The carefully selected and highly adaptable activities can benefit you in the following ways: help you find relief from symptoms of depression or anxiety, increase your ability to cope with distressing experiences, lead you to a better understanding and acceptance of your thoughts and emotions, increase feelings of purpose, and enhance your confidence and tolerance in navigating life changes (big or small). This therapeutic modality can also help you achieve physical rehabilitation, cognitive, developmental, social, or other specific, measurable wellness goals.
Many people who enjoy Horticultural Therapy report that the multi-sensory, active and intentional activities create a supportive, non-judgmental experience that naturally calms the mind and body. Many healing approaches blend well with Horticultural Therapy, so you will find that many HTRs are informed by the concepts and principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, among others.
It is not surprising that gardening, growing, and even working near plants, have been correlated with a more hopeful outlook, reduced stress, and a reduction in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma, and with better physical health. In the 1800’s Dr. Benjamin Rush, the prominent psychiatrist, documented the healing benefits of prescribed garden time for his patients. In the early to mid-20th century, horticultural interventions helped war veterans make progress with physical and psychological treatment.
Horticultural Therapy is now practiced all over the world, in many settings: behavioral health, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, community gardens, recovery programs, therapeutic school settings, vocational programs, and senior programs. Horticultural Therapy falls into one of three categories: Clinical, Therapeutic or Vocational. At Montclair Mind Body Therapy Collective, both clinical and therapeutic forms of HT are available.
Consider Horticultural Therapy if you:
- Like an alternative to talk therapy
- Enjoy an active form of healing
- Want to experience a multi-sensory, calming healing environment
