Name: Shae Pickett
Credentials: B.S., CTRS
Practice Setting: Behavioral Health & Psychiatry (Acute and Residential)
Location: Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Why I Became a Recreational Therapist

I often say that recreation therapy chose me.

I originally entered college pursuing a different major. During a challenging period, I met with my academic counselor and was introduced to therapeutic recreation through a brochure. At the time, I didn’t fully review it—but I made the decision to change my major so I could stay on track to graduate.

As I progressed through the recreation program and gained a deeper understanding of therapeutic recreation, I quickly realized how perfectly it aligned with my passions. With a background in dance and sports, becoming a recreation therapist allowed me to integrate the activities and interests I love into my professional practice.

Through recreation therapy, I’ve been able to connect with patients in meaningful ways and teach effective coping skills rooted in their own interests and strengths.

Why Recreational Therapy Matters

Recreation therapy matters because it meets people where they are and reminds them that healing can exist alongside joy, connection, and purpose. It’s not just about activities—it’s about restoring quality of life, building coping skills, and helping individuals reconnect with parts of themselves that illness, trauma, or life circumstances may have diminished.

This became especially meaningful to me in 2025, my fifth year as a CTRS. While that milestone should have felt celebratory, my personal life was extremely challenging. I experienced significant depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts more intensely than I ever had before, while still showing up to work each day as a recreation therapist.

In those moments, being present with my patients and engaging in activities we genuinely enjoyed together became a source of grounding and relief. During groups and one-on-one sessions, I found myself less focused on my internal struggles and more engaged in the moment.

That experience reminded me of the power of recreation therapy—not only for the individuals we serve, but also for the human connection it fosters.

Living this firsthand reaffirmed why recreation therapy matters. I saw, felt, and understood that the work we do truly helps people cope, heal, and find moments of peace, even in the midst of hardship. Recreation therapy creates space for hope, self-expression, and resilience, and it has reinforced my commitment to this profession and the impact it has on lives every day.

What People Often Don’t See About Recreational Therapy

One thing people outside the profession often don’t see is the clinical intent behind the activities.

What may look like “just games” or leisure time is actually purposeful treatment. Recreational therapists are constantly assessing coping skills, emotional regulation, social interaction, and progress toward goals—while adapting activities to meet each individual’s needs.

We also create safe, nonjudgmental spaces where patients often open up in ways they may not elsewhere. Recreation therapy isn’t about keeping people busy. It’s about using meaningful activities to support healing, growth, and improved quality of life.

That’s why we’re often called “the fun therapist”—and why so many patients, clients, and residents connect deeply with what we do.

🧡 Thank You, Shae

Thank you, Shae, for sharing your story, your honesty, and your heart for recreational therapy. Your reflection is a powerful reminder that RT heals not only those we serve, but also those who provide it.

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