There are three items necessary to become a horticultural therapist: post-secondary training, horticulture experience, and interpersonal skills. A horticultural therapist uses gardening as a tool for improving emotional well being. The work of a horticultural therapist is often part of a self-directed treatment plan for people struggling with mental or emotional issues.
The path to become a horticultural therapist is quite varied. Some professional psychologists, recreational therapists, and counselors offer this type of therapy for clients who are having trouble connecting. Gardening can be a very satisfying hobby, allowing people to see a personal goal achieved in a relatively short period of time. There are no regulations surrounding the use of the term horticultural therapist in the United States, although it is a recognized and certified profession in Canada and several European countries.
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The first step to become a horticultural therapist is to complete a horticulturist certificate. These programs are typically eight months in length and combine theoretical classwork with a clinical practice term. The courses assume a background in horticulture, and focus on the needs of seniors, children with disabilities, and people struggling with dementia and other serious mental illnesses.
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Horticultural experience is very important in this role. Recommending the appropriate type of plant, providing guidance on supporting the plant, and encouraging discussion about plants are all part of a horticultural therapist's responsibilities. Training in horticulture can be either through formal education programs offered at community or career colleges, or a result of personal interest and independent study.
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Interpersonal skills necessary to become a horticultural therapist include empathy, patience, listening, and conflict resolution. People who report the greatest satisfaction once they become a horticultural therapist enjoy helping others and are naturally compassionate and outgoing. It may take a long time to see any clear benefits from this type of therapy, so long-term goal setting is important.
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Horticultural therapists often start their own private practice, offering their services to rehabilitation hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Professional referrals from recreational therapists, home care nurses, and social workers are other methods of locating clients in need of this type of service. A growing number of schools for the physically or emotionally challenged are using horticultural therapy as one of the treatment options for their clients. Many people who want to become a horticultural therapist have a love of gardening and a strong desire to help others. By investing in training programs in this field, many people have been able to transition from other health service related professions into horticultural therapy.