ISHS Acta Horticulturae 639: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Expanding Roles for Horticulture in Improving Human Well-Being and Life Quality
HORTICULTURE THERAPY: COMPARISONS WITH OTHER ALLIED THERAPIES AND CURRENT STATUS OF THE PROFESSION |
| Author: | C.A. Shoemaker |
| Keywords: | therapeutic horticulture, garden therapy, art therapy, music therapy, therapeutic recreation |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2004.639.21 |
| Abstract:
The concepts upon which horticultural therapy are based can be found as far back as ancient Egypt when court physicians prescribed walks in palace gardens for royalty who were mentally disturbed. By the late 1700s and early 1800s examples of the use of horticulture as an accepted treatment approach in mental institutions can be found. Throughout the early 1900s, the use of horticulture for therapy expanded to other populations such as the mentally handicapped, at-risk youth, and war veterans. The 1950s and 1960s saw the beginnings of defining horticultural therapy as a profession and the need for formally trained horticultural therapists. Historically, horticulture was used as an activity or diversion for hospital patients, for vocational training, and in occupational therapy. Horticultural therapy continues to be closely affiliated with these allied therapies such as occupational therapy, recreational therapy, and activity therapy. Comparisons between these allied therapies can be a useful tool in understanding the past and defining or identifying strategies for the growth and development of the profession into the future. This paper provides a brief history of the profession and an in-depth comparison of the evolution of horticultural therapy to the other allied therapies. In addition, results of two surveys, one of all current registered horticultural therapists, and one of all graduates of the Kansas State University Horticultural Therapy Program is presented, indicating the current strengths and weaknesses within the profession, and the opportunities and challenges for the future. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
