Using experiential learning to guide Therapeutic Conversation

Experiential learning is an engaged learning process in which participants "learn by doing" and reflect on the experience.

Hannah Penniman, a Bachelor’s Level intern working on a psychology degree with a concentration in Addiction counseling, did an experiential learning activity with our Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) clients. The activity involved potting succulent plants. 

Hannah brought in some succulents, pots, and soil for the IOP clients so they could get some hands-on experience with potting plants. She chose this because many studies support the hypothesis that potting plants can reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and serve as a connection to nature. After all, it is very therapeutic. Additionally, she wanted to try something new with the clients that is more covertly therapeutic, so there was less resistance to doing the activity, which proved effective. The clients enjoyed this activity and got a lot out of it. For example, some of the questions asked helped clients realize that taking care of a plant is similar to taking care of themselves. They must provide things that will help them grow and nourish themselves in many ways. She asked how it related to recovery, and the clients discussed that taking care of a plant means you need to be gentle with yourself and do things that will help them grow as a person, meaning they could reduce their triggers and intake of substances to become more healthy and stable as a person. At the end of the activity and discussion, the clients could take the succulents home, and they discussed that it would help them have a sense of responsibility in their lives to care for a living thing. 

Here are some photos of the succulents the clients potted:

Succulents potted during the group activity

Succulent Planting Activity

Why are we doing this activity?

·      Taking care of plants to support mental health has been a topic of research for many years.

·      There are currently studies that suggest loads of benefits from interacting with nature such as planting plants and being in parks during the day.

·      Having a connection with nature and being surrounded by plants has been correlated to better mental health such as a heightened sense of well-being, improved and stable moods, a decrease in stress/mental distress, an increase in attention span and memory, and even improved sleep patterns.

·      As we go on this journey through each of your own situations, difficulties, and lives I hope that being in touch with a plant will help you have a sense of responsibility to keep it alive and foster feelings of happiness and calm.

What do I do with this thing after today?

·      Succulents are one of the most resilient plants, they can take lots of neglect and lack of water as long as it has good and sufficient lighting.

·      Lighting: I suggest putting a succulent in an east, south, or north facing window.

·      Watering: I suggest watering the succulent at least once a week or when the soil is dry. Honestly, they can go months without water but to help them grow bigger watering once a week would be ideal.

·      Just have some fun with it because this isn’t high stakes, and it is just for your enjoyment.