Green Care: A Conceptual Framework - Frisk i naturen

aware of it. This is very similar to using the transference in psychoanalytic
psychotherapy. The process also works by the development of a safe and
trusting relationship, in which emotional intersubjectivity and validation is
experienced; for some people this may not be possible with other humans.
The process itself, with or without analysis, can be experienced as healing
and promoting of personal growth.
In the overall field, two models are generally described: triangular and star
shaped (see Fine, 2006). These are shown in Figure 3.5. The star shape
involves four participants: patient, therapist, animal handler and the animal,
whilst in the triangular model, there is the patient, the animal and the
therapist (who is also the handler).
Figure 3.5: Models of therapist involvement in animal assisted interventions
PATIENT
OR CLIENT
ANIMAL
(Adapted from Fine, 2006)
THERAPIST
PARENT
OR CLIENT
ANIMAL
THERAPIST
ANIMAL
HANDLER
In horticultural therapy the therapist works with the client to achieve
specific goals. These may be the development of particular motor functions,
work skills or psychological well-being through the use of horticulture. The
UK charity Thrive uses the following definition of horticultural therapy
agreed by practitioners in 1999. This also highlights the key role of the
therapist.
“Horticultural therapy is the use of plants by a trained
professional as a medium through which certain clinically
defined goals may be met.”
Horticultural therapy has a pre-defined clinical goal similar to that found
in occupational therapy. This distinguishes it from therapeutic horticulture
which is directed towards improving the well-being of the individual in
a more generalised way (see Sempik et al, 2003, p. 3). The horticultural
therapist enables the client to carry out tasks successfully and so has to
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