Flowers for Survivors
Recreation Therapy Program for survivors of domestic violence
The Flowers for Survivors program was developed specifically for survivors of domestic violence. It uses the Broaden and Build Theory of Positive Emotions by Barbara Fredrickson's. She believed the that positive emotions such as joy, peace, and contentment broaden a person's world view producing hope. People who experience these positive emotions frequently, then build personal emotional resources that help people through life's challenges.
Our focus in the Flowers for Survivors recreation therapy program is to increase your positive emotions. Flowers, gardening, and nature have all been proven to increase positive emotions. The goal is for you to enjoy the flower farm, build self-efficacy, and form connections with other participants.
What to Expect
The farm will grow flowers from seed to bloom from April to October and you will get to help with the task! You will also get a fresh bouquet at each session.
Each session will start with a gardening task such as planting seeds and end with a nature meditation in an apple orchard. There will be an option to express current emotions with the group.
You will be asked to fill out an assessment before and after the intervention to document your progress.
Your Instructor
Your sessions will be facilitated by Recreation Therapist Abby Gibbs. This is her third year flower farming and 5th year facilitating recreation therapy. She loves all things flowers and helping people through that passion.
Abby has had experience with many different populations including acute psych, adolescents, Veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and older adults.
Her masters project at Indiana University is centered around survivors of domestic violence. Countless hours of research has been devoured in order to be prepared to facilitate this program. Please provide you feedback throughout the interventions to improve the program.
Medicaid/Payment
If you are on Medicaid, I can submit the sessions through your insurance. Unfortunately, no other insurance accepts recreation therapy at this time. The cash price without Medicaid is $50 per session.
Please include a picture of your Medicaid card in the form below.
Dates
Once you've filled out the form I will send you available dates to sign up for a 2 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.