE) credits?

Yes, this session content is CE pre-approved by NCTRC for 8 hours and approved for PCC’s with TRO

Does this course certify me to become a horticultural therapist?

When you complete the course you will receive a certificate and will be able to describe yourself as a Therapeutic Horticulture Ally. This course does not certify you to become a horticultural therapist or horticultural therapy practitioner. We will have further courses to increase skill levels available in early 2024.

Will a bursary be available if I can't afford the cost of the course?

Yes, Root in Nature is committed to enabling accessibility to its courses and community to all who share our passion for connecting people with plants and nature. We provide up to five reduced rate, 50% discount spots in our course each quarter to individuals whose financial circumstances are a barrier to enrolment.

If you would like to access one of these spots, please fill in this form. You will be contacted by the end of each quarter with the results of your application (end of March, June, September and December).

Will there be more courses offered on this topic in the future?

Yes – we’re developing an Advancing Skills course for those wanting to deepen their knowledge of therapeutic horticulture. An announcement on this course will be made in the fall of 2023.

Is there discounted pricing for students and program volunteers?

Yes! Both the course and the community have significantly reduced rates for students and HT/ TH program volunteers.

Pricing can be seen on the registration pages.

Why is the pricing in US dollars?

We were hoping to have a Canadian price and an US price. However, our software (MemberPress) is only able to process one currency. Since the course is offered internationally, and the US dollar is widely recognized worldwide, we chose that currency and set the price at the US dollar equivalent of our intended Canadian price.

Is there group pricing?

Yes! Groups of three or more people at the same organization receive a 20% discount code. We also have an enterprise discount of 30% off for groups of 20 or more. Please contact us at courses@rootinnature.ca for details.

Do you offer 'turnover protection' for companies?

Yes – if you train a member of your team who leaves within one year of completing the course, we will offer the course to their replacement free of charge.

Meet the Instructor

Katie McGillivray

Katie (she/her) is a Registered Horticultural Therapist (HTR) and a member of the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association. A strong advocate of asset-based community development and reflective practice, Katie has been supporting therapeutic horticulture projects and programs for a wide variety of populations since 2014.

Katie completed her horticultural therapy certificate with Ann Kent and was proud to “build her own degree” in therapeutic horticulture, completing a minor in counselling and majoring in general studies, focusing on courses in horticulture, agriculture, psychology and research. Katie is passionate about increasing access to therapeutic horticulture in communities and facilitates regular in-person and virtual sessions. Her approach is collaborative, client-centred and strengths-based.

Katie is also a major foodie and her work in therapeutic horticulture often intersects with community food security and food justice work. When not in the garden, Katie loves cooking, entertaining and paddle boarding.

Guest speakers

Myriah Graham

Artist, Indigenous Healer and Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner with Root in Nature

Chadwick Lewis

Owner & General Manager, Urban Fresh Produce

Matthew Johnson

Owner/Operator, Three Rabbit Farms

Sarah Shapiro HTR

Horticultural Therapist Lead, Root in Nature

Lynn Leach HTR

Horticultural Therapist & Landscape Designer, Bird’s Foot Design Studio

Barb Szymanski

Community Developer, Ottawa Salus

Join the Community

GrowTH – Grow Therapeutic Horticulture is a supportive online international community of horticultural therapists, practitioners, and other professionals delivering plant and nature-rooted sessions.

Benefits for Clients

Benefits for Clients

Practitioners can benefit from using plants and nature in their therapeutic approach in several ways:

Enhancing the environment: Plants and nature create a calming and relaxing environment that can promote wellness and enhance the overall atmosphere of a therapy session.
Reducing stress: Exposure to plants and nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which is beneficial for individuals who are experiencing mental health conditions or chronic illnesses.
Improving physical health: Spending time in nature and around plants can promote physical activity and exercise. Recreation therapists can incorporate therapeutic horticulture activities into their therapy sessions to promote physical health.
Boosting mood: Being in nature and around plants can boost mood and help individuals feel more positive and optimistic. This can be especially helpful for individuals who are experiencing depression or other mood disorders.
Promoting social connections: Group therapeutic horticulture sessions can provide opportunities for social interaction and connection, as well as promote bonding and create a sense of community.

Benefits for Practitioners

Benefits for Practitioners

Practitioners such as recreation therapists may benefit from taking therapeutic horticulture training for several reasons:

Specialized knowledge: Root in Nature’s training program provides specialized knowledge and skills related to using plants, gardening, and nature as therapeutic tools. This can help recreation therapists better understand the therapeutic benefits of horticulture and how to effectively incorporate it into their therapy sessions.
Professional development: Training in therapeutic horticulture can be a valuable form of professional development for practitioners. It can enhance their skills and knowledge, making them more effective in their role as a therapist.
Expanded therapy options: With therapeutic horticulture training, recreation therapists can expand the range of therapy options they can offer their clients. Incorporating plants and nature into their sessions can provide clients with unique and effective therapeutic experiences.
Improved client outcomes: Horticultural therapy has been shown to be effective in improving a range of outcomes for clients, including mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life. By taking Root in Nature’s training, recreation therapists can learn how to effectively use horticulture to improve their clients' outcomes.