When people think of recreation, what often comes to mind is the idea of playing games, participating in a sport, or indulging in a favorite hobby. A common theme connecting these activities is the idea of doing something that is fun, relaxing, and enjoyable. But there is another important aspect of recreation that people may not be aware of. It centers on the significant power of recreation to heal individuals who are experiencing a physical, cognitive, or mental challenge because of a chronic illness, injury, or disability that affects their day-to-day life.
Therapeutic recreation, sometimes referred to as recreational therapy, is a discipline focused on the purposeful use of recreational activities and tools to improve the health and well-being of these individuals. The American Therapeutic Recreation Association defines therapeutic recreation as “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.” Recreational therapy services consist of evidence-based practices that can be delivered to individuals of any age (e.g., children, teens, adults, seniors) in a wide variety of clinical and community settings. George Mason University alum Theresa Scalzo, BS Recreation Management ‘20 who completed her degree with a Concentration in Therapeutic Recreation, recently shared her thoughts on the work she does as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Accompanying her was Brenda Wiggins, associate professor and Academic Program Co-Coordinator of the Recreation Management Program at George Mason, who mentored Scalzo as she worked toward completion of her degree.
Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Documentation (APIED)
Therapeutic recreation is based on a process that includes Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Documentation (APIED). A recreational therapist begins by having a conversation with a client to assess their needs. The objective is to learn more about the client, including what they like to do, their interests, how they interact with others, and what their goals are in relation to enhancing their happiness, health, and well-being. The recreational therapist will observe client behaviors such as irregularities in their gait, difficulties with speech, inability to concentrate, or their overall demeanor. These could indicate areas of function where the client needs support. The assessment is person-centered and structured in a way where the recreational therapist focuses their attention on the client as a whole person, recognizing their strengths and abilities.
After determining the needs of their client, a recreational therapist will plan and implement a treatment or intervention program, backed by research-based evidence, that addresses those needs. The program will incorporate recreational or leisure activities that the client enjoys doing, and which appeal to their interests. Interventions are diverse and often structured around activities involving music, art, dance, games, writing, exercising, or in some cases animal-supported therapy. The program is evaluated regularly by the recreational therapist to determine if any adjustments are necessary as they document the client's progress towards their goals.
Families can strengthen bonds and relieve stress by participating in therapeutic recreation activities together.
When working with young children, recreational therapists may invite family members to participate in program activities with their child. Not only will this provide family members with a better understanding of the treatments and interventions benefiting their child, but it can offer a fun outlet that relieves stress and makes the family a stronger unit as they care for their child’s needs.
The identity of professionals in the therapeutic recreation field recognizes their unique expertise in practices proven to enhance quality of life for their clients.
Recreational therapists frequently collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team which could include health care professionals, social workers, case managers, and other individuals who work in human services. Obtaining National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification to become a CTRS is strongly recommended by practitioners working in this field. Certification promotes a greater appreciation of the important services provided by recreational therapists in helping people navigate difficult circumstances in their lives. It also reinforces the status and identity of recreational therapists as professionals who possess expertise unique to this field. Obtaining a degree in an accredited program that offers a concentration in therapeutic recreation, such as the one available at George Mason, will go a long way in helping individuals establish a fulfilling career in this profession.
Empathy and Advocacy
Individuals who become recreational therapists often have a powerful sense of empathy and a desire to help people who are trying to overcome physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges in their lives. These characteristics explain why recreational therapists become strong advocates on behalf of their clients when it comes to ensuring they receive the appropriate treatments and interventions needed to improve quality of life and well-being. In addition, recreational therapists sometimes serve as advocates for the profession itself, especially when community-based human services programs are faced with cuts in a tightening economy. This is where detailed documentation showing how therapeutic recreation can significantly improve the lives of people contending with a chronic illness, injury, or disability can help protect and preserve these crucial programs.
To learn more about degree offerings in the Recreation Management Program at George Mason University, please visit the program website.