The American Horticulture Therapy Association has described numerous psychological improvements. An individual with a disability who tends and cares for plants begins to take on the role of care taker and feels needed and important. Patients sense of self esteem rises. Gardening gives individuals with disabilities the opportunity to express creativity in ways in which didn't seem possible in the past. A major part of this therapy is using imagination to create whatever type of garden the client wishes.
Gardening is also a great way to let out any anger or frustrations.
An added bonus is the increase in cognitive development horticulture therapy adds to the individuals base knowledge. It has been shown that attention spans increase as well as concentration levels. It is also a great way to introduce group counseling because individuals are less tense and can feel less pressure than in a normal group therapy session. As a graduate student in the Counseling Psychology field, the major part of my training has been based on traditional therapeutic methods. However, recent exposure to multicultural counseling has enabled me to see that traditional therapies are not always the best answer for the client.