Recreation Therapy for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Flowers for Survivors is a nature-based recreation therapy experience designed to help you feel calm, supported, and connected. Through gentle gardening tasks, guided meditation in nature, and optional reflection with others, this program creates opportunities to build positive emotions and resilience.

This program uses the broaden and build theory of positive emotions developed by Barbara Fredrickson. The theory proposes that positive emotions—such as joy, peace, and contentment—broaden a person’s worldview and foster hope. When people experience these emotions regularly, they build emotional resources that help them navigate life’s challenges.

The focus of the program is to increase positive emotions. Flowers, gardening, and time spent in nature have been shown to enhance well-being and promote positive emotional experiences. The goal is for participants to enjoy the flower farm, build self-efficacy, and form meaningful connections with others.

As illustrated below, continued positive emotions can create upward spirals that enhance overall health. This means that the more positive experiences you have, the more resilient you may become over time. In this program, we will learn about this theory while actively engaging with—and benefiting from—nature’s abundance.

What to Expect

The farm grows flowers from seed to bloom from April through October, and you will have the opportunity to help with each stage of the process. You will also receive a fresh bouquet at every session.

Each session begins with a hands-on gardening activity, such as planting seeds, and concludes with a guided nature meditation in an apple orchard.

During each session, participants will have the option to share and reflect on current emotions with the group. For example, participants may be asked, “What emotions did you notice as you arranged flowers today?” Responses might include feelings of contentment, creativity, or problem-solving. Together, we then explore ways to intentionally cultivate these positive emotions in the future.

You will be asked to complete an assessment before and after the intervention to help document any changes in positive emotions.

Your Instructor

Your sessions will be facilitated by Recreation Therapist Abby Gibbs. This is her fourth year of flower farming and her sixth year facilitating recreation therapy. She has a deep love for flowers and a strong passion for supporting others through this work.

Abby has experience working with a wide range of populations, including individuals in acute psychiatric settings, adolescents, Veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and older adults. Her master’s project at Indiana University focused on survivors of domestic violence, and she has completed extensive research to prepare for facilitating this program.

Your feedback throughout the interventions is welcomed and encouraged, as it will help improve and strengthen the program.

Medicaid/Payment

If you are on Medicaid, the sessions can be submitted to your insurance. Unfortunately, no other insurance accepts recreation therapy at this time. The cash price without Medicaid is $50 per session.

Please bring your Medicaid card to each session.

Dates

Once you've filled out the form I will send you available summer Saturday dates to sign up for a 1 hour session. You may sign up for up to 6 sessions. Each session is designed to build off of the last session. Ideally, I hope you could make it to all 6 sessions but I know schedules can be tight.

If you would like an individual session please comment in the form and I will reach out to you about a date.

If you are only able to come to one session, no worries. You won't feel behind in the program. Each session will receive detailed instruction.