Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture 7 - 1993AbstractsPsychological Principles Applied in Horticultural Therapy Four cases are presented in which horticultural therapists help clients who are facing problems that call for substantial psychological adjustment. In their work, the horticultural therapists make effective use of several psychological concepts, theories, and techniques. These are described in the paper and include the application of behavioral and humanistic principles, the fostering of a psychological sense of ownership, and the creation of positive, realistic expectations in clients. Family Income and Experience Influence community Garden Success Demographic and horticultural data obtained from five years of community garden records were analyzed to compare family gardening characteristics. Experienced gardeners rented more space and paid more plot rental than new gardeners. Plot abandonment was more frequent with low income than medium to high income families. With low income gardeners, both the new and experienced gardeners abandoned plots at similar high frequencies. Selecting Design Services for Therapeutic Landscapes Knowing the site design services offered by landscape architects helps decision makers select proper choices. Aspects of site design services discussed in this paper are consultation, master planning, site planning, construction documents, construction administration, project management, and post-construction administration. Each gives focus to information contributing to therapeutic landscapes. A Survey of Horticultural Therapy Professional Issues The Horticultural Therapy Professional Information (HTPI) questionnaire was sent to a sample of 214 Kansas State University (KSU) graduates and 204 non-KSU graduates who were American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) members randomly chosen from the AHTA 1990 Annual Membership Directory. Forty-nine percent responded by providing information on demographics and job characteristics. Results indicated that academic training and AHTA registration significantly increased salary base. Respondents indicated the need for additional professional training and development of a certification test. Proposed Horticultural Therapy Standards of Practice Professional horticultural therapists are committed to providing comprehensive activity, educational, and rehabilitative services for persons who require various therapeutic, protective, and/or supervised environments and milieus. As members of the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), they are dedicated to advancing the general welfare of people through education, research, public service, and application of a code of ethics. These proposed Standards of Practice are the author's opinions regarding the profession's statement of conditions and performances essential for quality horticultural therapy services. As an overriding principle, the professional horticultural therapist is expected to exercise sound judgment and decision making, assume horticultural therapy program and community leadership, and exemplify an administrative philosophy in congruence with the mission and goals of their workplace. Correctional Youth and the Green Industry The New Jersey Department of Corrections in conjunction with Rutgers University-Cook College have developed a specialized youth correctional training program. Objectives for participants are to gain horticuitural skills and potentially become employed in florist shops, garden centers, nurseries, golf courses, parks, and interior plantscaping businesses. Structured training modules allow youth to gain knowledge, responsibility, and achievement through hands-on experience. Students and instructors regularly gauge program effectiveness, academic, and socio-emotional progress. Career counseling and interns/zips will help steer program graduates toward job placement. |
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