ABSTRACT
Introduction ...................................................................................................... 64 Facilitation and group leadership .................................................................. 64
Types of groups ........................................................................................... 65 Leadership styles ......................................................................................... 66 Fostering functional group behaviors ...................................................... 67
The therapeutic use of self .............................................................................. 70 Therapist’s role ............................................................................................ 70 The use of self .............................................................................................. 71 Communication techniques ....................................................................... 74
Motivation and behavior-management techniques .................................... 76 Positive reinforcement ................................................................................ 76 Horticulture as a motivator ....................................................................... 77
Tips and techniques ......................................................................................... 78 Training ......................................................................................................... 79
Task analysis ..................................................................................................... 80 Types of learning ......................................................................................... 83 Goals and objectives.................................................................................... 83 Skills, abilities, and experiences of individuals ...................................... 83 Strategies for teaching procedures ............................................................ 84 Learning styles ............................................................................................. 86 Safety issues ................................................................................................. 86 Importance of horticultural success.......................................................... 87
Adaptation and modification ......................................................................... 87 Adaptation ................................................................................................... 88 Modification ................................................................................................. 89 Recommendations ....................................................................................... 89
Introduction This chapter explores techniques that are used to work with participants in horticultural therapy programs. The concepts and methods described are used in many types of health-care and human service fields, and they provide a basic foundation to promote positive outcomes. These approaches are also useful for group leaders, teachers, and program facilitators. By employing them, the therapist/leader will be able to maximize the growth and functioning of those served. Techniques addressed include
• Facilitation and group leadership • Therapeutic use of self • Motivation and behavior management • Training methods • Adaptation and modification
Facilitation and group leadership Although not exclusively, most often horticultural therapy is practiced in groups varying in size from 3 or 4 to 15 or more individuals. Effective planning, facilitation, and group leadership techniques are therefore key skills for all horticultural therapists, as well as for leaders of community horticulture programs. Some considerations for planning and leading groups are the populations served, the personalities involved, the purpose and type of group, the activities or tasks to be performed, and the setting of group sessions.
