By Danny Pettry, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BS
Image Credit: Credit:fizkes
Source:
Ellison, L. (2026, April 17). Ethics in Counseling Practice [Virtual Presentation]. Presented at the West Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor Association Conference.
The author attended this training live and has adapted these ethical scenarios specifically for recreational therapy practice.
Recreational therapists do meaningful, impactful work every day. But with that responsibility comes the need to practice ethically, maintain boundaries, and protect those we serve.
One key takeaway from this training:
👉 Boundary issues are among the most commonly reported concerns to counseling licensing boards. Counselors are required to take ethics for their licensing and certification requirements.
Below are 10 real-world scenarios that highlight ethical risks—and what recreational therapists must do to stay safe, professional, and effective.
1. The “Extra Time Trap” — When Helping Too Much Becomes Harmful
ethical boundaries in recreational therapy
Event:
A recreational therapist spends extra time with a teen who feels bullied. As a result, the client misses other scheduled services.
Why This Is an Ethical Problem:
- Creates favoritism and blurred boundaries
- Disrupts the client’s full treatment plan
- Interferes with interdisciplinary care
What Should Have Happened:
- Provide support within scheduled time limits
- Communicate concerns to the treatment team
What Needs to Happen Now:
- Re-establish boundaries
- Collaborate with the team to address bullying
- Ensure the client receives all services as planned
2. The “Helping Hand Mistake” — When Giving Money Leads to Harm
ethics in recreational therapy
Event:
A recreational therapist gives money to a client in need. The client uses it to buy drugs, overdoses, and is hospitalized.
Why This Is an Ethical Problem:
- Boundary violation and dual relationship
- Enables harmful behavior
- Bypasses proper systems of care
What Should Have Happened:
- Refer to case management
- Connect client to appropriate resources
What Needs to Happen Now:
- Document and report the incident
- Strengthen referral practices
- Maintain clear financial boundaries with clients
3. The “Take It Home” Error — A Simple Shortcut That Breaks Privacy Laws
ethics in recreational therapy
Event:
A recreational therapist takes documentation home. A family member accesses confidential client notes.
Why This Is an Ethical Problem:
- Violation of privacy laws such as HIPAA
- Breach of confidentiality
- Legal and ethical consequences
What Should Have Happened:
- Complete documentation in a secure setting
- Follow all facility policies
What Needs to Happen Now:
- Report the breach immediately
- Follow compliance procedures
- Recommit to secure documentation practices
4. The “Social Media Connection” Risk — When Boundaries Go Digital
ethics in recreational therapy
Event:
A former minor client connects with a therapist on social media and shares suicidal thoughts. The therapist misses the message. The client dies by suicide.
Why This Is an Ethical Problem:
- Boundary violation
- No clear crisis response protocol
- Creates unrealistic expectations of availability
What Should Have Happened:
- Do not accept current or former minor clients on social media
- Provide clear crisis resources at discharge
What Needs to Happen Now:
- Strengthen discharge planning with 24/7 supports
- Educate clients on appropriate crisis channels
5. The “One Training Wonder” Mistake — Practicing Beyond Competence
ethics in recreational therapy
Event:
A therapist applies a new technique after a brief training but lacks full competence. Something goes wrong.
Why This Is an Ethical Problem:
- Practicing outside scope and competence
- Risk of client harm
What Should Have Happened:
- Seek supervision and additional training
- Practice only within competence level
What Needs to Happen Now:
- Stop using the intervention
- Seek proper training and supervision
- Reflect on scope of practice
6. The “Quick Cash” Violation — Exploiting a Client
ethics in recreational therapy
Event:
A client offers extra money to buy a vape. The recreational therapist is considers doing it.
Why This Is an Ethical Problem:
- Financial exploitation
- Violation of facility rules
- Legal risks
What Should Have Happened:
- Refuse immediately
- Reinforce boundaries and rules
What Needs to Happen Now:
- Report the interaction
- Maintain professional boundaries
7. The “Dinner Table Disclosure” — When Casual Talk Breaks Confidentiality
ethics in recreational therapy
Event:
A recreational therapist shares a story about a client at a restaurant. Others nearby recognize the situation.
Why This Is an Ethical Problem:
- Breach of confidentiality
- Loss of trust
- Potential harm to client and family
What Should Have Happened:
- Never discuss client situations in public
What Needs to Happen Now:
- Reflect and recommit to confidentiality
- Maintain privacy in all environments
8. The “License Assumption” Error — Practicing Without Legal Authority
ethics in recreaitonal therapy
Event:
A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) accepts a job in a state requiring licensure but does not obtain it, claiming CTRS certification will count.
Why This Is an Ethical Problem:
- Misrepresentation
- Legal violation
- Risk to clients and employer
What Should Have Happened:
- Verify state licensure requirements beforehand
What Needs to Happen Now:
- Stop practicing until licensed
- Inform employer
- Complete licensure process
9. The “Friendly Pet” Risk — When Good Intentions Lead to Injury
ethics in recreational therapy
Event:
A recreational therapist brings an untrained pet to their hospital. A client is scratched or bitten.
Why This Is an Ethical Problem:
- Safety risk
- Lack of certification
- Liability concerns
What Should Have Happened:
- Use only trained and certified therapy animals
- Follow facility guidelines
What Needs to Happen Now:
- Report the incident
- Discontinue use of untrained animal
- Follow proper certification procedures
10. The “Role Confusion” Problem — Stepping Outside the Scope of Practice
ethics in recreational therapy
Event:
A recreational therapist attempts to function as a counselor in a behavioral health setting.
Why This Is an Ethical Problem:
- Practicing outside scope
- Role confusion
- Risk of ineffective care
What Should Have Happened:
- Provide activity-based interventions
- Facilitate therapeutic discussions during wrap-up
What Needs to Happen Now:
- Re-align with recreational therapy scope
- Collaborate with licensed professionals
- Focus on strengths-based, activity-centered care
Key Ethical Takeaways
Professor Ellison emphasized:
- “Don’t operate in isolation—that’s where people get in trouble.”
- “Have a network of people you can call for help.”
Supervision Matters (Even for CTRSs)
Being a CTRS does not eliminate the need for supervision. Strong ethical practice includes:
- Peer consultation groups
- Clinical supervision with licensed professionals
- Ethics discussions within your facility
- Mentorship from experienced therapists
- Ongoing CEU training focused on ethics
What If You See Unethical Behavior?
You have a responsibility to:
- Yourself: Maintain integrity
- Colleagues: Address concerns professionally
- Clients: Protect from harm
- Profession: Uphold standards
- Society: Ensure safe care
Take action by:
- Documenting concerns
- Consulting a supervisor or ethics board
- Following reporting procedures
Final Thought
Recreational therapy is powerful—but only when practiced ethically.
Let this be your standard:
👉 Stay within your scope
👉 Maintain boundaries
👉 Work as part of a team
👉 Ask for help when needed
Because at the end of the day, ethical practice isn’t just about rules—
it’s about protecting the people we serve.
Reference
Ellison, L. (2026, April 17). Ethics in Counseling Practice [Virtual Presentation]. Presented at the West Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor Association Conference.