To work as a horticultural therapist, you’ll need three things: post-secondary education, horticulture experience, and interpersonal skills. Gardening is used a horticultural therapist to improve emotional well-being. Horticultural therapy is frequently used as part of a self-directed treatment plan for people who are dealing with mental or emotional issues.
The road to becoming a horticultural therapist is long and winding. This type of therapy is provided some professional psychologists, recreational therapists, and counselors for clients who are having difficulty connecting. Gardening is a rewarding hobbecause it allows people to see a personal goal realized in a short period of time. The term “horticultural therapist” is not regulated in the United States, despite the fact that it is a recognized and certified profession in Canada and several European countries.
Completing a horticulturist certificate is the first step toward becoming a horticultural therapist. These programs are typically eight months long and include both theoretical and clinical practice components. The classes assume a horticulture background and focus on the needs of seniors, disabled children, and people suffering from dementia and other serious mental illnesses.
Horticultural experience is essential for this position. A horticultural therapist’s responsibilities include recommending the right plant for the job, giving advice on how to care for it, and encouraging plant discussion. Horticulture training can be obtained through formal education programs at community or career colleges, or through personal interest and self-study.
Empathy, patience, listening, and conflict resolution are among the interpersonal skills required to work as a horticultural therapist. People who are most satisfied with their work as a horticultural therapist enjoy assisting others and are naturally compassionate and outgoing. Long-term goal setting is important because it may take a long time to see any clear benefits from this type of therapy.
Horticultural therapists frequently open their own practice, providing services to rehab hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Other methods of locating clients in need of this type of service include professional referrals from recreational therapists, home care nurses, and social workers. Horticultural therapy is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment option for students who are physically or emotionally challenged. Many people who want to work as a horticultural therapist have a strong desire to help others and a passion for gardening. Many people have been able to transition from other health-care-related professions to horticultural therapy investing in training programs in this field.