We have always had the ability to heal ourselves in the garden. Whether we seek to improve our mental state or the ability to use our body, the garden is there to teach us patience with our challenges, spark important memories, and learn new skills. Horticultural therapy (HT) is the passive or active use of a garden setting, whether indoors or outside, to help achieve therapeutic goals. Horticultural therapists, through the use of HT, help a wide variety of people seeking physical, mental, emotional rehabilitation or simply seeking solace. The tending of a garden through HT can cultivate confidence, strength, focus, and hope.
Arleen Ferrara is a registered Horticultural Therapist through the American Horticultural Therapy Association and member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Through her work at Satori, Arleen melds the therapeutic and healing aspects of the natural world with thoughtful and sustainable landscape design. Arleen also has a certificate in permaculture allowing her to address the design needs of the client with the most earth-friendly and holistic approach possible. Arleen has worked with many institutions in realizing their dream of using their garden and outdoor environments to profoundly improve the mental, physical and emotional state of the clients they serve.
Arleen provides a comprehensive level of service starting with the initial assessment of site and needs of target population all the way through to the programatic and physical design and implementation. Ultimately what is created is a custom HT program and therapeutic garden that can facilitate healing and contribute to the programmatic offerings of the institution.
Click here for a list of HT design and implementation services provided.
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