Rec Therapy Today – May 2026
The Stay on Track Issue
A monthly resource for recreational therapists since 2004
Welcome Message
Hello Innovative Rec Therapist —
You may notice something a little different this month.
We’re trying a new style for the Rec Therapy Today newsletter—designed to make it easier to read, more engaging, and more useful in your day-to-day work as a recreational therapist.
Our goal is simple:
Provide practical ideas, meaningful insights, and support you can actually use.
But this newsletter is for you—so your feedback matters.
At the bottom of this issue, you’ll find our Monthly Engagement section. Take a moment to share your thoughts and let us know what you like, what you don’t, and what you’d like to see more of.
We’re always working to improve—and your input helps shape what comes next.
Thank you for being part of Rec Therapy Today.
Your friend and partner in Rec Therapy,
Danny W. Pettry II, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BH
Built for Recreational Therapists.
Backed by the Profession.
At Rec Therapy Today, we don’t just serve recreational therapists—we invest in the future of the profession.
That’s why we proudly support the American Therapeutic Recreation Association and are an official sponsor of the 2026 ATRA Annual Conference in California.
This year, Rec Therapy Today is sponsoring:
- The lanyards worn by attendees
- The tote bags used throughout the conference
- The Awards Reception, where excellence in our field is recognized
We believe high-quality education and strong professional communities go hand in hand.
That same standard is built into every CEU we offer.
NCTRC pre-approved. Created by a practicing CTRS. Trusted by 15,000+ recreational therapists.
If you’re serious about your growth—and want CEUs you can trust—
you’re in the right place.
👉 Learn more or earn your CEUs: https://www.rectherapytoday.com
Opening Insight
You don’t just run activities.
You help people reconnect—with themselves and with others.
Here’s what recreational therapy really does:
• We connect – building relationships that create belonging and trust
• We empower – supporting confidence, independence, and self-worth
• We support growth – helping individuals build skills for real-life success
• We make an impact – creating meaningful change that lasts
Because every moment matters.
That’s the power of recreational therapy.
👉 Learn more or earn your CEUs: https://www.rectherapytoday.com
Rec Therapist Identity
Not every moment looks like progress.
But the small shifts matter:
Showing up.
Participating.
Trying again.
That’s where real change begins.
This is what recreational therapists see every day.
👉 Learn more or earn your CEUs: https://www.rectherapytoday.com
Rec Therapy Insights
It’s not resistance.
Sometimes what looks like resistance is:
uncertainty,
fear,
or not knowing where to start.
Recreational therapists look deeper.
They meet people where they are—and help them take the next step forward.
That’s the difference.
👉 Learn more or earn your CEUs: https://www.rectherapytoday.com
Evidenced Based Insight
Connection Comes First
In recreational therapy, outcomes are not driven by activities alone.
They are shaped by the therapeutic relationship—connection, trust, and engagement within the activity.
Research across helping professions shows that the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes, often more influential than the specific intervention used.
Reference (APA Style):
The Great Psychotherapy Debate
Wampold, B. E., & Imel, Z. E. (2015). The great psychotherapy debate: The evidence for what makes psychotherapy work (2nd ed.). Routledge.
RT Spotlight: Madison Dorman, B.S., CTRS
Setting: Mental & Behavioral Health (Residential)
In Her Words
“Recreational Therapy matters because in life we don’t realize how the smallest things such as daily living skills, self-esteem, sports, yoga, or creative expression can make us grow stronger by focusing on improving our cognitive, emotional, and social functionings in our daily lives.”
“We break down barriers with clients in order to gain trust and access to rebuilding someone back up.”
A Moment That Matters
Madison shared an experience working with a residential client who was a human trafficking survivor. During an outing, they focused on goals related to depression, social interaction, self-esteem, and money management while choosing a new pair of shoes.
The process included identifying the client’s personal preferences, practicing decision-making, and working through letting go of something tied to past trauma.
“From the moment she put on the new Vans she wore them with her head held high and so much brightness brought back to her.”
Actionable Tool
Try this tomorrow:
What healthy, effective things help you get through a tough day?
It could be something simple:
• Talking with someone
• Spending time with others
• Practicing coping skills
Small actions can make a big difference.
👇 Share one thing that helps you get through a tough day.
Outcome Reminder
From activity → outcome
It’s not just about the activity.
It’s about what it builds.
A simple game can lead to:
• Communication skills
• Confidence and understanding
• Stronger relationships
Small moments. Meaningful impact.
That’s the power of recreational therapy.
👉 Learn more or earn your CEUs: https://www.rectherapytoday.com
Get Your CEUs Today
Stay on Track
You already know how fast the deadline approaches.
Most recreational therapists don’t fall behind because they don’t care—
they fall behind because life gets busy.
That’s why we built Rec Therapy Today.
👉 50+ NCTRC Pre-Approved Hours
👉 Instant certificates
👉 Simple, self-paced learning—on your schedule
Join thousands of recreational therapists who trust Rec Therapy Today to stay on track every year.
Get Your CEUs Done—Start Today
Backed by our 1-Year CEU Satisfaction Guarantee.
Voices of Recreational Therapists
Many of you also shared:
You value practical, real-world learning you can apply right away—not just theory.
That’s exactly what we focus on at Rec Therapy Today.
✔ High-quality, relevant content
✔ Simple, easy-to-use courses
✔ Affordable options for every stage
Built for recreational therapists—by a practicing CTRS.
Monthly Article Feature
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.
Montly Engagement
Are you currently on track with your CEUs this year?
Answer Choices:
Yes, I’m on track
I’m a little behind
I haven’t started yet
Never Miss an Issue
Rec Therapy Today has been supporting recreational therapists every month since 2004.
Stay connected, get practical ideas, and never scramble for CEUs again.