When counseling individuals with different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, mental health professionals need to alter therapeutic techniques in order to fit the world view of the client. This is also the case when counseling and individual with a disability. Different, alternative methods may need to be utilized in order to make the counseling experience comfortable as well as making progress in treatment. This is the first of a multiple article series on different and creative therapies to use with diverse client populations.
The use of horticulture therapy is not widely recognized but, has shown some promising results. Most people would agree that gardening reduces stress and provides relaxation. Horticulture therapists have known this for quite some time. As early as the late 1700's, physicians have used gardening as a means of de-stressing their patients. However, not until the 1950's did this type of therapy begin to become more widely accepted. In present day, there are more than 900 members in The American Horticultural Therapy Association who promote the use of horticulture in therapeutic sessions.
There are multiple benefits to horticulture therapy. The therapeutic session can take place in virtually any domain. A mental health treatment center can provide a wheelchair accessible garden to its patients or simply have patients tend to potted plants. The American Horticulture Therapy Association has described numerous psychological improvements. An individual with a disability who tends and cares for plants begins to take on the role of care taker and feels needed and important. Patients sense of self esteem rises. Gardening gives individuals with disabilities the opportunity to express creativity in ways in which didn't seem possible in the past. A major part of this therapy is using imagination to create whatever type of garden the client wishes. Gardening is also a great way to let out any anger or frustrations. Yanking weeds out of the ground can be a releasing experience! An added bonus is the increase in cognitive development horticulture therapy adds to the individuals base knowledge. It has been shown that attention spans increase as well as concentration levels. It is also a great way to introduce group counseling because individuals are less tense and can feel less pressure than in a normal group therapy session.
As a graduate student in the Counseling Psychology field, the major part of my training has been based on traditional therapeutic methods. However, recent exposure to multicultural counseling has enabled me to see that traditional therapies are not always the best answer for the client. I am looking forward to exploring some not so conventional methods of therapy and exploring how the disabled community can benefit from these various treatments.
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