RESEARCH

Active and Passive Engagement with Plants: Incorporating Interoception, Proprioception and Vestibular Senses for Therapeutic Outcomes

Veterans who took part in a 10-week nature-based therapy program reported gaining useful coping tools and experiencing improvements in their PTSD symptoms. The natural setting helped them feel safer, more relaxed, and better able to manage stress in daily life.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Homes/Private Residences, Healthcare Centre

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management

Allied Profession Intersections: Social Work, Landscape Design

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Anecdotal Evidence/Testimonials

Measurement and Evaluation: Patient-Reported Outcomes, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This study explored how spending time in nature-based therapy affects veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eight Danish veterans participated in a 10-week program that included mindfulness, gardening, and individual therapy sessions in a natural setting. Through interviews, veterans described how being in nature helped them feel safer, more relaxed, and more aware of their own thoughts and feelings. Over time, they developed personal strategies to manage stress and noticed improvements in their PTSD symptoms, such as feeling calmer and more at ease in daily life.

The veterans also reported that their connection to nature deepened during the program, and they learned to use different natural spaces depending on their emotional needs. Activities like walking, gardening, and simply observing wildlife helped them focus on the present moment and provided a sense of acceptance and recovery. Overall, the study found that nature-based therapy gave veterans practical tools for coping with stress and contributed to better mental health.

Link

Morgan, S. (2024). Using the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory exercise in therapeutic horticulture activities. Cultivate, 4(1)

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