Course 18 | Developing Therapeutic Relationships & Case Taking

This course aims to explore how we connect people and plants in a manner that is not merely strategic but rather grasps the opportunity for interpersonal dynamics to manifest inherently therapeutic qualities. It considers the ways by which we can conceptualize and enact developing as skilled helpers in a diversity of roles where we may assist others in accessing the potentials of herbal healing. 

The course begins with a consideration of the notion of ‘informal caring roles’, exploring the range and value of this concept. Ideas such as that of ‘domestic medicine’ are introduced. A key continuing theme running through the course is that of developing an inner therapeutic stance that leads to the manifestation of an outer therapeutic persona. Reflection on our healing motives, wants, needs, and desires are strategized and encouraged. Key points in therapeutic work are presented to provide broad guidance and safety-netting. The nature of herbs in therapeutic practice – led by pondering their inherent qualities and characteristics – is introduced to provide a plant-focus and plant-informedness in our helping roles. General case scenarios are outlined and future development is set in motion with regard to a discussion of the pivotal role of reflective practice.

After taking this course, students will be able to open dialogues with others about the capacities of herbal medicine and help navigate toward specific herbal advice in a manner that has the potential to be innately therapeutic, in addition to and beyond the eventual effects of the plants themselves.

 Upon completion of this course, you will have the ability to:

• Define your plant-based work in relation to the concept of formal and informal caring roles
• Justify the roles and value informal caring activities
• Describe your foreground and shadow motivations for engaging in healing work
• Identify and describe a range of key factors necessary for the safe, ethical, and effective implantation of therapeutic intentions
• Discuss what both healthcare advisers and healthcare seekers want/need from healing encounters
• Outline how the specific qualities and characteristics of plants as medicines actively shapes the ways in which we can work with others therapeutically
• Orient yourself toward navigating general examples of case scenarios
• Develop your therapeutic persona and strategies via reflective practice and further study