Horticultural Therapists use horticultural activities and environments to positively influence human well-being, emotions, health and behaviour. People helped by Horticultural Therapists may include those who have physical disabilities, mental health problems and learning difficulties, those recovering from major injuries or illnesses, and elderly people. Programmes can also be developed for the rehabilitation of offenders or those suffering from drug or alcohol abuse.
Horticultural Therapists often work in conjunction or liaison with other professionals such as psychologists and social workers.
To be a Horticultural Therapist you need:
- Enthusiasm for and a keen interest in horticulture; preferably a qualification.
- Patience, tolerance and understanding.
- The ability to relate positively and respectfully to all kinds of people.
- The ability to encourage and motivate.
- The ability to teach various skills.
- The ability to make the most of limited budgets.
- Awareness of health and safety issues
Most programmes developed by Horticultural Therapists are tailored to the needs of individual clients; programme aims might include
- Developing confidence, self-esteem, practical or social skills.
- Encouraging social inclusion.
- Learning or re-learning basic skills including numeracy and literacy.
- Providing sensory stimuli.
- Providing supportive outdoor activity and exercise to restore strength and mobility after an accident or illness.
- Provision of tranquil, restorative environments.
Horticultural Therapists provide support for clients, and demonstrate skills as a part of the process of encouraging them to achieve their objectives and monitoring their progress. Sometimes, Horticultural Therapists will provide additional support to clients who themselves study for horticultural qualifications.
Staff and volunteer management; sourcing funding; developing project proposals may also be part of a Horticultural Therapist’s remit.
Typical Jobs or Career Paths
Specific qualifications in Horticultural Therapy are relatively new. Most Horticultural Therapists have started their careers by gaining skills and experience in another area, for example in horticulture or in professions such as social work, occupational therapy, nursing or teaching. Those who started out in horticulture must then develop their social care skills and knowledge; those who started in caring professions must then work on their horticultural skills and knowledge.
The additional experience required, whichever discipline was the starting point, can be obtained via several routes, such as:
- Studying on short courses and undertaking voluntary work at a social and therapeutic horticulture project.
- Studying on longer courses and obtaining a qualification in social and therapeutic horticulture, although such courses are only available at a very few colleges.
There are a few college based courses suitable for those who have yet to attain any qualifications; admission to the courses will be based on commitment and suitability of the candidate.
A limited number of courses at university level are available for study and/or training in Horticultural Therapy. Entry requirements will vary depending on the nature of the course.
Career options include –
Jobs in Horticultural Therapy are often not widely advertised. Jobs for Horticultural Therapists may be advertised under other job titles – perhaps Project Worker or Horticultural Trainer.
Some examples of where a Horticultural Therapist might work include day services/community based projects; residential care establishments; rehabilitation units; hospitals; prisons; charitable and voluntary organisations; schools and specialist colleges.
Remuneration and Advancement Opportunities
Working hours vary, and may include weekends and evenings. Part-time hours may be available. Salaries will vary between employers and will also depend if you are working in private practice or for a government organization. Figures vary from country to country and the role will slightly differ from country to country.
Professional Bodies
Membership of Professional bodies is useful to encourage networking and that you are kept up to date with current trends. Some will require an annual fee to join, whilst others will require evidence of your educational attainment and experience. Some will offer reduced fees for students. Possible organizations will include horticultural, counselling, social and psychological professional bodies, depending on the level of training in each discipline.
Career Risks
There are risks associated with every career. Working with the disadvantaged, disabled or mentally ill can be stressful and demanding. Also, there may be situations where the client can display challenging and violent behaviour. However, you would be trained to deal with those sorts of situations and would often receive supervisory support to deal with any emotional or stressful difficulties you may face.
Recommended Courses
ACS offer a variety of courses psychology and horticulture; links to some of the courses and directories that you may find useful are shown below and at the bottom of this page.
Horticultural Therapy
Horticultural therapy (also known as ‘social and therapeutic
horticulture’) uses the activities associated with horticulture such as
gardening, plant propagation, plant care, visits to natural environments and
gardens and parks etc. in personal development; to engender a feeling of
well-being, improve physical health and encourage social interaction.
Course Directory: General Horticulture
In this directory you will find a wide selection of Horticulture courses including Horticultural Therapy, Amenity Horticulture, Garden Maintenance, and a selection of our Horticulture qualifications.
Course Directory: Psychology And Counselling
In this directory you will find a wide selection of Psychology And Counselling courses including Managing Mental Health In Adults, our combined Psychology And Counselling course and a selection of our Psychology And Counselling qualifications.
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If you have any questions, or want to know more about any of our courses, then please get in touch with us today. We can be contacted on (UK) 01384 442752 (outside UK +44 (0) 1384 442752) or connect with our tutors using our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE.