Horticultural Therapists

Experience as an intern, volunteer, or part-time employee at a hospital, rehabilitation center, or other institution that employs horticultural therapists is recommended.

Horticultural therapists must have a strong desire to help people, enjoy working with diverse populations, and be able to see each client as an individual. Just as important, of course, horticultural therapists must have an interest in science, a love of nature, and a "green thumb." These therapists need to be creative, perceptive, and able to manage groups. They must be able to interact with a variety of professionals, such as doctors, social workers, administrators, and architects, and work well as part of a team. As therapists, they may develop close emotional relationships with their clients, but they must also stop themselves from becoming emotionally over involved and realize the limits of their responsibilities. This work can often be quite physical, involving lifting and carrying, outdoor work, and work with the hands, so horticultural therapists should be in good physical shape.