By: Danny W. Pettry II
A growth mindset, a concept developed by Carol Dweck, refers to the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort and learning rather than being fixed traits.
Rec therapists can encourage a growth mindset by providing challenges that require effort and perseverance. Celebrating failures as learning opportunities can promote resilience in clients, empowering them to confront obstacles more positively.
On September 19, Rec Therapy Today hosted a full day of presentations focused on Artificial Intelligence + Recreational Therapy. After the conference, we asked participants what they learned or gained from the experience. The responses showed both excitement and...
By: Danny Pettry, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, CTRS-BH Nicholson Baker once said: “If you ask yourself ‘What’s the best thing that happened today?’ it actually forces a certain kind of cheerful retrospection that pulls up from the recent past things to write about that you...
By Danny W. Pettry II, M.Ed. M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BH I remember hearing teachers give this advice: “Do it right the first time, and you won’t have to do it again.” It sounds like good advice. And sometimes it is. If I’m completing a task I already know how to do,...
This month we're celebrating the people who make recreational therapy great — YOU! Three lucky Rec Therapists will win a: “The Best Rec Therapist” Coffee Mug Plus... 100 people will win a FREE “The Best Rec Therapist” sticker! ...
Why I Renewed My ATRA Membership I recently renewed my annual membership with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). I first joined ATRA in 1999, and today I am proud to be a lifetime member. Over the years, I have heard nonmembers ask, “What is ATRA...
“Recreation therapy has made a difference because…” We asked recreational therapists to finish that sentence. The answers were different, but together they tell a powerful story about our profession. Recreational therapy isn't simply about keeping people busy. It...
What’s one adventure or experience you still hope to have? We recently asked recreational therapists and members of the Rec Therapy Today community one simple question: “What’s one adventure or experience currently on your bucket list?” The answers took us around the...
Recreational therapists spend a lot of time thinking about leisure. We assess interests. We plan interventions. We introduce new experiences. We adapt activities. We help people reconnect with things they once enjoyed. But what do the people we serve actually enjoy...
We spend a lot of time talking about how recreational therapists help other people discover meaningful recreation. But what do recreational therapists themselves do for fun? During a recent Rec Therapy Today giveaway, we asked our readers a simple question: “What are...
We love giveaways at Rec Therapy Today—and we especially love getting resources into the hands of recreational therapists! Congratulations to the 15 winners who will receive a copy of Chasing Fun: Alicia G. — Casa Grande, Arizona Nancy P. — Port St. Lucie, Florida...
By: Danny W. Pettry II It sounds like a scene from Mean Girls. Regina George steps into the street and—BAM. The bus test is a real question leaders sometimes need to ask: What happens to an organization if its leader suddenly isn't there? I've been thinking about that...
By Danny W. Pettry II We believe recreational therapy can change a life. We believe recreation can help someone discover strength they didn't know they had. We believe it can create connection where there was isolation. Confidence where there was doubt. Hope where...
Every company has something that makes it different. At Rec Therapy Today, we're willing to tell you ours. It isn't our courses. It isn't our newsletter. It isn't a website, conference, book, or CEU certificate. Our secret sauce is what we believe: We believe in the...
Thank you to everyone who entered our July 2026 Rec Therapy Today T-Shirt Giveaway! We appreciate the enthusiasm and support from recreational therapists across the country. Each winner will receive an exclusive Rec Therapy Today T-shirt. We hope you'll wear it with...
Thank you to everyone who entered our July 2026 Rec Therapy Today Coffee Mug Giveaway! We loved seeing so many recreational therapists participate, and we're excited to recognize this month's winners. Each winner will receive a Rec Therapy Today "Rec Therapist of the...