IC39: Nature as Co Therapist in Rehabilitation

Monday, November 7, 2022

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Presenter(s)

MW

Matthew J. Wichrowski, MSW, HTR

Clinical Associate Professor
Rehabilitation Medicine New York University Grossman School of Medicine
St., Bohemia, New York, United States
ZALIHA BINTI OMAR, M.B,B.S, FRCP(Glasg), FAFRM, DMR (RCP, Lond)

Visiting Professor
Fujita Health University
Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan

Moderator(s)

SA

Salmah Anim Abu Hassan, Rehabilitation Physician, MBBS,MRehabMed (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor
Department of Orthopaedics, Traumatology & Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia
Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

The benefits of nature exposure and the use of nature-based therapies in healthcare is of current interest. Join us as we as we explore factors influencing our relationship with nature and discuss theories explaining the benefits of interacting with nature including Biophilia Hypothesis, Attention Restoration Theory and the effects of learning on our perceptions of the natural world. Next, we address the concept of therapeutic landscape design utilizing international case studies to provide examples of features that aid in general wellness and the rehabilitative process. Lastly, we cover the definition and use of horticultural therapy, with discussion on prescribed garden activity, patient goals and the rehabilitative process. The course finishes with participants engaging in an exercise where they will design a therapeutic space and plan nature-based activities aimed at meeting personal and program goals in a variety of settings.

Learning Objectives:

1. promote the use of gardens as nature-based therapies in healthcare
2. explore factors influencing our relationship with nature and discuss theories explaining the benefits of interacting with nature including Biophilia Hypothesis, Attention Restoration Theory, and the effects of learning on our perceptions of the natural world.
3. introduce the concept of therapeutic landscape design utilizing internationally case studies to provide examples of features that aid in general wellness and the rehabilitative process
4. be able to define and understand use of horticultural therapy, with discussion on prescribed garden activity, patient goals and the rehabilitative process.
5.. experience designing a therapeutic space and plan nature-based activities aimed at meeting personal and program goals in a variety of settings