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Healing Spaces: Gardening Activities For Stress-Reduction, Leslie Dietz

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The therapeutic benefits of peaceful garden environments have been understood since ancient times. As healthcare professionals begin to recognize the benefits of using the natural environment and plants as a therapy modality, Horticultural Therapyis emerging in many hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities around the country. The purpose of this project was to create a resource manual for use in a group home for people living with HIV/AIDS and comorbid mental illness. The manual, which will be used by volunteer “CareTeams” working in the home, offers ideas on creating a healing space for the residents, as well as therapeutic …