What is a Recreational Therapist?
Recreational therapists use recreational therapy interventions for improved functioning of individuals with illness or disabling conditions.
A qualified recreational therapist is someone who is nationally certified as a
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), usually referred to as Recreational Therapists.
Learn more ➔ National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
What is Recreational Therapy?
As defined by the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA):
"Recreational therapy (RT), also known as therapeutic recreation (TR), is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being.
Further, 'Recreational Therapy' means a treatment service designed to restore, remediate and rehabilitate a person's level of functioning and independence in life activities, to promote health and wellness as well as reduce or eliminate the activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life situations caused by an illness or disabling condition."
Learn more ➔ ATRA: About Recreational Therapy.
Why Recreational Therapy?
Recreational therapy treats and helps maintain the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of individuals by seeking to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety, recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities, build confidence; and socialize effectively.
Recreational therapy includes, but is not limited to, providing treatment services and recreation activities to individuals using a variety of techniques including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings.
Recreational therapy should not be confused with organizing recreational activities primarily for enjoyment.
Recreational therapy was founded by the Veterans Administration (VA).
Learn more ➔ History of Recreation Therapy in the VA
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