Horticultural Therapist
What is a horticultural therapist?
A horticultural therapist is someone who uses plants and gardening activities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals.
What does a horticultural therapist do?
Usually, a horticultural therapist does the following:
- Works with clients to plan and carry out gardening activities
- Assists clients in developing and maintaining gardens
- Uses plants and gardening to promote relaxation, improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being
- Provides individual or group therapy sessions using horticultural activities
- Evaluates the progress and outcomes of therapy sessions
What does the day-to-day life of a horticultural therapist look like?
A horticultural therapist usually works between 9am and 5pm, though this may vary depending on the employer or the specific program.
The tasks a horticultural therapist might do in a day include:
- Planning and preparing therapy sessions
- Conducting therapy sessions with clients
- Maintaining and caring for garden spaces
- Documenting client progress and session outcomes
Where does a horticultural therapist work?
Horticultural therapists can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Healthcare facilities: Such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes
- Mental health centers: Helping individuals with mental health challenges
- Schools and educational institutions: Working with students or children with special needs
- Community gardens and nonprofit organizations: Engaging with the local community
- Self-employment: Offering private therapy sessions or running horticultural therapy programs
What tools/software/hardware does a horticultural therapist use?
A horticultural therapist uses a variety of tools including:
- Garden tools: Such as pruning shears, shovels, and watering cans
- Seeds, plants, and gardening equipment
- Soil testing kits
- Recording and documentation tools for tracking client progress
What do I need to become a horticultural therapist?
There are a number of ways you can become a horticultural therapist, including:
- Bachelor's degree: Some universities offer horticultural therapy programs or related degrees, such as horticulture or therapeutic horticulture.
- Certification programs: There are certification programs available that provide specialized training in horticultural therapy. These programs often require a combination of coursework, practical experience, and passing an exam.
What career paths are available?
There are a number of career paths available to you as a horticultural therapist, including:
- Senior Horticultural Therapist: With experience and additional training, you can advance to a senior role where you may supervise other therapists or manage therapy programs.
- Program Coordinator: You could move into a role where you oversee the development and implementation of horticultural therapy programs within an organization.
- Researcher: You may choose to focus on research in the field of horticultural therapy, exploring its benefits and effectiveness.
What jobs are similar to a horticultural therapist?
- Occupational Therapist: Helping individuals with physical, mental, or developmental conditions to improve their daily lives through engaging activities.
- Recreational Therapist: Using activities and recreation to enhance the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of individuals.
- Environmental Educator: Teaching people about the natural environment and promoting awareness, conservation, and sustainability.
What made you want to become a horticultural therapist?
How did you get your first horticultural therapist job?
What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a horticultural therapist?
Are you a horticultural therapist? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to horticultural therapy. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.