Horticultural therapist

As a horticultural therapist, you could:

• develop clients' practical and social skills, confidence and self-esteem
•  provide outdoor activities to restore strength and mobility after injury or illness
•  support clients to take horticultural qualifications or to move into work
•  work closely with other professionals like psychologists and social workers
•  manage staff and volunteers
•  draw up proposals for projects and raise funds

• knowledge of psychology
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• excellent verbal communication skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to work well with others
• leadership skills 
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• specialist courses run by private training organisations

You could use horticultural therapy as part of a wider role, like occupational therapy. With experience and further study, you could move into a supervisory role, or research.

You could become self-employed or teach and supervise trainees in therapeutic horticulture methods.