Horticultural Therapy Summer Intensives

Summer 2009 provides the opportunity to develop a career in the field of Horticultural Therapy. For over 20 years, the New York Botanical Garden has been a recognized leader in training horticultural therapists. Learn from instructors who are experts in their fields, many of whom are published authors, researchers and lecturers, both nationally and internationally.

In Intensive I you will earn 79 hours of credit and in Intensive II earn 64 hours toward the 143 hours required for the Garden’s Horticultural Therapy Certificate.* The curriculum is aligned with the requirements of the American Horticultural Therapy Association for certificate program accreditation.**

The following areas are covered:

• Foundations of the Profession

  Examine the history, theory, applications, and benefits of horticultural therapy. Discover who it helps, where it is practiced, and the research that supports its use.

• Populations Served

  Learn the characteristics of and special considerations for individuals with physical, sensory, developmental and mental/ psychological challenges.

• Programming and Techniques

  Develop skills for planning, implementing and documenting effective programs. Learn to adapt tools and gardens and chose plants for their therapeutic value.

• Program Management

  Study the fundamentals of program development from writing proposals to funding within social service agencies and what you need to know to become an independent contractor of horticultural therapy services.

• Tours and Site Visits

  Visit a variety of sites during the Summer Intensives where you observe horticultural therapists in action, participate with clients, and experience therapeutic gardens.

*To earn a Certificate, students must complete a 100-houir internship not included in the intensive program.

**The Certificate in Horticultural Therapy is currently being evaluated for academic credit and is anticipated to be available for students seeking this option by July 2009.