Open Access Article Sociology and Social Policy

The Application of Garden Therapy In Social Work Practice With Individuals with Substance Use Disorders In South Africa

Calphurnia Mmathato Rammutla (1), Modjadji Linda Shirindi (2)
(1) Department of Social Work, University of South Africa, South Africa, South Africa,
(2) Department of Social Work, University of South Africa, South Africa, South Africa
https://doi.org/10.36923/ijsser.v8i1.288

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Issue
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026): Continuous
Submitted
November 18, 2024
Published
September 21, 2025
Keywords:
    Garden therapy, therapeutic gardening, horticulture therapy, therapy, ecological system, resilience, psychosocial support, substance abuser
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Abstract

Substance use disorders (SUDs) remain a significant challenge in South Africa, with high relapse rates despite the availability of various treatment approaches. Garden therapy, although underutilized in social work, has shown potential as a therapeutic intervention that promotes personal growth, resilience, and holistic rehabilitation. This review explores the potential application of garden therapy in social work practice with male substance users in South Africa. An integrative literature review was conducted to assess and synthesize existing research on garden therapy and its relevance to substance use recovery. A structured search was undertaken using multidisciplinary databases, including Google Scholar, Taylor & Francis, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate. The PRISMA flow diagram was adapted to illustrate the screening and selection process. Twenty-eight peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed through narrative synthesis. The review identified several benefits of garden therapy, including stress reduction, improved emotional regulation, and the development of life skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving. Evidence suggests that garden therapy can complement established interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, and family therapy. Challenges to its wider adoption include limited awareness, insufficient empirical evidence, accessibility issues, cultural resistance, and the absence of therapeutic gardens in South Africa. Garden therapy represents a promising, multidimensional intervention that can enhance social work practice with individuals experiencing SUDs. Integrating garden therapy into treatment and aftercare programs may improve recovery outcomes, foster family preservation, and strengthen community reintegration. Greater research, policy support, and training for social workers are essential to realize their full potential in addressing substance misuse in South Africa.

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Authors

Calphurnia Mmathato Rammutla
Department of Social Work, University of South Africa, South Africa
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8141-7198
mathebacalifornia@gmail.com (Primary Contact)
Modjadji Linda Shirindi
Department of Social Work, University of South Africa, South Africa
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3351-6519
Author Biographies

Calphurnia Mmathato Rammutla, Department of Social Work, University of South Africa, South Africa

Ms Rammutla is a lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the University of South Africa and a dedicated PhD candidate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her role involves providing guidance to students in their experimental learning. Ms. Rammutla has extensive experience and knowledge in the field of substance abuse, trauma, and attachment. She is an enthusiastic community developer who has made remarkable contributions to various engaged scholarship projects. Ms. Rammutla has made significant contributions to the curriculum development for different higher learning institutions.

Modjadji Linda Shirindi, Department of Social Work, University of South Africa, South Africa

Linda Shirindi, a dedicated University Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work, has expertise in teaching and learning at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, focusing on students with special needs, HIV/AIDS, children, youth, and health care. She assisted with the writing of the draft article.

Rammutla, C. M., & Shirindi, M. L. (2025). The Application of Garden Therapy In Social Work Practice With Individuals with Substance Use Disorders In South Africa. Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review, 8(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.36923/ijsser.v8i1.288
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