Humans and plants have been in close association for ages. Horticultural therapy is the engagement of a person in gardening and plant-based activities, facilitated by an expert, to achieve therapeutic goals.
So, how exactly can horticultural therapy benefit you? Studies have shown that horticultural therapy has extensive benefits for both, physical as well as psychological health. It can help control anxiety and panic attacks and it has shown significant reduction in stress levels among those who are engaged in horticulture.
Horticultural therapy increases the level of EQ (Emotional Intelligence) and as a result, the participants of the activity deal with others in an empathetic way and it results in improved relationships in personal, social, and professional areas.
In this workshop, participants will be guided as to how they can improve their lives, attain success and happiness and reduce their stress by participating in horticultural activities in multiple ways.
They will also be provided guidance as to how they can continue the practice on their part independently. The necessary know-how will also be shared about the gardening methods and techniques.
Date: 14 March 2020
Time: 3 to 6 PM
Cost: Rs. 1,200 per person (includes the cost of materials)
Place: Alliance Française de Karachi (AFK)
How to register:
To sign up, please contact the workshop facilitator, Farooq Parekh, at +92 321 2117671 by Whatsapp or visit the AFK reception. Our reception is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
About the trainer:
Farooq Parekh's extensive experience of teaching and training is spread over a period of two decades and extends to a wide variety of streams and audiences. He is an Art Therapy practitioner and conducts art therapy workshops at T2f and other organisations. He is the founder of Sunflower Mantra, a training platform which has been founded with a purpose to inspire people to be able to attain their goals and lead happy lives.
Farooq is a proponent of integrating art and soft skills into the curriculum rather than labeling these crucial skills an 'extra' curricular activities. He has recently acquired training in 'Horticulture Therapy' from New York Botanical Garden, USA and in "Creating Arts through movement and dance' from Segni Mossi' in Rome, Italy.
Additionally, he has trained and guided teachers, parents, youth, and members of corporate sector with some national and multinational organisations. For more than a decade, he has also been engaged as a visiting faculty member for A' level Sociology and Psychology at prestigious schools and colleges including Karachi Grammar school (KGS), Nixor College, Southshore, The City School, Beaconhouse School System. His qualifications include degrees in Sociology and History. He has acquired education from University of Karachi and University of Amsterdam in Netherlands. He has travelled extensively and has attended numerous conferences and trainings locally and internationally.
Farooq is involved in a diversified array of pursuits that include teaching, teacher training, public speaking, life coaching, and writing for newspaper and magazines. He is known for his tailor-made sessions to help families, individuals and groups in managing stress, organizing their lives, getting rid of unwanted habits and attaining happiness.