The aim of Horticultural Therapy (also referred to as Social Therapeutic Horticulture) is to help service users improve memory, strengthen cognitive abilities and task initiation, develop language skills, and increase social confidence and interactions.
The aim of Horticultural Therapy (also referred to as Social Therapeutic Horticulture) is to help service users improve memory, strengthen cognitive abilities and task initiation, develop language skills, and increase social confidence and interactions.
In Horticultural Therapy service users and clients learn to work independently, problem solve and follow directions. Trained practitioners (see below) direct the activities and supporting discussion around plants and planting, general gardening and wider nature-based sessions.
Horticultural and Nature-based Therapies provide safe facilitated spaces where people might improve their physical and psychological health and wellbeing, communication and social skills and abilities.
Sessions are generally carried out in designated horticultural spaces, though it is acknowledged that wider nature-based interactions might also be undertaken.
Horticultural Therapists are firstly professionals with recognised counselling, therapeutic or psychotherapeutic qualifications who with additional further education and training have credentials that support the use of horticulture and nature-based activities in support of therapy and rehabilitation.
Horticultural Therapists have a foundation of knowledge in plant science, human science, and horticultural therapy principles and experience in the application of horticultural therapy practices.
Registration with the Accredited Practitioner Register (PSA) as a Horticultural Therapist is subject to the defined conditions of application (including but not limited to appropriate qualifications and risk assessed environments) and the practices outlined above.
Practice under this role is strictly limited to practitioners who have applied for, and been confirmed, in this/these practice(s).
Existing membership of the Register under another (Equine or Animal) role does not provide automatic use of the Horticultural Therapy title.
Those wishing to practice Occupational Therapy (and any other Allied Health Care related services) under a Horticultural Therapy title registration must be appropriately qualified in that field and confirm current and ongoing membership of HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council).
The Register recognises that there are those supporting horticultural services that do not have recognised therapeutic qualifications. In conjunction with direction from appropriate expertise in this field the role of Horticultural Practitioner will be recognised provided that recognised (to be defined) professional training and all other conditions of membership are satisfied. This will align to the Certificate of Proficiency approach already recognised by the Register.
