Katie McGillivray & Alexis Ashworth
Certified Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner - CTHP™ Certification
In addition to our courses and resources, Root in Nature is proud to offer the Certified Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner – CTHP™ program, a key credential that recognizes and validates your expertise in the field. Earning this certification not only demonstrates your commitment to the highest standards of therapeutic horticulture practice but also connects you with a growing community of certified professionals worldwide. The certification involves two key steps:
1. Introductory and Advancing Skills Courses: Participants must complete both the introductory and advanced courses:
- The Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture course lays foundational therapeutic horticulture knowledge, covering basic techniques and applications.
- The Advancing Skills course delves deeper into specialized techniques, advanced applications and nuanced approaches.
- They must also demonstrate professional credentials in a related field, or have a degree and at least one year (500 hours minimum) of practical experience in therapeutic horticulture or a related field.
CTHP™ Digital Badge
Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture
Our Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture course, taught by Katie McGillivray with guest experts, covers how to facilitate and evaluate therapeutic horticulture sessions, providing essential horticulture and safety training. This virtual and self-paced course, which can be completed in 4–8 hours, equips students with the skills to work with clients and groups, offering a certificate and digital badge as a Therapeutic Horticulture Ally.
Advancing Skills in Therapeutic Horticulture
Enhance your skills with our advanced certification course in Therapeutic Horticulture, designed for those who have completed the introductory course. Taught by Katie McGillivray, HTR, and guest experts, this course delves into advanced techniques and specialized applications, combining self-paced learning with two interactive live sessions. Graduates who meet the outlined criteria can apply to become a Certified Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner – CTHP™.
2. Professional Development through the GrowTH Network: Maintaining the CTHP™ certification requires ongoing professional development and participation in the GrowTH Network. This network provides a platform for continuous learning and peer support, including:
- Professional Development Events: Certified practitioners are required to attend at least two one-hour professional development events per year. These events feature guest speakers who are experts in the field, providing insights into the latest research, techniques and trends in therapeutic horticulture.
- Peer Support Calls: Practitioners must also participate in at least one peer support call per year. These calls offer a space for practitioners to share experiences, discuss challenges and support each other in their professional journeys.
GrowTH Network
The Growth Network provides members with exclusive resources including a sortable activity database, professional development, and a supportive community. Through webinars, forums, and resource sharing, members can expand their knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects, while staying updated on the latest in therapeutic horticulture. The network also offers discounts on courses and events to support continued personal and professional growth.
Root in Nature's Commitment to Practitioners
Root in Nature is committed to supporting HT and TH practitioners through every stage of their journeys. In addition to the CTHP™ certification and the GrowTH Network, Root in Nature offers:
- Ongoing Education:
- Root in Nature is developing a suite of courses and resources that reflect the latest research and best practices in therapeutic horticulture as well as related topics.
- Community Building:
- By fostering a supportive and collaborative community, Root in Nature helps practitioners build strong professional networks. This sense of community is vital for personal and professional growth.
- Advocacy and Awareness:
- Root in Nature advocates for the recognition and integration of therapeutic horticulture into healthcare and other environments. By raising awareness of the benefits of therapeutic horticulture, Root in Nature helps to expand the field and create more opportunities for practitioners.
Photo by Katie McGillivray
CTHP™ Feature: Amy Gutzmann
We’re thrilled to highlight the inspiring work of Amy Gutzmann, a dedicated CTHP™ whose passion for connecting people with nature shines through in her practice.
Amy, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) from Bloomington, Minnesota, has always been drawn to nature. Living with her husband, three young children, a dog, and even a gecko, Amy and her family enjoy nature-based activities like camping, exploring local lakes, and tending to their veggie and fairy gardens. “New this year, we even created a tree frog hotel!” she shares, reflecting her passion for bringing nature into every aspect of life.
Professionally, Amy has spent the last 13 years working at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in the in-patient physical rehab department. Despite the bustling environment of a large metropolitan hospital, she is particularly grateful for the small courtyard with raised garden beds, where they’ve created a sensory garden. “This garden has been a fun way to work on rehab goals while providing a space for peace and respite,” Amy notes, emphasizing the therapeutic value of this green space.
After completing the Advancing Skills in Therapeutic Horticulture course, Amy has found even more ways to integrate her love of nature into her work. She highlights the GrowTH network’s activity database as a key resource: “The activity database has fueled many fun sessions with patients and my kids.” Her favourite activities are botanical art projects, which align with her passion for creativity. “When we engage in a creative activity, it stimulates both hemispheres of the brain to increase neuroplasticity and cognitive function,” Amy explains, adding that such activities also reduce stress and improve mood.
Photos by Amy Gutzmann
Recently, Amy facilitated making herb bouquets from the sensory garden, light art with shadow imprints, and a color wheel scavenger hunt. “These activities got individuals outside—some who have been hospitalized for months!” she says, thrilled at the impact these simple, nature-based activities have had on her patients. Engaging with nature creatively brings Amy immense joy, and she is grateful for the support and resources that enable her to share this joy with others. “Go and be a creator and learn from the best teacher around, Mother Earth,” Amy encourages, embodying the spirit of therapeutic horticulture in every aspect of her life and work.
Empowering Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioners
Root in Nature fosters growth in the profession by supporting therapeutic horticulture practitioners with a comprehensive certification program, ongoing professional development, and a strong community network. The CTHP™ certification, combined with the benefits of the GrowTH Network, ensures that practitioners are well-equipped to deliver high-quality therapeutic horticulture services. Through its commitment to education, community building and advocacy, Root in Nature is helping to advance the field of therapeutic horticulture and improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Alexis Bio: Alexis Ashworth is the founder and CEO of Root in Nature, blending her love for plants and therapeutic gardening with her extensive business experience. With a BComm in Finance, an MBA in International Development Management, and 11 years as CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Ottawa and Halifax, she has been recognized as one of Ottawa Business Journal’s Forty Under 40.
Katie Bio: Katie McGillivray is a Registered Horticultural Therapist (HTR) who has supported therapeutic horticulture projects with a variety of populations since 2014. Passionate about increasing access to therapeutic horticulture in communities, Katie uses a client-centered, strengths-based approach with a focus on food security and literacy in her work with clients.