HORTICULTURAL THERAPY SERIES
Over the years RBG has seen heighten public interest in learning about aspects of setting up effective programming and reaching different populations. This series provides specific information on topics that assist in rounding out any previous training, and provides tools towards a successful horticultural therapy program. CHTA credit has been requested for these programs. Fee: $40/class

UNDERSTANDING SCHIZOPHRENIA AND OTHER MENTAL ILLNESSES
Friday, June 11; 1 to 4 p.m. at RBR Centre
Many mental illnesses are misunderstood and often ignored but with early diagnosis and treatment, the severity of the illnesses can be reduced. Sara McAuley, from the Schizophrenia Society, outlines schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. She touches on the public perception, stigmatization, treatment, recovery, resources and looks at treatment strategies in horticultural therapy that might work in the patient’s recovery.
MAXIMUM 25. PREREGISTER BY JUNE 1.

HORTICULTURAL THERAPY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
This series of five courses earns you a certificate in horticultural therapy
1. Therapeutic Foundations in Horticultural Therapy
2. Assessment and Documentation in
Horticultural Therapy
3. Program Planning in Horticultural Therapy
4. Horticultural Therapy for Program Participants and Special Populations
5. Horticultural Therapy Program Development and Therapeutic Environments

Upon completion of this certificate program, the student will have the knowledge needed to practice horticultural t herapy confidently and competently, knowing how to use horticultural therapy programming to meet the needs of the individual to improve the quality of their life.

Our course instructor is Tami Proctor; a registered horticultural therapist with the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association. Tami’s practice includes working at Homewood Health Centre, independent contract work in long-term care and teaching at Mohawk College.

2. ASSESSMENT AND DOCUMENTATION IN HORTICULTURAL THERAPY
Fridays, September 24 to October 22;
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at RBG Centre
Fee: $450 (Lunch, refreshments and handouts)
This course details the assessment and documentation process in horticultural therapy. Assessing the needs of the individual guides the practice of horticultural therapy programming to support the individual in their participation. Documenting the process helps to validate the practice of horticultural therapy and promote its value as a therapeutic practice.
September 24, Introduction to the systematic approach to documentation in horticultural therapy and its importance to the profession
October 1, Discussion of the use of comprehensive assessment in horticultural hherapy in determining the clients needs. A review of the behavioral domains is discussed and how to address the client’s needs through horticultural therapy programming
October 8, Review of outcome models, treatment goals and action plans to provide client-centered programming in horticultural therapy
October 15, Discussion of the documentation process includes: progress notes, discharge summaries, and proposal writing in
horticultural therapy
October 22, Hands on session where the students apply the knowledge gained to case studies and develop assessment tools to guide their own practice in horticultural therapy
Each week includes a horticultural therapy activity or DVD to illustrate concepts presented in class.
MAXIMUM 25. PRE-REGISTER BY: SEPTEMBER 15.

Register on-line 

ADDITIONAL LEARNING WORKSHOP
These workshops are facilitated by Nancy Lee-Colibaba, horticultural therapy coordinator. It equips program directors, volunteers, recreational therapists, activation therapists or just about anyone working with special needs populations with the skills to provide effective horticultural programs in a therapeutic setting. A certificate of attendance is provided upon completion.
Fee: $120/day includes lunch, handout package
and workshop activities.

PROJECT IDEAS
Friday, November 12; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at RBG Centre
There have been many requests for a one day workshop on horticultural projects that interest and challenge individuals as well as provide therapeutic value. Participants work on several projects and discuss the effectiveness of each activity. Please come to share projects that you have developed.
MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER BY: NOVEMBER 3.

Register on-line 

HORTICULTURAL THERAPY
BASIC TRAINING
Friday and Saturday, October 29, 30
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at RBG Centre
Fee: $240 (includes, lunch, refreshments and workshop materials)
This two-day training session covers the indoor and outdoor environment and introduces participants to plants that enhance surroundings, and have many therapeutic qualities. Topics include writing proposals, goals and evaluation, lighting, equipment, raised beds, comfort zones, and lots of seasonal program and project ideas. Children, people with dementia geriatrics and the physically challenged are a few of the special populations that will be discussed. A certificate of attendance is provided upon completion.
MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER BY: OCTOBER 20.

Register on-line 

HORTICULTURAL THERAPY OUTREACH PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE
Our programs travel to residential and day centres throughout the Golden Horseshoe. Let us design a program for your clients. Contact Nancy Lee-Colibaba for details at 905-527-1158, ext. 510.

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