Recreational Activities as Therapy

Definition of recreational therapy

Recreational Activities as Therapy, also called therapeutic recreation, is a systematic approach that utilizes recreational activities to meet the needs of individuals with illnesses or disabilities. Its primary aim is to promote psychological and physical health, recovery, and overall improving life quality.

The core objective of recreational therapy is to enhance or sustain physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual functioning, enabling individuals to enjoy life fully.

The scope of recreational therapy is extensive and diverse, with a wide range of treatment services and recreational activities. Various techniques include arts and crafts, animal-assisted therapy, sports, games, dance and movement, music, and social gatherings.

Recreational therapists play a big role in treating and maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They strive to alleviate depression, stress, and anxiety and restore fundamental motor skills and cognitive abilities. It is important to note that recreational therapists differ from recreation workers, whose primary focus is organizing recreational activities for enjoyment.

Types of Recreational Therapy Activities

As part of a comprehensive recreational therapy program, you may come across various engaging recreations, each offering unique benefits. Some of the recreational therapy programs include:

Art

Engaging in artistic endeavors, such as painting, drawing, or sculpting, fosters self-expression, promotes emotional well-being, and encourages creativity.

Music

Whether playing an instrument, singing, or participating in music therapy sessions, music can have profound therapeutic effects, improving mood, reducing stress, and enhancing cognitive abilities.

Sports Games

Engaging in sports activities like basketball, tennis, or soccer promotes physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork, while also providing an outlet for releasing tension and boosting self-esteem.

Video Games

Harnessing the interactive nature of video games can improve cognitive skills, stimulate problem-solving abilities, and offer a sense of achievement and enjoyment.

Board Games

Playing board games, such as chess or Scrabble, enhances cognitive function, promotes strategic thinking, and encourages social interaction and bonding.

Animal Interactions

Animal-assisted therapy, involving interactions with therapy animals like dogs or horses, can alleviate stress, enhance emotional well-being, and improve social skills.

Dance and Movement

Participating in dance or movement therapy sessions improves physical fitness and coordination, boosts self-confidence, fosters self-expression, and enhances body awareness.

Gardening

Engaging in gardening activities, such as planting and tending to plants, nurtures a sense of responsibility, provides relaxation, and offers a connection to nature.

Storytelling

Sharing and listening to stories can be a therapeutic experience, allowing individuals to explore their emotions, gain insight, and foster a sense of connection and empathy.

Creative Writing

Writing poetry, journaling, or engaging in other forms of creative writing can serve as a means of self-reflection, self-discovery, and emotional expression.

Cooking Classes

Learning and participating in cooking classes develops practical culinary skills, promotes creativity, boosts confidence, and fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Social and Cultural Outings

Engaging in community and cultural outings, such as visiting museums, attending concerts, or exploring local landmarks, provides opportunities for socialization, broadens horizons, and enhances cultural appreciation.

Recreational Therapy and Mental Health

Therapeutic recreation, or recreation therapy, Recreation therapy is a deliberate approach that utilizes leisure, recreational, and enjoyable activities as effective interventions. It plays a crucial role in meeting the needs of individuals with illnesses and disabilities, providing advantages for their mental health and recovery.

Recreational therapy plays a crucial role in mental health treatment. Here are some important areas where it has a notable impact:

Emotional Health

Engaging in recreational activities can positively impact emotional health, fostering joy, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment.

Stress Reduction

Participating in recreational pursuits can reduce stress, helping individuals manage and cope with everyday pressures and challenges.

Enhanced Social Interaction

Recreational activities provide opportunities for socialization, allowing individuals to connect with others, build meaningful relationships, and combat feelings of isolation.

Improved Cognitive Functioning

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles or brain games can enhance cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

Increased Physical Fitness

Participating in recreational activities that involve physical movements, such as sports or dance, promotes physical fitness, coordination, and overall health.

Sense of Purpose

Therapeutic recreation offers individuals a sense of purpose and accomplishment, fostering a positive mindset and boosting self-esteem.

Therapeutic Outlet

Therapeutic recreation allows individuals to express themselves, explore their emotions, and gain insights into their experiences.

Holistic Healing

By addressing mental, emotional, and social aspects of well-being, recreational therapy embraces a holistic approach to healing, aiming to improve the overall quality of life.

Implementing Recreational Therapy A Guide to Getting Started

Recreational therapy has numerous benefits and gained recognition as a practical therapeutic approach. If you’re considering incorporating recreation as therapy, here are some key steps to get started:

1. Assess Needs:
   Begin by assessing the needs of individuals with illnesses or disabilities. The goal is to improve your quality of life. Gain a comprehensive understanding of their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social requirements to tailor the therapy accordingly.
2. Set Goals:
   Establish clear and measurable goals for the therapy sessions. Identify specific outcomes you aim to achieve, whether improving physical function or enhancing social interaction.
3. Plan Activities:
   Select a diverse range of recreational activities that align with the goals and interests of the participants. Consider art, music, sports, games, nature-based activities, or cultural outings.
4. Adaptability:
   Ensure the activities are adaptable to meet individuals’ varying needs and abilities. Modify activities or provide alternative options to accommodate physical limitations or cognitive challenges.
5. Safety First:
   Prioritize safety during recreational therapy sessions. Conduct thorough risk assessments, provide the necessary equipment, and establish clear guidelines to minimize potential hazards.

Best Practices for Implementing Recreational Therapy

To maximize the benefits of recreational therapy, consider the following best practices:

1. Professional Expertise:
   Work with certified recreational therapists (CTRS) with the required knowledge and expertise to develop and implement effective therapy programs.
2. Individualization:
   Customize therapy plans to suit each participant’s unique needs and preferences. Personalize activities, goals, and interventions to maximize engagement and outcomes.
3. Collaboration:
   Foster collaboration among the therapy team, participants, and their families or caregivers. Communicate and coordinate efforts to ensure a holistic approach and continuity of care.
4. Progress Monitoring:
   Regularly assess and track progress toward therapy goals. Use standardized assessment tools or create customized measures to evaluate improvements and make necessary adjustments.

Overcoming Common Challenges

While implementing recreational therapy, you may encounter challenges. Here are strategies to overcome them:

1. Limited Resources:
   Seek partnerships with community organizations, volunteer groups, or local facilities to access resources and expand activity options.
2. Resistance to Participation:
   Address resistance by promoting the benefits of recreational therapy, building rapport, and tailoring activities to individual interests and motivations.
3. Time Management:
   Optimize session durations and schedules to maximize engagement while considering the participants’ energy levels and attention spans.
4. Documentation:
   Implement an efficient system for documentation and record-keeping to ensure accurate and comprehensive documentation of therapy plans, progress, and outcomes.

How to Become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

Becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) entails adhering to established standards in education, experience, and continuing professional development. Individuals must apply to the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) to pursue certification. Once specific educational and experiential qualifications are met, eligibility to take the exam is established, and successful completion of the test, the CTRS credential is granted by the NCTRC.

To be eligible to register for the NCTRC certification exam, candidates must comply with the Certification Standards and Prerequisites set forth by the NCTRC. Furthermore, the NCTRC evaluates whether all professional eligibility requirements have been fulfilled through academic or equivalency paths.

The award of the CTRS credential signifies that a candidate has fulfilled NCTRC’s CTRS Certification Standards through their knowledge and experience. It serves as evidence of the recreational therapists qualification. However, it is important to note that the titles “Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist®” and “CTRS®” are restricted to those who possess the CTRS credential and comply with NCTRC’s Certification Standards.

Steps to Certification:

1. Familiarize yourself with the complete NCTRC Certification Standards.
2. Choose the appropriate Path to Certification and fulfill the corresponding requirements.
3. Access MY NCTRC LOGIN to complete and submit the Professional Eligibility Application online.
4. Register for an exam appointment and successfully pass the NCTRC Exam.

A Guide to Selecting the Right Therapist

If you are receiving therapeutic recreational therapy in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or rehabilitation clinic, you may not need to choose a therapist because they are usually already part of your treatment team.

If you are looking for a recreation therapist for yourself, an elderly family member, or a child under your care, it’s important to ask the following questions during your evaluation:

1. Does my insurance plan provide coverage for recreational therapy services?
2. Should I opt for a recreational therapist within my provider network?
3. Is the recreational therapist certified or licensed?
4. Does the therapists consider my interests and abilities when developing my treatment plan?
5. What are my objectives for recreational therapy?
6. Does the recreational therapist attentively listen to my ideas and concerns?
7. Do I feel respected and valued when collaborating with this recreational therapist?
8. Has my child or parent expressed discomfort or concerns about working with this recreational therapist?
9. Does the therapist demonstrate awareness and responsiveness to my cultural background?

When choosing a therapist, it’s important to prioritize your needs and emotions, especially since your interaction with them can last from several weeks to months.

Just a quick reminder that it’s completely okay to switch therapists or stop therapy sessions if you feel the need to, without having to give a specific reason.

Conclusion

Participating in enjoyable and meaningful recreational activities can promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This form of therapy can lead to reduced stress, improved cognitive function, stronger social connections, and an overall better quality of life. Recreational therapy is a specialized field that uses these activities to meet the specific therapeutic goals of individuals with disabilities, illnesses, or injuries.

Recreational therapy encourages personal growth, self-expression, and the development of important skills through play, leisure, and creativity. It allows individuals to discover themselves, feel empowered, and cultivate a positive attitude. Additionally, it can help with rehabilitation by assisting in recovering physical strength, mobility, and confidence.

Therapeutic recreational activities are successful when they are personalized to suit each person’s abilities, interests, and goals. This approach, which focuses on the individual, allows them to take an active role in their own healing journey, promoting a sense of autonomy and empowerment.

As the field of recreational therapy continues to evolve, it remains a valuable and effective modality within the broader spectrum of healthcare and rehabilitation. By recognizing and harnessing the therapeutic potential of recreation, we can enhance the lives of individuals, enabling them to overcome challenges, maximize their potential, and experience the joys and benefits of engaging in meaningful activities.