Therapeutic gardening: A counseling approach for bereavement from suicide

Abstract

This article focuses on an innovative approach to treating people bereaved by the suicide of a loved one. Nature is powerful and restorative, and some research already supports the therapeutic use of nature to address grief. We outline a therapeutic gardening approach to use with survivors of suicide loss and present a case study. This approach can be used by counselors who work individually with people bereaved by suicide as a way of assisting and supporting them through their grief. Though we suggest that nature can be used as part of the therapeutic process, careful consideration should be made to ensure privacy and confidentiality. Implementing this approach requires planning and intentionality.