Growing Connections LLC cultivates deep connections to nature, community, and personal potential through participation in nature-based experiences. Evidence-based therapeutic gardening and farm-based interventions are tailored to address the diverse needs of individuals living with mental & physical limitations while utilizing individual abilities, knowledge and capacities that promote resilience
My name is Cindy Berlovitz. I am a certified recreation therapist and registered horticultural therapist. For the past 38 years I have had the joy of providing nature-based therapeutic programming and horticulture therapy for a variety of populations with physical and mental disabilities and illnesses. Most of my work has touched people in crisis undergoing inpatient mental health treatment at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and in various community settings through contracts with the MN Landscape Arboretum.
There is something magical that happens when our intentions for personal growth are intertwined with the act of care giving to plants & animals. I have seen patients in the darkest stages of depression reawakened to self care needs & coping skill practices as they care for a plant. I have seen individuals with persistent disturbing thought alteration find moments of peace & grounding while digging their hands in the dirt or connecting to sensory soothers in the garden. Residents receiving memory care reconnect with rote skills & memories while sharing stories of the past. My experiences, as well as the mountains of scientific research supporting the benefits of nature based therapeutic programming are a testament to the importance of integrating nature-based therapies into health care interventions.
Within the past five years, I have focused my work on researching and visiting social care farms in Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany and Wisconsin. In many of these places, nature based therapies are already highly recognized as highly effective treatments for inpatient mental health care. Care farming, horticultural therapy and animal assisted therapy have been thoroughly integrated into many European health care systems for decades. Through my research and practices I've learned overseas, I have created a unique program to offer these fundamental interventions to my own community.
About Horticulture Therapy
Horticulture Therapy is defined as the use of plants and plant-based activity for the purpose of human healing and well-being. Through hands-on time with plants and nature, people find real benefits — improved mood, reduced stress, sharper focus, and greater confidence.
Whether used in hospitals, care homes, schools, or community gardens, horticultural therapy meets people where they are, nurturing growth from the inside out.
About Social Care Farming
Care farming connects the healing power of farm environments with people who can benefit from intentional and purposeful time with plants and animals. Care farming is utilized as an intervention for multiple populations including those with acquired brain injury (Hassink et al., 2007), dementia (Bruin etf al., 2009; de Boer et al., 2015), substance addiction (Hine et al., 2008; Leck et al., 2015), emotional and mental unwellness (Elings and Hassink, 2008; Iancu et al., 2014), those on the autism spectum (Ferwerda-van Zonneveld et al., 2012) and within the criminal justice system (Elsey et al., 2018; Murray et al., 2016). There is a growing body of evidence showing the potential health benefits that can emerge from participation within a care farming program, such as reduced depressive symptoms (Pedersen et al., 2012), impacts on recidivism (Pretty et al., 2013), changing levels of independence (Kaley et al., 2018), increasing social interaction (Iancu et al., 2014), improving confidence, and decreasing stress (Leck et al., 2015).
