Recreational Therapy

Recreational Therapy

The Allied Health profession I have chosen to do my project on is Recreational

Therapy. When someone is in the profession of recreational therapy, they are known as

recreational therapists, or therapeutic recreation specialists. Recreational therapists or therapeutic recreation specialists provide treatments and recreation activities to individuals with illnesses or disabling conditions to improve or maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being and help reduce depression, stress, and anxiety. They help individuals recover basic motor skills and reasoning abilities, build confidence and socialize more effectively. Treatments may include arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings. Recreational therapists are required to assess each individual client, using information gathered from the client, client’s family, observation, medical staff, assessments, and medical records. After they assess the client, the recreational therapist is required to develop and carry out therapeutic interventions consistent with the client’s needs and interests. As the recreational therapist works with the client, he/she is required to observe and document the client’s participation, reactions, and progress.

Recreational therapist, work closely with physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist. Recreational therapist work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term facilities, residential care facilities, adult daycare centers, and schools. Recreational therapists usually work with clients in a special activity room. Sometimes they do have to go outside in the community when rehabilitating the client to the community and how to go about using community services and facilities. Some therapists choose to work part-time for different employers, which require them to travel some.

In order to become a recreational therapist, there are some education...