2023 ATRA Annual Conference Program (Tentative)
St. Louis, MO - Hilton Frontenac St. Louis
On-SIte Program for the 2023 ATRA Annual Conference September 9 - 12, 2023
*Sessions subject to change.
* ALL CEUs have been approved by NCTRC.
*Check pdf for NCTRC Specialty Certification approved courses.
Integrating Plants and Nature Into Your Therapeutic Approach
Session Description
Root in Nature strengthens human health by connecting people with plants and nature through horticultural therapy, programs and education. Horticultural Therapy (HT) is a practice that uses plants, horticultural activities, and the garden landscape to promote well-being for its participants.
We work alongside Recreation Therapists who have expressed an interest in learning how to integrate plants, gardening and nature into their therapeutic approach. Evidence-based research validates the overwhelming benefits of people-plant engagement, which include:
• Reduces stress & anxiety
• Supports cardiovascular health
• Protects and preserves mental health
• Boosts the absorption and retention of Vitamin D
• Increases social connections
• Helps to maintain a sense of purpose and worth
• Aids in the development of positive coping strategies
In this session, we will share the practice and benefits of therapeutic horticulture how to integrate it into your therapeutic approach, and share training and resources that we offer to Recreation Therapists.
Learning Outcomes
1. Define horticultural therapy and three populations it is effective with
2. Identify five domains of wellness that are affected by Horticultural Therapy
3. Provide two examples of therapeutic horticulture activities
Presentation Track: Select ALL that Apply
Child and Adolescent
Community
Military/Veterans
Older Adults
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine
Target Audience
Mid-Career Professionals
Primary Presenter
Alexis Ashworth, Root in Nature Inc.
Credentials
BComm, MBA