The Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA) is committed to promoting evidence-based, relevant, and effective Horticultural Therapy education. There are a range of educational programs being offered in Canada, as well as internationally, that touch on topics related to Horticultural Therapy (HT), Therapeutic Horticulture (TH), and meaningful people/plant interactions.
Education:
For Students
Start your journey
The CHTA Horticultural Therapy Core Skills and Knowledge document summarizes the scope of topics recommended for curricula of courses and workshops that focus on HT/TH. As a student, take note of which points are covered when you participate in any HT/TH related educational programs so you can track your learning.
If you are interested in studying HT/TH or learning more about horticultural therapy as a profession, the CHTA can help point you in the right direction to suit your unique situation and needs. To get help building your pathway towards a professional HTT/HTR designation &/or for more information on HT educational programs currently available across Canada, please:
1. Review our CHTA FAQs page
2. Review current CHTA Approved Horticultural Therapy Education Opportunities (listed below)
3. Contact [email protected]
Current CHTA Approved Horticultural Therapy Education Opportunities
CHTA HORTICULTURAL THERAPY CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Offering a comprehensive review of Horticultural Therapy and an introduction to the Core Skills and Knowledge
Ann Kent, HTM Catkin Gardens
Horticultural Therapy Certificate
Explore the fields of horticultural therapy (HT), therapeutic horticulture (TH), and nature-based therapy in an exciting inter-disciplinary program.
Mitchell Hewson, HTM
Horticulture As Therapy
Mitchell Hewson is a pioneer with extensive clinical and horticultural knowledge who will guide you through this training using nature and the humanities to develop your skills as a therapist and horticulturalist.
Lynn Leach, HTR Bird's Foot
Bird’s Foot Horticultural Therapy Education series
This five-module education series includes 160 hours of immersive study along with authentic experiential learning that focuses on the core skills and knowledge recommended for professional registration with the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA).
ADDITIONAL HORTICULTURAL THERAPY COURSES
*That have undergone the CHTA Points Confirmation Process
Cheney Creamer, CHTA Chair
Re-imagining Canada’s Community Gardens
Come to this session and discover how you can help grow a community garden that invites more engagement, cultivates deeper connections, and meets more of the needs of the wider community.
Katie McGillivray, HTR
Peer Reflection in Horticultural Therapy
The purpose of this course is to introduce theories, models and benefits of peer reflection and consultation within the field of horticultural therapy (HT) and therapeutic horticulture (TH).
Please note there is a waitlist on this class.
Shelagh Smith, HTR
A Daily Nature Practice: Restorative Self-Care for Healthcare Professionals
This experiential online program is a 7-module interactive guide to savouring nearby nature for personal and professional self-care.
Become a CHTA Member
Grow Your Understanding of HT/TH
The final suggestion for students is to consider becoming a member of the CHTA. This is an incredible way to grow in your understanding of HT/TH, and to get to know other professionals and how they are practicing. Membership information and costs can be found at www.chta.ca/membership. Additional CHTA Membership benefits are to connect with a network of like-minded professionals, free access to zoom networking gatherings, a members only section on our website with resources, and additional bonuses at many of our webinars and events.
