Horticultural Therapy and the Five Senses (with Donna Soszynski)

Join us for a workshop exploring how to integrate the five senses into horticultural practices and activities . The main focus will be on the olfactory (sense of smell). An overview of Horticultural Therapy will be presented at the start of the workshop. The olfactory cortex is in the same area of the brain where memory and emotion located. Applying the use of aroma to a personal or professional practice can be a very beneficial and powerful way to help people recall wonderful memories, as well as helping with relaxation and alertness. Association with a scent can be used as a tool. We will cover the use of essential oils, herbs (fresh and dry) and the scents of fruit, flowers, trees and more. Donna will discuss her work with different populations including anecdotal experiences with memory care communities.

Please note that we are not recording this event, as is common with Tariki Trust events. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds to people who do not show up assuming that they will get a recording.

Please note that although this event is part of the Ten Directions training course for ecotherapy practitioners, anybody can book and take part in this public online event. If you are interested, please do buy a ticket – all are welcome!

About Donna Soszynski

Donna loves connecting people to the restorative aspects of nature, to help reawaken their well-being. As a Horticultural Therapist, completing her certification at the Horticultural Therapy Program at the New York Botanical Garden, she works with children, seniors in assisting living and memory care communities, people living with cancer, and folks of all ages. In her HT work with people in Memory Care, over the past 2 years, she has witnessed the powerful connection of the olfactory sense of smell and memories. Majored in Fine Art at FIT in NYC, she studied Whole Plant based Nutrition through eCornell NY, The Art and Science of Herbalism, with Rosemary Gladstar. For many years she worked as a passionate garden teacher, in schools with children pre-k through 8th grade. Many of her students are on the spectrum; here she finds her HT can be applied in an engaging and profound way. Donna is a student of Buddhism and tea ceremonies (Chinese Gong Fu Cha and Japanese chanoyu). Her art is expressed in many different mediums, with her main focus on ceramic sculpture (loves dirt and clay) and working with calabash gourds. Diverse interests have led her to combine a love of nature, wellness, and art. Inspired by how they can bring benefit to others, Donna draws connection to each in her work. Visit Donna online at https://donnasoszynska.wixsite.com/yournewnature