The Health Center will be hosting plant therapy sessions, according to horticultural therapist Angie Girdham at the Amber Health Center. Girdham will host hour-long sessions of gardening and plant-related activities to connect students with the natural world and relieve stress.
“Humans and nature are fundamentally connected,” Girdham said. “The research that supports this is overwhelming. Horticultural therapy is working with clients and their healthcare team to achieve measurable goals and objectives using plants or plant-related activities. Like music, pet, or art therapy – HT complements traditional therapy methods and encourages active participation in one’s own wellbeing.”
Girdham’s first semester running the plant therapy program was fall 2018, and after some health challenges that set the program back, she said she’s excited to offer the sessions again.
“Typically a session involves us working on a nature inspired craft type activity while talking about an underlining theme,” Girdham said. “Sometimes it is a very meaningful discussion, at other times it is more light-hearted. No matter what though we enjoy each other’s company, the students can put the stresses of studies out of their minds for an hour, perhaps they learn a new skill or expand a potential interest, and everyone gets a final project to enjoy or gift.”
Hillsdale’s Director of Health and Wellness and Clinical Counselor Brock Lutz works with Girdham to offer these sessions for students.
“She often parallels work activities with some kind of reflective exercise,” Lutz said. “For instance, pulling weeds can be symbolic of things you would like to remove from your life in planting or restoring. Something can reflect an additive desire that you have. Our aim has always been to provide as many varied opportunities for people to experience overall wellness.”
Upcoming sessions will be held at 4 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on Saturdays on the following dates: March 29, April 1, 12, 15, and May 3. Students who are interested can sign up via the SAB newsletter or email Girdham at agirdham@hillsdale.edu.