By Danny Pettry
Image credit: Credit:NanoStockk
Recreational therapists play a vital role in supporting the health, well-being, and recovery of the individuals we serve. While our work is often creative, engaging, and activity-based, it is also deeply rooted in professional ethics.
At its core, ethics in recreational therapy is about one essential responsibility:
👉 Protecting the public from harm while providing meaningful, effective care.
A recent training highlighted several fundamental principles of professional ethical behavior. These principles apply directly to recreational therapy practice and serve as a strong foundation for delivering safe, respectful, and high-quality services.
The Core Ethical Principles
1. Do No Harm (Nonmaleficence)
This is the foundation of all helping professions.
Recreational therapists must ensure that activities are:
- Safe and appropriate for each individual
- Adapted to physical, emotional, and cognitive needs
- Supervised adequately to prevent injury or distress
In practice:
Before running a group, ask: Could this activity cause harm in any way? If yes, modify it.
2. Treat Others with Caring and Compassion
Clients are not just participants—they are people with stories, struggles, and strengths.
In practice:
- Use empathy in communication
- Be patient with resistance or lack of engagement
- Celebrate small wins
3. Respect Autonomy
Every individual has the right to make choices about their care.
In practice:
- Offer choices in activities
- Respect a client’s decision not to participate
- Avoid coercion or pressure
4. Pursue Excellence
Ethical practice means continually improving your skills and knowledge.
In practice:
- Stay current with CEUs
- Use evidence-based interventions
- Reflect on your sessions and outcomes
5. Be Just
Fairness and equity matter.
In practice:
- Provide equal opportunities for participation
- Avoid favoritism
- Ensure inclusive programming for all ability levels
6. Be Accountable
Recreational therapists must take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
In practice:
- Document accurately
- Own mistakes and correct them
- Follow facility policies and professional standards
7. Be Faithful
This refers to trustworthiness and maintaining professional relationships.
In practice:
- Keep commitments
- Maintain confidentiality
- Build trust through consistency
8. Be Courageous
Ethical practice sometimes requires difficult decisions.
In practice:
- Speak up about unsafe conditions
- Advocate for clients
- Address unethical behavior when observed
9. Accord Dignity
Every person deserves respect and worth.
In practice:
- Use person-first language
- Avoid labeling or stigmatizing
- Honor cultural backgrounds and identities
The Ethical Priority: Protecting the Public
Above all, recreational therapists have a duty to:
👉 Protect the public from harm during recreational therapy services
This includes:
- Ensuring physical safety during activities
- Monitoring emotional responses and triggers
- Maintaining appropriate boundaries
- Providing competent and ethical care at all times
Ethical lapses—even small ones—can lead to harm, loss of trust, and professional consequences. Ethical awareness is not optional; it is essential.
Bringing Ethics Into Daily Practice
Ethics is not just something we learn—it’s something we do every day.
Before each session, ask yourself:
- Is this safe?
- Is this respectful?
- Is this beneficial?
- Am I acting in the best interest of my clients?
If the answer is yes, you are on the right path.
Final Thoughts
Recreational therapy is powerful because it blends purpose with play. But with that power comes responsibility.
By following these ethical principles, you not only:
- Protect the public
- Strengthen your professionalism
- Build trust with clients and teams
…but also become the kind of recreational therapist who is both competent and confident in your practice.
Need CEUs? Earn all of your rec therapy CEUs online at:
👉 https://rectherapytoday.thinkific.com/collections