Do You Need Rec Therapy CEUs?

As we close out 2025, here’s what our Rec Therapy Today community is celebrating, learning, and loving.

Rec Therapy Today — TRUSTED by Rec Therapists Everywhere

🗣️ Our Rec Therapy Today Community Speaks

What Recreational Therapists Love About Our Profession

This month, we asked the Rec Therapy Today community what they love most about being a Recreational Therapist. The responses were overwhelmingly positive, heartfelt, and inspiring. Here are the biggest themes that emerged.

❤️ 1. Helping Others Grow, Heal, and Smile

More than half of responses centered on the joy of making a difference:

• “Helping people by giving them purpose and better quality of life.”

• “Seeing my patients thrive and get well.”

• “We get to see smiles every day—very rewarding!”

• “I love making people’s lives a bit better.”

Many therapists shared that they fell in love with the field because it lets them bring joy and improvement to others’ lives in real-time.

🎯 2. Watching Progress and Transformation

These comments came up often:

• “Watching the progress of clients after interventions!”

• “Seeing people who never left their room start participating again.”

• “Playing with a purpose.”

• “Helping people reach goals they never thought possible.”

RTs love that this field is hope in motion.

🧠 3. Rehabilitation, Purpose, and Meaningful Therapy

Recreational Therapy isn’t just “activities” — it’s skilled treatment:

• “Skilled therapy.”

• “Meaningful occupation to help people heal and grow.”

• “Helping people rehab and being a part of it.”

• “Clients don’t even realize they’re doing therapy!”

Our community loves that RT changes lives through fun, meaningful, and creative treatments.

🌈 4. Versatility and Flexibility

A huge theme:

• “I love the versatility of my job.”

• “Anything can be Rec Therapy!”

• “The wide variety of people we get to work with.”

• “Every day is different!”

RTs appreciate that they can work almost anywhere, with anyone, across the lifespan.

👏 5. The Profession Fills Their Cup

Therapists shared the personal meaning they experience:

• “The impact I make on lives.”

• “It still fills my cup after all these years.”

• “I love every aspect of my job.”

• “I love being part of people’s recovery.”

RT is not just a job — for many, it’s a calling.

📚 6. Easy Access to Education, CEUs, and Growth

There were many responses specifically about Rec Therapy Today:

• “Affordable and convenient CEUs.”

• “The resources, webinars, and ideas.”

• “The CEU bundles and giveaways!”

• “Everything is updated and helpful.”

• “All of my CEUs are handled here.”

This community loves professional growth and ongoing learning, and we are happy to serve that need.

💬 7. The Big Picture: Why We Love Rec Therapy

One respondent summed it up perfectly:

“Everything! RT reaches every human right where they are and impacts quality of life in a way no other field can.”

That’s exactly why our profession matters.

💙 Thank you to everyone who shared!

Your voices reflect what makes Recreational Therapy special:
creativity, compassion, joy, resilience, skills, human connection, and hope.

And that’s worth celebrating.

Do You Need Rec Therapy CEUs?

🧠 Why Rec Therapists Delay CEUs… and What They Told Us They Need Most

This month, we asked Rec Therapy Today readers why CEUs get postponed. The answers were honest, real, and remarkably consistent across the profession. Here’s what our community shared.

Top reasons RTs delay CEUs

Most recreational therapists don’t avoid CEUs because they don’t care. They delay because life is full:

• Too busy with work or family

• Time pressure and scheduling

• Mental load and distraction

• Competing responsibilities

• Cost or lack of employer support

• “I still have plenty of time…”

In other words, the barriers aren’t about motivation—they’re about overload.

The consequences of waiting are serious

When we asked what might happen if CEUs aren’t done in time, the answers came with urgency:

• Losing certification

• Retaking the exam

• Panic and last-minute stress

• Loss of employment

• Audit or penalties

Some respondents said it plainly:

“I could lose my job.”

“I might not get recertified.”

The community knows what’s at stake.

But here’s the good news—why CEUs matter

When asked about the benefits of completing CEUs, the answers were powerful and inspiring:

• Staying certified and confident

• Better patient care

• Staying current with interventions

• Job security

• Career growth

• Peace of mind

One line captured it perfectly:

“CEUs help me grow as a professional and help my clients.”

This is the heart of why we’re in this field.

The most surprising result

We asked how motivated you are (on a scale of 1–10) to get CEUs done.

Almost EVERYONE answered:

8, 9, or 10.

The desire is there. The passion is there. The commitment to professional growth is there.

And this next result is important:

When asked how likely you are to actually DO the CEUs before the deadline, many people scored themselves lower.

This tells us something big:

We don’t lack motivation—
we lack time, structure, and easy access.

The Solution Is Simple

There’s an easier way to stay certified and eliminate the stress, overwhelm, and last-minute scramble.

✔ Self-paced

✔ Online

✔ Affordable

✔ Created specifically for Recreational Therapists

RecTherapyToday.com is the #1 self-study CEU provider for Rec Therapists.

Our community deserves CEUs that are:

• accessible

• convenient

• evidence-based

• AND stress-free

We designed our courses to help you get your CEUs done without the barriers that stop so many professionals from starting.

Your certification matters. Your work matters. Your time matters.

And we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Introducing the Elite CEU Membership

Recreational therapists are always learning, growing, and sharpening our skills so we can better serve the individuals and communities we work with. But earning CEUs can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially with busy schedules, shift changes, and the constant demands of the job.

That’s why we created the Elite CEU Membership at Rec Therapy Today.

Our mission has always been to make continuing education easier and more empowering for Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists and allied professionals. The Elite Membership takes that mission to the next level—with benefits designed for real-world therapists.

Kick-Start Your Membership With 30 Clock Hours

When you join, you don’t start from scratch. You immediately receive:

• 30 clock hours of CEU Courses already in your account to get you moving toward your requirements right away.

• These courses cover popular and relevant topics for recreational therapy practice.

• Instant access—no waiting, no expiration, no deadlines.

This is your jump-start to professional development.

Plus Ongoing Monthly CEUs

Elite members also receive:

• A brand-new 90-minute CEU course added every month

• Courses designed around the NCTRC job analysis and emerging clinical trends

• Expert instruction from therapists in the field

• On-demand learning you can complete anytime

We built this model so you can stay current without stress or uncertainty.

Why We Built This for You

Recreational therapists deserve continuing education that is:

• affordable

• accessible

• practical

• and relevant to the work you do every day

The Elite Membership is here to support your professional journey—not complicate it.

Created for the Rec Therapy Community

This program reflects our core belief:

When therapists are well-trained, confident, and supported, our clients benefit the most.

Whether you work in behavioral health, long-term care, pediatrics, geriatrics, rehabilitation, or any other setting, this is designed to help you grow.

Join Us!

If you’re ready for CEUs that are easier, more consistent, and more meaningful, we’d love to welcome you as an Elite Member.

Here’s to learning, growing, and helping our profession continue to shine.

Learn more or join today:

🐾 Rec Therapy Today Community Question:

What’s your favorite animal?

We asked Rec Therapy Today readers a simple question—and the responses were amazing! Our community loves a whole zoo of creatures. Here are some of the most popular picks:

🐶 Dogs led the pack!

Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Greyhounds, Dachshunds—if it barks or wags its tail, it showed up many times.

“Dogs of course!”

“My dog, obviously.”

🐱 Cats were right behind

Maine Coon, house cats, black kitty named Boo, and more.

“Cats, cats, and Panda Bears!”

🦁 🐘 🐧 The animal kingdom showed up big!

We loved seeing the variety:

• Elephants

• Penguins

• Otters

• Giraffes

• Dolphins

• Horses

• Bison

• Hedgehogs

• Red Panda

• Sea turtle

• Flamingo

• Stingray

• Shoe-billed stork!

One reader even wrote:

“COWS!!! 100%”

We admire the enthusiasm.

🐾 And then some surprises…

Our community also loves:

• Platypus

• Orangutans

• Meerkats

• Manatees

• Axolotls

• Bees

• Monarch butterflies

Clearly, Rec Therapists appreciate ALL creatures great and small.

💬 Why we ask questions like this

Because YOU are the heartbeat of this community.

Whether it’s therapy skills, continuing education, activity ideas, or just getting to know each other—your voice matters here.

Inspiration for the Month 

Humor for the Month 

Infographics for the Month

Holidays and Observations

Month-Long Observances

• National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

• Safe Toys and Gifts Month

• Spiritual Literacy Month

• Learn a Foreign Language Month

• National Cat Lovers’ Month

• National Eggnog Month

• Bingo’s Birthday Month

Key Days in December 2025

December 1

• World AIDS Day

• Rosa Parks Day

• Cyber Monday

• National Christmas Lights Day

December 2

• International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

• Giving Tuesday

December 3

• International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 4

• World Wildlife Conservation Day

December 5

• International Volunteer Day

December 7

• National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

December 8

• Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 9

• International Anti-Corruption Day

December 10

• Human Rights Day

December 14–22

• Hanukkah (first night evening of Dec 14, celebrations through Dec 22)

December 15

• Bill of Rights Day

December 17

• Wright Brothers Day

December 18

• International Migrants Day

• World Arabic Language Day

December 21

• First Day of Winter (Winter Solstice)

• World Meditation Day

December 24

• Christmas Eve

December 25

• Christmas Day

December 26

• Kwanzaa begins (Dec 26–Jan 1)

• Boxing Day

December 31

• New Year’s Eve

Rec Therapy Today — CEU Reminders:

Activity Ideas for the Month

1. Winter Wishes Garland

Supplies: Construction paper, markers, ribbon, hole punch
Instructions:

• Cut paper into small cards

• Write a positive message or winter wish

• Decorate

• Punch holes and string onto ribbon
  Discussion Questions:

• What is one positive thing you want for winter?

• How does sharing a wish make you feel?
  Benefits: Community building, expression, creativity
  Adaptations:

• Pediatrics: stickers, pre-cut shapes

• Teens: goal or affirmation cards

• Seniors: large-print space
  Safety Tips: Avoid string in high-risk settings, use safe scissors

2. Kindness Countdown Tree

Supplies: Poster board, sticky notes
Instructions:

• Draw a tree

• Write acts of kindness on sticky notes

• Remove one each day and complete it
  Discussion Questions:

• How does kindness impact others?

• Which kindness was hardest?
  Benefits: Empathy, socialization, emotional wellness
  Adaptations:

• Pediatrics: draw acts of kindness

• Teens: kindness challenge

• Seniors: reminiscence
  Safety Tips: Avoid competitive framing in sensitive groups

3. Hot Cocoa Social Hour

Supplies: Cocoa packets, cups, toppings
Instructions:

• Serve cocoa

• Use conversation prompts
  Discussion Questions:

• What warms your spirit in winter?

• What makes you feel included?
  Benefits: Social interaction, positive mood, belonging
  Adaptations:

• Pediatrics: coloring sheets

• Teens: question prompts

• Seniors: music background
  Safety Tips: Monitor temperature and food allergies

4. Holiday Cards for Hospitals or Veterans

Supplies: Cardstock, markers, envelopes
Instructions:

• Decorate cards

• Write encouraging messages

• Deliver or mail as a group
  Discussion Questions:

• Why is giving back important?

• Who helped you this year?
  Benefits: Service, meaning, fine motor skills
  Adaptations:

• Pediatrics: stamps and stickers

• Teens: advanced artwork

• Seniors: templates
  Safety Tips: Non-toxic supplies only

5. Gingerbread Ornament Craft

Supplies: Felt, glue, ribbon, buttons
Instructions:

• Cut felt into shapes

• Decorate with glue and buttons

• Add ribbon to hang
  Discussion Questions:

• What traditions do you enjoy?

• What makes this season special?
  Benefits: Creativity, memory, dexterity
  Adaptations:

• Pediatrics: peel-and-stick pieces

• Teens: themed challenge

• Seniors: large pieces
  Safety Tips: Avoid choking hazards and strings

6. Snowball Toss

Supplies: Pom-poms or paper, buckets
Instructions:

• Place buckets at distances

• Toss snowballs
  Discussion Questions:

• What helps you succeed in this game?

• How can teammates support each other?
  Benefits: Coordination, movement, social fun
  Adaptations:

• Pediatrics: animal buckets

• Teens: timed rounds

• Seniors: seated version
  Safety Tips: Clear paths, no slippery floors

7. Winter Lights Relaxation

Supplies: Soft lights, music
Instructions:

• Create calm space

• Play soothing music

• Guided imagery
  Discussion Questions:

• What helps you relax?

• How does winter affect your mood?
  Benefits: Grounding, anxiety reduction, mindfulness
  Adaptations:

• Pediatrics: storytelling

• Teens: guided script

• Seniors: slow paced breathing
  Safety Tips: Avoid total darkness for trauma populations

8. Gratitude Tree of the Year

Supplies: Poster board, markers, paper leaves
Instructions:

• Write something you’re grateful for

• Add leaf to tree
  Discussion Questions:

• What helped you grow this year?

• What moment are you thankful for?
  Benefits: Positive psychology, reflection, emotional growth
  Adaptations:

• Pediatrics: pictures

• Teens: quotes

• Seniors: life review
  Safety Tips: Avoid triggering topics without support

9. December Music & Memory Sing-Along

Supplies: Playlist, lyric sheets
Instructions:

• Play songs

• Encourage singing or rhythm
  Discussion Questions:

• What memories come up?

• How does music change mood?
  Benefits: Memory stimulation, social bonding
  Adaptations:

• Pediatrics: instruments

• Teens: choose songs

• Seniors: familiar music
  Safety Tips: Avoid overstimulation

10. Snow Globe Memory Jar

Supplies: Plastic jars, glitter, paper
Instructions:

• Write a favorite moment

• Add objects and shake
  Discussion Questions:

• What memory means the most?

• What do you want to take into next year?
  Benefits: Reflection, keepsake, emotional wellness
  Adaptations:

• Pediatrics: drawings

• Teens: goals

• Seniors: affirmations
  Safety Tips: Use plastic jars only

11. Meaning of Light Circle (Spiritual)

Supplies: Battery candles
Instructions:

• Share what gives life meaning or light
  Discussion Questions:

• What guides you?
  Benefits: Purpose, insight, peaceful reflection
  Adaptations: Replace religious terms with universal values
  Safety Tips: No real candles

12. Kindness Journals (Spiritual/Emotional)

Supplies: Notebooks
Instructions:

• Write 3 acts of kindness each week
  Discussion Questions:

• How does kindness change a day?
  Benefits: Mindfulness, gratitude
  Safety Tips: Monitor triggers related to self-worth

13. Winter Sensory Stations (Sensory)

Supplies: Pinecones, scarves, cinnamon
Instructions:

• Rotate through sensory items
  Discussion Questions:

• Which item was most relaxing?
  Benefits: Sensory stimulation, grounding
  Safety Tips: Avoid allergens and choking hazards

14. Holiday Scent Guessing Game (Sensory)

Supplies: Cotton balls with scents
Instructions:

• Smell and guess the scent
  Discussion Questions:

• What memory does this remind you of?
  Benefits: Memory recall, sensory exploration
  Safety Tips: Avoid strong scents for asthma

15. Holiday Trivia (Cognitive)

Supplies: Printed questions
Instructions:

• Play in teams or individually
  Discussion Questions:

• What did you learn?
  Benefits: Cognitive stimulation, memory
  Safety Tips: Avoid competitive pressure

16. December Word Scramble Race (Cognitive)

Supplies: Word sheets
Instructions:

• Unscramble seasonal words
  Discussion Questions:

• What strategies did you use?
  Benefits: Problem-solving, vocabulary
  Safety Tips: None significant

17. Cozy Winter Movie Afternoon (Leisure)

Supplies: Blankets, projector
Instructions:

• Watch a seasonal movie together
  Discussion Questions:

• What theme stood out to you?
  Benefits: Relaxation, social time
  Safety Tips: Avoid triggering film content

18. Board Game Marathon (Leisure)

Supplies: Checkers, dominoes, cards
Instructions:

• Choose and play games together
  Discussion Questions:

• What did you enjoy most?
  Benefits: Social skills, decision-making
  Safety Tips: Monitor for frustration or conflict

19. December Memory Collage (Cognitive/Emotional)

Supplies: Magazines, glue
Instructions:

• Create a collage of your year
  Discussion Questions:

• What made the year meaningful?
  Benefits: Reminiscence, reflection, creativity
  Safety Tips: Safety scissors

20. Winter Bingo (Leisure/Social)

Supplies: Bingo boards
Instructions:

• Play festive bingo
  Discussion Questions:

• How did you stay focused?
  Benefits: Attention, socialization
  Safety Tips: Avoid gambling themes

⭐ Behavioral Health General Safety (applies to all)

• Avoid glass, sharp tools, and ligature-risk items

• Be cautious with emotionally sensitive holidays

• Offer opt-out activities

• Monitor group dynamics and triggers

• Check allergies for food or scents

Featured Article of the Month

Risk Management in Recreational Therapy Groups: Keeping Clients Safe While Delivering Meaningful Outcomes

By: Danny W. Pettry II, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BH

Recreational therapists are experts at providing meaningful, evidence-based, and person-centered programs that improve emotional, cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. But behind every great activity is an equally important skill: risk management. The safest programs are the ones that have been intentionally designed with prevention, preparation, and protection in mind.

Risk management isn’t the opposite of fun. It’s what allows fun, learning, and growth to occur in a safe and controlled environment.

Why Risk Management Matters in Recreational Therapy

Recreational therapy groups are unique because they often involve movement, equipment, shared spaces, emotional disclosure, and group dynamics. With those opportunities come potential risks such as injury, conflict, behavioral escalation, or emotional distress.

The goals of effective risk management are simple:

• Prevent harm to participants and staff

• Promote positive outcomes

• Reduce the chance of accidents, incidents, and liability

• Maintain the therapeutic environment

Recreational therapists carry responsibility for the physical and psychological safety of the people they serve. Proactively planning for safety ensures that a group can run successfully and predictably.

Understanding Types of Risk in RT Groups

Risk management is more than just preventing physical accidents. Recreational therapy traditionally encounters four primary risk categories:

1. Physical Risks

• Slips, falls, trips

• Allergies, food sensitivities

• Unsafe equipment

• Medical emergencies

• Weather or environmental hazards

2. Behavioral Risks

• Self-harm or aggression

• Emotional triggers

• Boundary violations

• Peer conflict or bullying

• Wandering, elopement, or refusal

3. Emotional Risks

• Over-sharing traumatic content

• Grief and loss during holidays

• Anxiety triggered by group expectations

• Fear of failure or embarrassment

4. Environmental Risks

• Room layout

• Equipment storage

• Supervisory ratios

• Accessibility

• Emergency exits and response plans

Effective RTs understand that risk is present anytime you have people, movement, and emotion involved. Managing those risks from a clinical perspective is a core competency.

Pre-Group Risk Management Strategies

Recreational therapists use prevention first.

Screening and Assessment

Before anyone joins a group:

• Review physical and behavioral needs

• Consider supervision level required

• Assess developmental skill level

• Determine safe adaptations

Environmental Scan

Before starting:

• Remove hazards

• Have emergency equipment available

• Check appropriate space

• Secure sharps and materials

Planning and Preparation

Consider:

• Group size and staffing ratios

• Equipment selection

• Clear goals and outcomes

• Supplies that are developmentally and clinically appropriate

The best groups are designed with “safety by intention.” Nothing is left to chance.

Risk Management During the Group

Great recreational therapists actively monitor and adjust the group in real time.

Supervision

• Maintain line-of-sight awareness

• Monitor peer interactions

• Follow scope of practice and professional standards

Communication

• Provide clear instructions and expectations

• Use demonstrations and modeling

• Check for understanding

Staff Behavior and Professionalism

Staff set the tone:

• Calm presence

• Trauma-informed responses

• De-escalation skills

• Healthy boundaries

Engagement Strategies

• Keep clients active and involved

• Redirect when necessary

• Offer alternative tasks or breaks

Risk is reduced when individuals feel safe, respected, and supported.

Risk Management After the Group: Documentation and Reflection

Incident prevention continues after the group is over.

Documentation

Record important details such as:

• Group size and interventions

• Client responses

• Safety observations

• Incident or near-miss events

Debrief and Improve

Ask:

• What went well?

• What safety concerns need addressed?

• How do we improve next time?

Continuous quality improvement is a key principle of effective risk management.

Group Safety Tips for Recreational Therapists

Here are practical strategies every RT can apply immediately:

• Conduct regular environmental checks

• Use age-appropriate and population-appropriate materials

• Provide clear expectations and group rules

• Offer choice when possible

• Use trauma-informed approaches

• Maintain professional boundaries

• Be prepared for emergencies

• Keep equipment clean and organized

• Plan ahead for triggers around holidays and family topics

Safety is not an add-on—it is an active therapeutic intervention.

Risk Management Leads to Better Outcomes

When safety is well planned:

• Clients participate more fully

• Emotional and behavioral challenges are reduced

• Trust and rapport increases

• Positive outcomes improve

• Groups run smoother and more predictably

Recreational therapists who think preventively create environments where clients can grow, heal, and learn with confidence.

Risk management isn’t about fear or restriction—it’s about empowerment. When clients feel secure, the magic of recreational therapy truly comes alive.

Book of the Month

December 2025 Book of the Month

Book of the Month: Never Too Late to Be Great

By Tom Butler-Bowdon

This uplifting book challenges the myth of “overnight success.” The main message is simple: meaningful achievements take time. Butler-Bowdon shows that many of history’s most successful people didn’t reach their greatest accomplishments until later in life. The book teaches that progress comes from patience, persistence, and long-term thinking—not quick fixes or talent alone.

Why This Book Is Great for Recreational Therapists

Recreational therapy is all about growth, skill-building, and believing in a person’s ability to improve over time. This book reinforces that mindset.

Key takeaways that fit our profession:

• It’s never too late for someone to change, heal, or start again.

• Long-term progress is more important than instant results.

• Age, setbacks, or a slow start don’t limit someone’s potential.

• Everyone has a unique path and pace of growth.

This aligns beautifully with recreational therapy values like hope, resilience, empowerment, optimism, and lifelong wellness.

It’s an encouraging reminder to clients and therapists:

Success is still ahead. Your best years and greatest achievements may be yet to come.

Get the book here:

Game of the Month

🎲 Game of the Month: I Like Me 123 – The Social Skills & Self-Esteem Game

I Like Me 123 is a simple therapeutic card game designed to help players build confidence, social interaction, and positive self-talk. The game includes prompts and questions that encourage participants to share strengths, feelings, values, and personal experiences in a safe and supportive way. It works well for youth and teens but can be easily adapted for adults.

Why recreational therapists will love it:

This game supports core RT goals—improving communication, self-esteem, emotional expression, and group bonding. It’s low-prep, easy to facilitate, and ideal for warm-ups, social-skills groups, or self-focused reflection activities. It promotes empowerment and connection, which makes it a great addition to your RT toolbox.

Rec Therapist of the Month

Tyra Harper

🎉 December 2025 Rec Therapist of the Month: Tyra Harper

This month, we are excited to recognize Tyra Harper of Simsboro, Louisiana as our Rec Therapist of the Month!

Tyra holds a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation from Grambling State University (2018) and is a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) serving adults in recovery programs. She currently works in a 30-day residential recovery setting and IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program), supporting adults ages 18 and over who are healing from substance use disorders, mental health challenges, trauma, and community reintegration.

Tyra became a recreational therapist because she believes in the healing power of creativity, leisure, and connection. She is passionate about helping individuals rediscover confidence, purpose, and joy through meaningful experiences. Her interventions focus on creative arts, mindfulness, wellness, leisure education, coping skills, and social connection.

What Tyra enjoys most about the profession is seeing transformation happen in real time—watching clients smile, engage, and believe in themselves again. She describes recreation therapy as a chance to create hope and change through experiences that build strength, empowerment, and community.

Tyra’s advice for new RTs is to lead with empathy, stay flexible, and celebrate progress. She encourages therapists to care for themselves as much as they care for others—recognizing that burnout is real and self-care is essential.

She sees the future of recreation therapy continuing to expand in mental health and recovery fields with greater emphasis on trauma-informed care, community reintegration, and holistic wellness.

Tyra also shares that she admires recreation therapist Shavon Jones for her leadership and compassion in the field, and she loves Rec Therapy Today for the ongoing CEU opportunities and professional learning it offers.

Congratulations, Tyra! Thank you for making a difference and inspiring others in our profession.

Danny Pettry’s Corner

This month I wanted to share something personal with our Rec Therapy Today community.

After more than twenty years of working in Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) care, the program where I currently serve is closing. It’s not happening because of anything our team did wrong—just one of those major decisions that came from factors outside of our control.

I started working in PRTF in 2002, and it has been a huge part of my identity, my professional growth, and my heart. The news hit hard. I’ve gone through waves of emotion: sadness, disappointment, frustration, and even denial. And lately, more than anything, I’ve been practicing radical acceptance—understanding that we can’t change every situation, but we can choose our response.

Even though this chapter is closing, I’m not leaving the mission. I will continue to have a position through our main hospital location. I’m not certain what unit or role I’ll move into yet—maybe one of the other PRTFs or a different department entirely—but I’ll still be here serving, supporting, and advocating.

One odd thing: just days after learning our program was shutting down, I came down with shingles. I don’t believe in coincidences very often. Our mind and body have a way of signaling stress, transition, and change.

So yes, there has been grief. But there has also been hope.

I’m grateful for every youth, parent, therapist, nurse, teacher, and staff member I’ve worked beside. I’m grateful for the lives changed and the moments of growth we witnessed. And I’m grateful for the chance to continue serving—even if the location changes.

If you’re also navigating change in your workplace or life, I hope you know this:

We are built for transitions.
We adapt.
We grow.
We keep going.

Thank you for being part of this community and for walking this journey with me.

— Danny

Recent Blogposts 

Recent Posts

• Why Recreational Therapists Are Critical to the Future of Healthcare
• How Recreation Therapists Change Lives (Proof and Stories)
• Move Beyond Crafts: 10 Modern RT Interventions Your Clients Will Love
• The Hidden Power of Leisure for Mental Health Recovery
• The Psychology Behind Play, Recovery, and Human Motivation
• Why Recreation Therapy Works When Talk Therapy Fails
• How to Become the RT Everyone Wants to Work With
• The Future of Recreational Therapy: 7 Trends You Can’t Ignore
• What No One Tells You About Burnout in Recreational Therapy
• Why Emotional Intelligence Is the #1 Predictor of RT Success
• The One Skill That Separates Great Recreational Therapists from Average Ones
• Activity Ideas for November
• Introducing: Thankful & Fun — A Thanksgiving Activity Pack for All Ages
• Charting Balance: How AI Helps Map Activities Across the Four Domains of Recreation Therapy
• Puttering: Jeff Bezos’s Secret — and Validation for Rec Therapists

FREE PDF Download 

Fun Pages for All Ages 

40 November Winners

P.S. Rec Therapy Today — CEU Opportunities