PROMIS Clinics announces enhanced horticultural therapy course to aid in the treatment of addiction and behavioural disorders
London (PRWEB UK) 31 July 2013 -- Promis Rehabilitation Clinics has recently announced an overhaul of its horticultural therapy course to include a new programme designed to extend the wellbeing benefits for new and former patients by establishing a system of collaborative caretaking.
Horticultural therapy centres on engaging individuals in the cultivation of plants, and promotes physical, cognitive, emotional and spiritual healing by encouraging a connection with nature. As a non-invasive and non-threatening treatment approach that provides intellectual stimulation, it is particularly suitable for patients suffering from depression, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), eating disorders, stress, anxiety and addictions.
Promis Clinics offers a combination of short and long-term projects at its Hay Farm site that range from planting seedlings and bringing flowers to bloom to cultivating organic vegetables. The clinic has recently introduced a programme that enables clients to pass on their plants to new arrivals when they leave, thus extending the life of projects while providing all patients with a mix of quick-growing plants and long-term projects that require caretaking for past and future patients.
Former clients are also encouraged to visit to the farm and reflect on how far they, and their projects, have come since they took part in the course.
The nurturing element inherent in horticultural therapy is important for developing a sense of personal fulfilment and emotional wellbeing. Research has also shown that when people connect intimately with plants with guidance from a horticultural therapist it can improve confidence, relieve anxiety and stress, stimulate the senses and personal creativity, encourage social interaction and improve stamina and energy levels.
Robin Lefever of PROMIS Clinics comments that: “Horticultural Therapy probably has more of a footing in long term care facilities and hospitals where people are likely to be staying for extended periods but even in a few short weeks that people stay with us there are plenty of projects they can experience. This type of therapy is so flexible that there is an opportunity for everyone to express their creativity, try new things, and derive a sense of fulfilment and belonging.”
The Promis Clinics courses focus on goal-oriented sessions which take place in the Hay Farm greenhouses, patio and 12 acres of farm land. The therapy revolves around active participation, and the flexible nature of the treatment allows projects to be tailored to meet each patient’s capabilities, interests and aims while taking into account their physical and mental state.
In addition to emotional and spiritual benefits, this type of complementary therapy has been proven to provide new skills including problem solving and planning while improving concentration, building good work habits and promoting positive thinking. These skills can be further developed through more traditional treatment avenues to support overall recovery.
About PROMIS Clinics
PROMIS Rehabilitation Clinics have been helping individuals and families in the United Kingdom recover from addiction and mood disorders for over 25 years, catering to both local and international clientèle. It is one of the only clinics in the UK to have an all-year-round programme of research, making it a leader in the treatment of addictions, depression and stress related conditions.
Silva Sykes - Media and PR, PROMIS Clinics, http://promis.co.uk, +44 20 8144 7213, [email protected]
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