|
1. Could you tell us a little of your background and what led you into Horticultural Therapy (HT)? D – via cooking, growing the produce, then using it but also as a coping mechanism through troubled times. This naturally evolved to training at Greenmount Horticultural College and work experience at Colebrooke! A - having grown up in East Germany, everyone had allotments, growing vegetables was the norm, it’s in my DNA. I originally trained in Biology and Ecology and enjoyed working within the community and noted the therapeutic benefits of gardening and decided to train as a counsellor. 2. Could you explain to those who may not have heard of it, what HT or nature- based therapy is all about? D - it’s a tool that connects people with themselves and others in a natural environment. A – totally agree with Dougal, it needs to be emotional rather than cognitive. 3. Why do you think it is a particularly effective form of therapy for veterans? A – The practical aspect, especially for males, as they can get stuck in, physically, with a complete lack of judgement and they can take this into everyday life and replicate where they live. Simple yet powerful. D – The veterans are generally already comfortable being outside, and we can then bring in the `deeper stuff`. There’s `buy in` through word of mouth from other veterans and states amongst numbers. 4. There are lots of gardening projects being run, what do you think sets the DGS operating model apart? D - It’s for veterans, and the veterans have been heavily involved in its development, the brainstorming, listening, People, Place, Purpose (PPP). DGS lets the garden shine and trusts us to lead on our strengths. A – particularly like the aftercare that is part of the DGS model. The manual is fantastic, it’s flexible and shaped by feedback. 5. What do you think are the key elements that need to be present in a garden setting for you to deliver the best therapeutic intervention? A - Logistics are important, provision of all weather options (for example Colebrooke has a lean to and a polytunnel), there’s always different options. Also, the garden isn’t perfect its not a show garden. D – It has to feel real, not just for show (veterans will know this, especially as can be hyper vigilant), authenticity is key and providing a safe and relaxed environment. 6. How do you evaluate whether the course has made a difference to them - do you see changes in the space of the 10-week course? D – In week 10, there is a feedback session which is great, as it is practical and can be implemented, we can work on progression. We can see changes in their body language and visually they look more comfortable. A – One of our courses asked for a `What’s App` group to be set up, which is great as its sown the seed of friendship which will carry on beyond the actual course.
7. What does your experience tell you veterans need at the end of the course by way of progression? A – Ongoing psychological support, they still need to talk. D - It’s important for Horticultural Therapist support in the gardens, not just for the courses but at other times as well, it’s such a useable space.
|
