Sometimes referred to as horticultural therapy, this approach combines practical agricultural activity – such as growing vegetables and working the soil – with an emotional process.
Together, they promote personal resilience and recovery from trauma
Why It Works
- Working with the hands and touching the soil and plants connects people to nature and provides a sense of calm.
- Research shows that working in nature – especially in growing vegetables and plants – helps reduce anxiety and depression, supports emotional regulation, and improves cognitive and social functioning, particularly among trauma survivors.
- Planting, nurturing, and harvesting provide a clear framework with a beginning, middle, and end – and a sense of satisfaction in achieving a goal.
- Success in growing strengthens the “I can” feeling and builds a sense of capability.
- Moving at a slower pace, in nature, with direct contact with the soil – brings relaxation and peace of mind.
