Research Papers
Plant Material Arrangement in Therapy
Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, Volume VI 1991; Nili Sneh, M.Ed., John Tristan, M.S., HTR
An innovative method of therapy is described in which flower and plant material arrangements are used as a form of communication between client and therapist. A theme arrangement allows for the expression of personal subject matter in a unique and creative way. Open discussion and thoughtful interpretation can then lead to problem resolution and/or reinforce desired personality traits.
Introduction
The use of flowers to express human emotions is a ancient and honored tradition. As a part of the culture of every country, many plants have symbolic meanings. Seasonal activities, holidays and special events are all represented by specific flowers and plants. They have become an integral part of our self-awareness in relation to the social and natural environment in which we live. Flowers and other plant materials accompany the human being from the day of birth until death and beyond as funeral bouquets and annual grave centerpieces. (Janick, 1989).
Our creative use of flower arrangements that seek to represent the harmony between man and nature is the Japanese art of Ikebana. This art is a way in which flowers, branches and leaves are arranged to tell a story. It aims to present the universe in a balanced form of three natural forces: heaven, humans and earth. Traditional placement of components in the arrangement allow for humans to be located between the branches representing heaven and earth (Ohara, 1970). Inspiration comes from the four seasons and is an important part of the daily life in Japan. Ikebana is highly valued for the visual and spiritual elements it simply displays (March – Penny, 1976).
The meaning of colors and lines to help us realize our self-awareness has also evolved with the western development of art therapy. The visual tells us the feelings and meanings that are the creative force behind what we see in a drawing (Ulman and Cachinger, 1975). Clients use paints creatively in exploring aspects of themselves that they revealed in the finished work of art. Careful viewing and discussion can tell us much about a person’s nature. The ability to grow and change, to “see” one’s life and feelings more clearly evolve as a therapeutic process.
Arranging plant material can also be “viewed” in this context. Uniquely, it is a living medium growing in nature for us to discover. How we relate and choose plant material to represent our lives is the key to its meaning.
On a mass cultural scale, an important industry employing thousands of growers and retail florists has been developed by the need to produce floral and plant arrangements for holidays and special occasions. Consumers can purchase arrangements to suit their intent for the specific purpose of expressing a wide range of emotions. A simple bouquet or an elegant arrangement can portray joy and happiness, sorrow and grief, or gratitude and pride. The variety is impressive and is a popular, readily available means for many. The beneficial effects of work and creative involvement with plants has also enriched the lives of many clients and the general public. This article describes an innovative method of plant and flower arrangement for therapeutic purposes. Originating from the art of Ikebana, art therapy and horticultural therapy, it draws strongly upon counseling and psychology.
Description
The materials (plant branches and flowers) that nature provides can be used to represent a stage or situation in a client’s life. Clients can be helped to relate these materials to inner feelings, and by doing so can be helped to transform unconscious thoughts into awareness. Understanding can lead to the clarification of problems, resolutions, or can suggest pathways to a more contented life style.
A part of our self-expression is to arrange in our own way. We arrange our homes, the office in which we work, the clothes we wear. The form, line, and color of these arrangements can tell us much about our personalities, if we take the time to observe. By arranging plant materials, the client can use the inherent dialogue between human feeling and natural materials to help express the uniqueness of their situation. When clients understand and express new understanding, they become more free, and allow themselves to grow. This is analogous to plant growth. Plant materials enable the client to reveal the special arrangement of his unique self. It creates a safe “world” to experiment with new ways of being.
The wealth and diversity of plant materials can be used to show a multitude of characteristics by direct analogy. A flexible stem/pliant attitude; a delicate-edged leaf/a sensitive nature; wilted/sad; open flower/boldness; closed bud/shyness; pointed leaves/defensive; thick, turgid stem/strength; broad, green leaf/strength; white flower/purity; thorns/pain. These are a few examples of the any possibilities of human characteristics that can be exhibited through plants.
Methods and Procedures
Clients are first shown some of the possibilities that the material at hand might project. This use of specific examples can underscore some of the creative options and can stimulate creative ideas; this is a concept that must be appreciated and understood before proceeding. Suggestions can be made and reviewed through demonstration, calling attention to various plant materials and flower characteristics. It is recommended that a wide range of materials, types, colors, and textures selected should be left totally up to the discretion of the client; the client should be given a free hand to create an arrangement with any or all materials available. Materials may be cut, bent, or re-shaped into whatever form deemed appropriate. The therapist should provide encouragement to prompt a client’s creative ability and should provide confidence to let these materials express client feelings. It is important to provide a relaxed atmosphere. The use of calm background music can be beneficial, providing an atmosphere conductive to introspection and private thought.
Central to the method is the theme of the arrangement. This is the chosen, mutually agreed upon subject goal of the process. This theme can be based on self, family, a specific relationship, a job, or on any current, past or future situation. It is the broad skeleton on which the client will display, with choice and positioning of plants and flower, his innermost feelings. Anything that troubles or concerns the client, or brings happiness and pride, can be chosen as a subject theme. In a deeper sense, the client is re-creating his own world, building symbols to express life. It is a positive way of physical action and expression that is creative. The empty container, much like the blank page, await the color and form that will tell their story.
Discussion and Interpretation
When completed, the therapist must encourage a dialogue with the client to describe the arrangement and explain its meanings. Asking for an original title to name the arrangement can be an effective way of beginning a discussion. Prompts are made by questions. It is important to listen quietly and to ask about their feelings in a deliberate manner, taking care not to put words the client’s expression. Let the client provide the feelings in a deliberate manner, taking care not to put words in the client’s expression. Let the client provide the descriptive details. Client centered methods of dialogue are appropriate (Rogers, 1951). By beginning a communication process in this manner, the therapist allows the client to unfold at his own rate. The symbolic use of flowers and plant materials allows the therapist to approach often painful subjects that might not otherwise be directly confronted.
It is a visual way of using an arrangement to “see” life and allowing the “means” or ability to express it. Which materials were chosen and how they were used is uniquely important and symbolic for each individual client. The placement, size, color, shape or position of the selected plant materials are integral to the overall meaning of the arrangement. It is the client’s personal interpretation of the theme that is of primary importance.
After expression of the theme, it may be appropriate for the therapist to suggest or seek ways to help resolve problem areas and/or underscore positive aspects. The arrangement could be changed, items removed or added, positions or materials changed at will. The goal here is to allow self-directed change as a way of resolution. The arrangement is made by and can be changed by the client, or left as is. With the arrangement, movement is possible. The analogy to life change is also possible but usually more difficult.
Arranging branches strengthens the feeling that “I” arrange the plant materials and as I do it, I have the capability to organize my inner resources according to my daily necessities. I am the one who creates this arrangement, and I have the capability to change the arrangement the way I feel like. This creates a safe “world” in which to experiment new ways of being.
Summary
Flowers and plant materials may be arranged free-form to represent a personal theme using Ikebana, art therapy and horticultural therapy as a part of the therapy mode. This is a powerful way of creatively expressing one’s feelings about a life situation or relationship. The therapist, through discussion, can help open and reveal painful areas to seek resolution or emphasize strengths to reinforce positive elements in a client’s life.
References
- Janick, J. 1989. Plants and human culture. Keynote address, The role of horticulture in human well-being and social development. Arlington, Virginia, unpublished.
- March-Penny, J. 1976 The Masters’ Book of Ikebana. Purnell & Sons Ltd. Poulton Avon, England
- Ohara, H. 1970. Ikebana – The Creative Tradition. Kodansha International Ltd. Japan.
- Rogers, C. 1951. Client-centered Therapy. Houghton Mifflin, Boston.
- Ulman, A. and P. Cachinger. 1975. Art Therapy: Problems of Definitions. In: Art Therapy in Theory and Practice. Eds, A. Ulman and P. Cachinger. Suchon Books, New York
About the authors
Nili Sneh is a Master of Ikebana, Ohara – Japan, trained in expressive therapy at the Art Institute, Israel, an affiliate of Lesley College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has a M.Ed. in Counseling and Expressive Therapy, University of Massachusetts Amherst.
John Tristan is the director of the Horticultural Training Program at Durfee Conservatory, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, and is an instructor of horticulture with the Division of Continuing Education, University of Massachusetts Amherst.
