Dear Innovative Rec Therapist —
As a new year begins, many recreational therapists are thinking about professional growth, CEU renewal, and how to continue showing up for others while also taking care of themselves. At Rec Therapy Today, our mission remains the same—to make continuing education accessible, practical, and stress-free.
This month’s newsletter is designed to support you with ideas, resources, and opportunities you can use right away. Whether you’re planning ahead for CEUs, exploring new learning topics, or simply looking for encouragement as you move into the year, we’re glad you’re here.
Thank you for being part of the Rec Therapy Today community—and for the important work you do every day.
P.S. We’re also running a small January giveaway with Rec Therapy Today notepads and ink pens. If you’d like to enter, scroll to the bottom of this newsletter before noon on January 31st.
Your friend and partner in Rec Therapy,
Danny W. Pettry II, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BHS
Need Rec Therapy CEUs? Click here for online self-study CEUs
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Danny Pettry/ Rec Therapy Today has consistently created a newsletter for recreational therapists since 2004. (20+ years).
Rec Therapy Today — TRUSTED by Rec Therapists Everywhere
Introducing the 2026 T.R. Turtle
You may have noticed a new face appearing in Rec Therapy Today graphics—our T.R. Turtle.
The turtle was chosen intentionally as a symbol of how many recreational therapists approach learning and professional growth: steady, thoughtful, and at your own pace. In a field that often feels fast-moving and demanding, the turtle is a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be rushed to be meaningful.
For 2026, you’ll see the T.R. Turtle carrying a simple word on its shell: HOME.
That word represents what we aim to provide through Rec Therapy Today—continuing education that meets you where you are. CEUs you can complete on your own schedule. Learning that fits into real life. Growth that doesn’t require travel, stress, or unnecessary pressure.
The T.R. Turtle reflects our ongoing commitment to:
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CEUs at your own pace
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Learning without leaving home
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Practical education designed for real-world recreational therapy practice
As the year unfolds, the T.R. Turtle will continue to appear across newsletters, resources, and promotions as a visual reminder that professional development can be accessible, supportive, and steady—just like the work you do every day.
We hope this new symbol resonates with you and serves as a small reminder to move forward confidently, one step at a time.
Because You Make a Difference 💙
A Free Gift for Recreational Therapists
I wanted to take a moment to simply say thank you.
Recreational therapists do meaningful work every single day—often behind the scenes, often without recognition, and often while giving more than anyone realizes. You show up. You adapt. You connect. You bring hope, creativity, and humanity into spaces that truly need it.
I want you to know this: I see you.
Your work matters.
And you are making a difference—more than you may ever hear out loud.
As a small token of appreciation, I’m giving you a free PDF download of my book:
You Make a Difference: 101 Messages for Rec Therapists
This book was written for moments when you need encouragement, validation, or a gentle reminder that what you do truly counts. It’s not about productivity or perfection—it’s about impact, presence, and heart.
👉 Download your free copy here:
Ways You Might Use This Book
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Read one page a day as a personal reminder that your work has meaning
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Print favorite pages and keep them at your desk or in a binder
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Read a page aloud at the start of a team meeting or in-service
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Use a page as a discussion starter with staff or students
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Share the message with others who serve, help, and care
There’s no right or wrong way to use it—just let it be a source of encouragement when you need it.
This gift comes with no strings attached. It’s simply my way of saying thank you for being you and for doing the work that matters.
Danny W. Pettry II
Founder, Rec Therapy Today
We put the RT in HeaRT
✨ Have a Sparkly Day with Rec Therapy Today! ✨
✨ Amber Gerber, CTRS, Reiki Grand Master shares her Rec Therapy Today spirit with a smile and a whole lot of heart. Proudly wearing her Rec Therapy Today shirt, Amber represents the passion, professionalism, and positive energy recreational therapists bring to their work every day. Thank you, Amber, for being part of our community—and for reminding us all to have a sparkly day! ✨
January: A Time to Move Forward—At Your Own Pace
January is often treated as a month of urgency. New goals. New expectations. New pressure to immediately improve or change. For many professionals—especially those in helping roles—this can feel overwhelming rather than motivating.
At Rec Therapy Today, we view January a little differently.
January is a transition month. It’s a time to gently re-enter routines, reflect on what’s working, and move forward with intention rather than speed. Just as winter invites nature to slow down, January can invite us to do the same—without losing momentum or purpose.
For recreational therapists, this approach aligns naturally with how we support others. We encourage pacing. We respect individual readiness. We recognize that growth looks different for everyone and does not follow a rigid timeline.
This is where the idea behind our T.R. Turtle comes to life.
Moving forward “at your own pace” doesn’t mean standing still. It means choosing progress that is realistic, sustainable, and supportive of well-being. It means learning without unnecessary stress, building skills gradually, and honoring the balance between effort and restoration.
As you move through January, consider asking yourself:
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What feels manageable right now?
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What kind of growth supports my well-being—not just my workload?
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How can I pace myself to stay effective, engaged, and present?
January does not require rushing. It invites steady steps, thoughtful choices, and compassionate self-awareness. At Rec Therapy Today, we’re here to support you through learning opportunities that fit into real life—without pressure, travel, or added strain.
As the year begins, may January be a reminder that meaningful progress happens one step at a time.
Supporting Your Growth—Without the Pressure
Recreational therapists deserve professional development that supports both competence and well-being. Continuing education should strengthen practice without adding unnecessary stress. That’s why Rec Therapy Today offers flexible learning options designed to fit real life—allowing you to grow professionally while honoring your pace.
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:
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30 clock hours of CEU Courses already in your account to get you moving toward your requirements right away.
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These courses cover popular and relevant topics for recreational therapy practice.
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Instant access—no waiting, no expiration, no deadlines.
This is your jump-start to professional development.
Plus Ongoing Monthly CEUs
Elite members also receive:
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A brand-new 90-minute CEU course added every month
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Courses designed around the NCTRC job analysis and emerging clinical trends
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Expert instruction from therapists in the field
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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:
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affordable
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accessible
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practical
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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:
We Put the RT in HeaRT: Join Our FREE One-Day Rec Therapy Teleconference
Saturday, February 28, 2026 | Live Online | FREE to Attend
Rec Therapy Today is excited to host a FREE one-day teleconference created by recreational therapists, for recreational therapists. This special event brings our community together to learn, connect, and be inspired—without cost, travel, or added stress.
February is International Recreational Therapy Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate the heart, creativity, and impact of our profession. This one-day event will feature engaging sessions designed to support professional growth while honoring real-life pacing and balance.
Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, renewed motivation, or a sense of connection with others in the field, this teleconference is designed with you in mind.
What to Expect
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Live, engaging sessions led by recreational therapists
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Practical ideas you can use right away
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Topics that support ethical, effective, and sustainable practice
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Opportunities to connect with the RT community
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A supportive, pressure-free learning environment
Who Should Attend
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Recreational therapists in all practice settings
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Students and new professionals exploring the field
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Experienced RTs looking for inspiration and connection
Want to Present?
We’re currently accepting session submissions for this FREE one-day workshop. If you have a session or idea you’d like to share with the Rec Therapy Today community, we’d love to hear from you.
➡️ Submit your session here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FM2VG9T
Save the Date
📅 Saturday, February 28, 2026
💻 Live Online Teleconference
💙 FREE to Attend
Call for Submissions: Share Your Best Session for Our One-Day FREE Workshop!
Are you proud of a session you’ve created that made a real impact? Do you want to share your creativity and expertise with other recreational therapists? We’re excited to invite YOU to contribute to our upcoming One-Day FREE Session Workshop!
At Rec Therapy Today, we believe that the best ideas often come from those in the field—practitioners who see what works, refine it, and help clients thrive. That’s why we’re opening the floor to session submissions from recreational therapists like you.
What We’re Looking For
We want sessions that are:
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Engaging and adaptable
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Therapeutically meaningful
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Easy to implement
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Focused on client outcomes
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Fun, educational, or both
Whether it’s a skills-building activity, a group process intervention, a leisure exploration session, or a theme-based lesson plan, we want your best work!
These sessions will be considered for inclusion in our One-Day FREE Session Workshop, where therapists from around the world can learn, adapt, and grow together.
How to Submit Your Session
Submitting is simple. Just use our online form to tell us about your session in a few easy steps:
➡️ Submit here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FM2VG9T
We’re collecting:
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Session title
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Target population
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Goals and objectives
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Description of activities
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Supplies needed
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Estimated time
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Therapeutic benefits by domain
The form only takes a few minutes, and your ideas could be part of something big!
Why You Should Submit
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Share your expertise with a nationwide community
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Get recognition for your creative work
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Help others grow their practice
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Contribute to advancing recreational therapy
This workshop is not just an event — it’s a celebration of our profession, built by therapists for therapists.
Deadline & What Happens Next
We’ll be accepting submissions through January 31st, 2026. After that, our team will review all entries and let contributors know if their session has been selected for the workshop.
Even if you’re unsure whether your session “measures up,” we encourage you to submit. Sometimes the simplest ideas turn out to be the most transformative.
Ready to share your session and help others shine?
Submit your plan today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FM2VG9T
We can’t wait to see what you create!
— The Rec Therapy Today Team
Inspiration for the Month
Image credit: istock photo
Image credit: istock photo
Humor for the Month
Image credit: istock photo
Image credit: istock photo
Image credit: istock photo
Infographics for the Month
Holidays and Observations
January 2026 – Holidays & Observances
🗓️ Major Holidays
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January 1 (Thursday) – New Year’s Day
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January 19 (Monday) – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (U.S.)
📅 Month-Long Observances
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National Mentoring Month
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National Blood Donor Month
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Braille Literacy Month
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Poverty in America Awareness Month
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International Creativity Month
(Several of these align well with recreational therapy values such as inclusion, service, creativity, and advocacy.)
🌍 Notable Awareness Days
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January 4 (Sunday) – World Braille Day
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January 11 (Sunday) – Human Trafficking Awareness Day (U.S.)
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January 16 (Friday) – Religious Freedom Day (U.S.)
🎈 Light & Engagement-Friendly Days
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January 18 (Sunday) – Winnie the Pooh Day
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January 24 (Saturday) – Compliment Day
Rec Therapy Today — CEU Reminders:
Activity Ideas for the Month
New Year, New Focus Collage
Supplies Needed
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Magazines or printed images
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Scissors
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Glue or tape
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Construction paper or poster board
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Markers or pens
Instructions
Ask participants to reflect on the new year and choose one area of focus such as health, coping, relationships, hobbies, or routines.
Have participants cut out words or images that represent what they want more of in their lives.
Glue images onto paper and decorate as desired.
Invite participants to share their collage or one meaningful image with the group, if comfortable.
Benefits
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Social / Interpersonal: Encourages sharing, listening, and group discussion
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Emotional / Affect Regulation: Supports self-expression and hope
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Cognitive / Intellectual Stimulation: Promotes reflection, planning, and decision-making
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Physical Fitness: Fine motor engagement through cutting and assembling
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Leisure / Life Skills: Encourages creative leisure and goal awareness
Winter Gratitude Circle
Supplies Needed
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Index cards or paper
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Pens or markers
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Basket or container
Instructions
Ask participants to write down one thing they are grateful for this winter season.
Collect cards and read them aloud anonymously or invite participants to share their own.
Facilitate a brief discussion on how gratitude can support mood during colder months.
Benefits
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Social / Interpersonal: Builds group connection and empathy
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Emotional / Affect Regulation: Promotes positive emotional focus
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Cognitive / Intellectual Stimulation: Encourages reflection and perspective-taking
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Physical Fitness: Minimal physical demand
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Leisure / Life Skills: Reinforces gratitude and coping strategies
Snowball Conversation Game (Indoor Version)
Supplies Needed
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White paper
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Pens
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Open indoor space
Instructions
Have participants write a positive discussion prompt or question on paper.
Crumple papers into “snowballs.”
On cue, participants gently toss snowballs across the room.
Each participant picks up a snowball and answers the question aloud.
Benefits
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Social / Interpersonal: Encourages communication and turn-taking
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Emotional / Affect Regulation: Adds playfulness and reduces tension
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Cognitive / Intellectual Stimulation: Promotes self-awareness and thinking
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Physical Fitness: Light movement and coordination
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Leisure / Life Skills: Models appropriate social play
Warm-Up Stretch and Relax Session
Supplies Needed
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Chairs or mats
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Calm music (optional)
Instructions
Guide participants through gentle seated or standing stretches.
Incorporate slow breathing and mindful movement.
End with a brief relaxation or grounding exercise.
Benefits
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Social / Interpersonal: Shared group participation
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Emotional / Affect Regulation: Supports calming and stress reduction
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Cognitive / Intellectual Stimulation: Builds body awareness
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Physical Fitness: Improves flexibility and circulation
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Leisure / Life Skills: Encourages healthy movement routines
Winter Life Skills Bingo
Supplies Needed
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Bingo cards with life skills
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Markers or chips
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Small prizes (optional)
Instructions
Review the life skills listed on the Bingo cards.
Call out scenarios or examples instead of numbers.
Participants mark the skill that fits each scenario.
Discuss real-life applications of the skills reviewed.
Benefits
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Social / Interpersonal: Encourages interaction and cooperative learning
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Emotional / Affect Regulation: Builds confidence through skill recognition
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Cognitive / Intellectual Stimulation: Promotes reasoning and application
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Physical Fitness: Minimal physical demand
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Leisure / Life Skills: Reinforces daily living and coping skills
Compliment Circle
Supplies Needed
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None (optional paper for notes)
Instructions
Explain the purpose of giving respectful and appropriate compliments.
Participants take turns offering a compliment to another group member or to themselves.
Process how it felt to give and receive compliments.
Benefits
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Social / Interpersonal: Strengthens relationships and social confidence
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Emotional / Affect Regulation: Supports self-esteem and positive affect
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Cognitive / Intellectual Stimulation: Encourages thoughtful communication
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Physical Fitness: Not applicable for this activity
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Leisure / Life Skills: Builds healthy communication skills
Featured Article of the Month
When Helping Hurts: Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Ethical Care in Recreational Therapy
By: Danny W. Pettry II, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BH
Recreational therapists enter the profession to help others heal, grow, and reconnect with life through meaningful activity. This work is deeply rewarding—but it is also emotionally demanding. Over time, ongoing stress, high emotional investment, and repeated exposure to others’ struggles can begin to affect our own well-being. When this happens, burnout and compassion fatigue may quietly emerge.
Addressing these experiences is not only important for personal wellness—it is also an ethical responsibility tied directly to the quality and effectiveness of patient care.
Understanding Stress, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they describe different experiences.
Stress typically involves feeling overwhelmed, pressured, or stretched too thin. It may fluctuate based on workload, staffing, or life circumstances and often improves with rest or support.
Burnout develops gradually over time and is often related to chronic workplace stress. It may include emotional exhaustion, reduced motivation, cynicism, and a diminished sense of accomplishment. Recreational therapists experiencing burnout may feel disconnected from their work or find that activities they once enjoyed feel draining.
Compassion fatigue is different. It stems from prolonged exposure to others’ trauma, pain, or emotional distress. Over time, the therapist’s capacity for empathy may feel depleted. Compassion fatigue can show up as emotional numbness, reduced empathy, or feeling detached from clients’ experiences—not because of a lack of care, but because emotional reserves have been overextended.
Understanding these distinctions helps recreational therapists respond appropriately and compassionately to their own needs.
Why Recreational Therapists Are Vulnerable
Recreational therapists often work with individuals experiencing trauma, illness, loss, or significant life transitions. We provide emotional presence, encouragement, and stability—sometimes in environments with limited resources, staffing challenges, or high expectations.
Many recreational therapists are also natural helpers who place others’ needs before their own. While this dedication is a strength, it can also increase vulnerability to burnout and compassion fatigue when self-care and boundaries are consistently postponed.
Ethics and Effective Patient Care
Addressing burnout and compassion fatigue is not self-indulgent—it is ethical.
Ethical recreational therapy practice includes:
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Providing effective, intentional interventions
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Remaining emotionally present and responsive
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Making sound professional judgments
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Supporting patient dignity, safety, and outcomes
When burnout or compassion fatigue go unaddressed, therapists may unintentionally become less engaged, less patient, or less effective. This does not reflect a lack of professionalism—it reflects a human response to prolonged emotional strain.
By recognizing and addressing these challenges, recreational therapists protect their ability to deliver competent, ethical, and effective care. Caring for oneself supports the ethical principles of beneficence (doing good), nonmaleficence (avoiding harm), and professional responsibility.
Signs That Support May Be Needed
Burnout and compassion fatigue can present in many ways, including:
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Persistent exhaustion or emotional depletion
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Feeling detached or numb during sessions
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Irritability or reduced patience
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Difficulty concentrating or feeling motivated
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Decreased satisfaction with work
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A sense of “just going through the motions”
Recognizing these signs early allows for proactive steps rather than waiting until distress becomes overwhelming.
Reframing Self-Care as Professional Responsibility
Recreational therapists often encourage clients to pace themselves, build coping strategies, and honor their limits. Applying those same principles personally is not only consistent—it is essential.
Self-care does not need to be elaborate. Small, intentional practices can support resilience:
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Setting realistic expectations
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Taking brief restorative pauses during the workday
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Maintaining healthy boundaries
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Engaging in leisure for enjoyment, not productivity
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Seeking peer support or supervision
These actions sustain the emotional capacity required for therapeutic presence.
Moving Forward with Awareness and Compassion
Burnout and compassion fatigue are not signs of weakness or failure. They are signals that a caring professional has been giving deeply without adequate replenishment. Addressing these experiences supports both personal well-being and ethical practice.
As a new year begins, January offers an opportunity not only to plan ahead, but to pause and reflect. By caring for ourselves, recreational therapists strengthen their ability to care for others—providing thoughtful, ethical, and effective services that truly make a difference.
Book of the Month — January 2026
Wintering: How I Learned to Flourish When Life Became Frozen
by Katherine May
What the book is about
Wintering explores the idea that life naturally includes seasons of difficulty—times of loss, burnout, illness, transition, or emotional exhaustion. Katherine May uses the metaphor of winter to describe these periods and challenges the belief that we must always push forward, stay productive, or “power through.” Instead, she encourages readers to slow down, listen to their needs, and allow rest, reflection, and gentleness to be part of healing.
Through personal stories, reflections on nature, and insights from psychology and culture, the book shows how honoring difficult seasons can ultimately lead to resilience, clarity, and renewal.
Why this book is a good fit for January
January is often associated with resolutions, productivity, and pressure to immediately improve or change. Wintering offers a meaningful counterbalance to that mindset. It reminds readers that winter is a season for restoration and preparation—not urgency. As a start to the new year, this book encourages a compassionate, realistic approach to growth that honors emotional and physical limits before pushing forward.
Why this book is beneficial for recreational therapists
Recreational therapists regularly support others through difficult life seasons while managing high emotional demands themselves. Wintering speaks directly to burnout, emotional fatigue, and the need for pacing in helping professions. The book reinforces values that align closely with recreational therapy practice, including acceptance, mindfulness, self-awareness, and meeting individuals where they are. It also offers language and insight that recreational therapists can apply to both self-care and therapeutic conversations with clients.
Why We Chose This Book
We chose Wintering because it reflects an important message for recreational therapists: rest is not a failure—it is part of growth. As professionals who value balance, holistic well-being, and meaningful engagement, recreational therapists understand that healing does not always require constant action. This book gently reinforces that slowing down, honoring limits, and caring for oneself are essential to sustaining both personal wellness and professional effectiveness.
Get the book here:
Game of the Month — January 2026
TableTopics Dinner Party Conversation Cards
TableTopics Dinner Party Conversation Cards is a deck of engaging, open-ended questions designed to help people get to know one another in a relaxed, structured way. With 135 entertaining prompts, this game supports meaningful conversation without pressure, competition, or complexity.
Why We Chose This Game
We chose this version of TableTopics for January because it aligns both visually and therapeutically with Rec Therapy Today. The blue design reflects our brand’s focus on calm, trust, professionalism, and emotional safety—qualities that are especially important during a month focused on stress, burnout, and reconnection.
January is a time to slow down, warm up socially, and ease back into routine. This game encourages connection at a comfortable pace while honoring individual boundaries.
How Recreational Therapists Can Use This Game
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Icebreakers for new or returning groups
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Small or large group discussions
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Adaptable for behavioral health, forensic, acute care, or geriatric settings
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Cards can be selectively chosen or simplified to match treatment goals
Therapists may invite participants to answer verbally, pass, or reflect silently, supporting autonomy and choice
Therapeutic Benefits
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Social / Interpersonal:
Encourages communication, listening, empathy, and group connection -
Emotional / Affect Regulation:
Supports safe emotional expression and reduces social anxiety -
Cognitive / Intellectual Stimulation:
Promotes reflection, perspective-taking, and verbal reasoning -
Physical Fitness:
Minimal physical demand, making it accessible across settings -
Leisure / Life Skills:
Models appropriate conversation skills and healthy social engagement
Why It Works Well for January
January is not about rushing—it’s about reconnecting. TableTopics offers a low-stress way to rebuild social comfort, encourage thoughtful conversation, and support emotional presence after the holidays.
This game reflects a core recreational therapy principle: meaningful connection can be simple, intentional, and paced.
Rec Therapist of the Month
Lori Gressley
Rec Therapy Today is proud to recognize Lori Gressley as our January 2026 Recreational Therapist of the Month!
Lori has been a dedicated recreational therapist since 1989, bringing more than three decades of experience across a wide range of settings and populations. She earned her B.S. in Leisure Studies with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Iowa and holds both the CTRS and CDP credentials. Currently, Lori works in long-term care, providing services to adults ages 55 to 101.
Throughout her career, Lori has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults in settings including mental health, substance use, and specialized treatment programs. Today, she focuses on serving senior citizens through spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, and social recreational therapy interventions—always with dignity, compassion, and creativity.
Lori shares that what she enjoys most about her profession is the residents themselves. She values their stories, their wisdom, and the joy she sees when they try something new. She believes recreational therapy is about more than activities—it’s about helping people truly enjoy life and feel respected along the way.
In recognition of her outstanding work, Lori was named Therapeutic Recreation Specialist of the Year 2025 by the Nebraska Parks and Recreation Association—a well-deserved honor that reflects her commitment and impact in the field.
For new recreational therapists, Lori offers simple but powerful advice: “Think outside the box.” She hopes the future of recreational therapy includes greater recognition of the importance of CTRSs and a stronger understanding of the wide range of services they provide.
Lori also shared her appreciation for Rec Therapy Today, highlighting the variety of CEU opportunities, the ease of online learning, and the convenience it provides for busy professionals.
Thank you, Lori, for your years of service, your heart for the people you support, and the example you set for recreational therapists everywhere. 💙
Danny Pettry’s Corner
January often brings a lot of pressure—new goals, new expectations, and a sense that we should immediately be “back at full speed.” Over the years, I’ve learned that January works better as a transition month, not a performance test.
In recreational therapy, we don’t rush people through growth. We respect readiness, pacing, and individual needs. I’ve been reminding myself this month to apply those same principles personally—especially when stress or fatigue shows up.
Burnout and compassion fatigue don’t mean we care less. Often, they mean we’ve been caring a lot for a long time. Slowing down, reflecting, and choosing growth that fits real life is not a step backward—it’s how we stay effective and present.
As we move through January, my encouragement is simple: take steady steps, honor your limits, and remember that meaningful progress doesn’t require urgency.
Recent Blogposts
Recent Posts
- Real-World Advice for New Recreational Therapists
- Working in Different Recreational Therapy Settings
- Is a Master’s Degree in Recreational Therapy Worth It?
- Pros and Cons of a Career in Recreational Therapy
- Recreational Therapy Job Outlook and Career Growth
- What Recreational Therapists Actually Do
- Common Questions Recreational Therapy Students Ask
- Is Recreational Therapy Worth It as a Career?
- How to Study for the CTRS/NCTRC Exam
- Over 500 Recreational Therapists Spoke — Here’s What They Love About Rec Therapy Today®
- Engaging Difficult Populations: How RTs Break Through Resistance
- RT Is Therapy: Helping the World Recognize Our Clinical Role
- Psych-Safe Interventions: Creative RT Without High-Risk Materials
- Time Constraints: Providing Effective RT Services When You Can’t Leave the Unit
- Budget Cuts in Recreational Therapy: Providing Powerful Care With Limited Resources
- Gaining Respect on the Treatment Team: How RTs Can Strengthen Collaboration
- Staffing Shortages: How RTs Can Still Deliver High-Quality Care
- Burnout in Recreational Therapy: How to Protect Your Well-Being
- Low Wages in Recreational Therapy: Practical Ways to Increase Your Professional Value
- Advocacy in Recreational Therapy: Helping Others Understand What We Really Do
Fun Pages for All Ages
Images from istock photo
🎁 January 2026 Giveaway: Rec Therapy Today Notepads & Ink Pens
To kick off the new year, we’re giving away Rec Therapy Today notepads and ink pens—a small but meaningful thank-you for being part of our community.
These are perfect for:
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Group planning and session notes
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Team meetings and trainings
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Daily reminders of the meaningful work you do
Simple. Useful. And made with recreational therapists in mind.
👉 How to Enter
Click the link below and complete the short entry form:
🔗 Enter the Giveaway Here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CZ2GQG
⏰ Entry Deadline
Enter before noon on January 31st.
Giveaway Details
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No purchase necessary
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Open to U.S. participants only
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Winners will be selected at random
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Winners will be notified by email
We’re grateful for all that you do as a recreational therapist, and we’re excited to celebrate Recreational Therapy Month with you in February.
Good luck—and thank you for being part of Rec Therapy Today 💙
P.S. Download Your FREE Ebook: You Make a Difference
P.S. Enter the January 2026 Giveaway — Notepads and inkpens.
P.S. Rec Therapy Today — CEU Opportunities


