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Your FREE November 2024 Issue of Rec Therapy Today
Danny Pettry/ Rec Therapy Today has consistenly sent out a monthly email for Recreational Therapists since 2004.
Dear Innovative Rec Therapist –
Welcome to the November 2024 issue of Rec Therapy Today!
As the season of gratitude unfolds, we’re excited to bring you another jam-packed newsletter full of inspiration and resources.
In this issue, we highlight our Book of the Month and the Game of the Month that’s sure to bring excitement to your sessions.
You’ll also meet our incredible Rec Therapist of the Month, read some humor to keep you smiling, and discover activity pages designed to spark creativity and engagement.
As always, we’re here to support your continuing education needs. Remember Rec Therapy Today for your self-study CEUs, and thank you for making a difference every day!
Your friend and partner in Rec Therapy,
Danny W. Pettry II, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BHS
P.S. — Monthly giveaway is at bottom of this page, so you’ll have to scroll to the bottom.
Inspiration for the Month
Humor of the Month
Infographics for the Month
Holidays this Month
- Election Day – Tuesday, November 5, 2024 (extra date to remember)
- Veterans Day – Monday, November 11, 2024
- Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 28, 2024
- Black Friday – Friday, November 29, 2024 (informal holiday observed the day after Thanksgiving)
Get Discount with our Corporate/ Group Rec Therapy CEUs Membeship
Contact us: Danny(at)DannyPettry.com to receive your group membership.
Featured Article for the Month
The Power of Gratitude: Integrating Gratitude Practice into Rec Therapy
By Danny W. Pettry II, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BHS
In the field of recreational therapy, we’re always looking for ways to help clients experience deeper healing, personal growth, and improved well-being. One of the simplest yet most profound practices we can use is gratitude. Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”; it’s a heartfelt appreciation for what one has in life and a recognition of the good that surrounds us, even in difficult times.
What Is Gratitude?
Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful and a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. It’s the conscious habit of focusing on the positive aspects of life, no matter how big or small, and acknowledging the sources of that positivity.
The Benefits of Practicing Gratitude
Research has shown that practicing gratitude regularly can lead to numerous physical, psychological, and social benefits. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Improved Mental Health: Gratitude helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a more positive outlook on life.
- Stronger Relationships: Expressing gratitude deepens connections with others. When people feel appreciated, it nurtures trust, communication, and bonding.
- Enhanced Physical Health: Grateful individuals tend to engage in healthier behaviors, experience fewer aches and pains, and enjoy better sleep quality.
- Boosted Self-Esteem: Gratitude helps us appreciate our own accomplishments and be less resentful of others, enhancing our sense of self-worth.
- Increased Resilience: A gratitude practice builds a positive mindset that can help people recover more quickly from trauma and overcome life’s challenges.
Gratitude Activities in Recreational Therapy
Incorporating gratitude practices into recreational therapy sessions can be highly beneficial for clients. Here are some engaging and adaptable activities that promote gratitude:
Gratitude Journaling: Encourage clients to keep a daily or weekly gratitude journal. Ask them to write down three to five things they are grateful for and explain why. This simple activity can help clients develop a habit of focusing on the positive aspects of their lives.
Gratitude Art: Organize a creative session where clients make art that represents what they are grateful for. This could be through painting, drawing, or even creating a gratitude collage from magazines. The art can serve as a visual reminder of the good things in their lives.
Gratitude Circle: In a group setting, have clients sit in a circle and share one thing they are grateful for. This activity promotes social interaction, listening skills, and community building, as clients hear each other’s expressions of gratitude.
Nature Walk of Appreciation: Take clients on a guided walk in a natural setting and encourage them to notice the beauty around them. Have them share what they are grateful for in nature, such as the warmth of the sun, the sound of birds, or the sight of a blooming flower.
Gratitude Letters: Ask clients to write a letter to someone who has positively impacted their lives, expressing their appreciation. This activity can be incredibly meaningful and can even be shared with the recipient if the client feels comfortable.
Gratitude Jar: Provide a jar and some slips of paper for clients to write down things they are grateful for throughout the week. At the end of the week, read through the notes as a group or individually to reflect on the positivity they’ve experienced.
Incorporating Gratitude Year-Round
Gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving; it’s a year-round practice that can transform the lives of our clients. By incorporating gratitude activities into recreational therapy sessions, we can empower clients to develop a more positive outlook, build stronger relationships, and improve their overall well-being.
As recreational therapists, we have the unique opportunity to create meaningful experiences that foster gratitude and, in turn, promote healing and growth. So why not take a moment today to reflect on what you’re grateful for—and share the gift of gratitude with those you serve?
Recreation Ideas
Here’s a list of recreation activities perfect for the autumn season, promoting social interaction, physical activity, creativity, and relaxation:
Outdoor Activities
- Nature Hikes & Leaf Walks: Explore local trails while observing the vibrant fall foliage. Encourage clients to collect colorful leaves for art projects.
- Pumpkin Patch Visits: Organize a trip to a pumpkin patch for picking pumpkins or participating in fall-themed games and activities.
- Apple Picking: Take clients to an orchard for apple picking, followed by a picnic with hot apple cider and healthy apple snacks.
- Scarecrow Building: Hold a fun contest to build and decorate scarecrows using hay and old clothes. This activity is great for groups and encourages creativity.
- Hayrides: Arrange a relaxing hayride through a scenic area, perfect for soaking in the autumn landscape.
- Outdoor Yoga: Conduct a yoga session in a park surrounded by fall colors. Use the crisp air and gentle rustling of leaves to create a calming atmosphere.
Indoor Activities
- Fall-Themed Arts & Crafts: Organize activities like leaf pressing, painting pumpkins, or creating fall wreaths with natural materials.
- Baking with Seasonal Ingredients: Host a baking session using fall flavors like pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Consider making pumpkin muffins or apple crisps.
- Cozy Movie Nights: Set up a comfortable movie area with blankets and watch autumn-themed or feel-good movies. Serve warm drinks like hot cocoa or spiced tea.
- DIY Candle Making: Use scents like cinnamon, apple, or vanilla to make homemade candles. Clients can decorate their jars and create personalized gifts.
- Gratitude Journaling: As the season shifts, encourage clients to reflect on things they’re grateful for through journaling or creating gratitude art.
Community Activities
- Harvest Festivals: Attend a local harvest festival to enjoy games, crafts, and seasonal treats. These events often provide opportunities for social engagement.
- Volunteer for a Cause: Participate in a community service project, such as collecting food donations for a local pantry or helping clean up a local park.
- Seasonal Photo Scavenger Hunt: Organize a scavenger hunt where clients take photos of various fall-themed items, like scarecrows, hay bales, or red and yellow leaves.
Mindful and Relaxing Activities
- Guided Autumn Meditation: Use guided imagery to help clients imagine a walk through a beautiful fall forest, focusing on relaxation and sensory experiences.
- Bonfire Night: If safe and permitted, host a bonfire with storytelling, s’mores, and calming music.
- Tea Tasting Party: Introduce a variety of fall-inspired teas, like chai, apple cinnamon, or spiced pumpkin, and pair them with light snacks for a soothing experience.
These activities are perfect for making the most of the autumn season and can be adapted for all ages and abilities.
FREE ebooks – Download, Print, Share
Book of the Month
In This Is Strategy, Seth Godin offers a practical and insightful guide to strategic thinking for the modern world. The book is structured into over 250 short, digestible chapters, each one providing clear lessons on understanding and influencing the systems around us. Godin emphasizes making intentional choices, focusing on your “smallest viable audience,” and adopting a long-term perspective to achieve meaningful results. By breaking down complex concepts into manageable segments, he empowers readers to think strategically and take action toward creating impactful, lasting change.
Why Recreational Therapists Might Enjoy It
Recreational therapists (RTs) will appreciate This Is Strategy for its accessible and actionable approach to strategic planning. Godin’s principles can help RTs develop better programs, tailor their work to specific client needs, and think creatively about long-term goals. The emphasis on understanding systems and building intentional, audience-focused strategies can inspire RTs to refine their methods for more effective, personalized therapy sessions. Additionally, the book’s focus on making deliberate choices and prioritizing meaningful impact aligns with the core values of recreational therapy, making it a thought-provoking and empowering read.
Game of the Month
Family Gratitude Games is a comprehensive collection of 101 engaging activities designed to foster gratitude and mindfulness within families. Each game is crafted to help participants recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of their lives, promoting a culture of thankfulness. The book also delves into the science behind gratitude, offering expert tips from professionals in brain training, transformational therapy, and life coaching. This resource serves as a practical guide for families aiming to integrate gratitude into their daily routines, enhancing overall well-being and happiness.
Benefits for Recreational Therapists
Recreational therapists (RTs) can greatly benefit from incorporating Family Gratitude Games into their therapeutic practices. Here’s how:
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Diverse Activity Selection: With 101 games, RTs have a wide array of options to tailor activities to individual client needs, preferences, and therapeutic goals.
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Evidence-Based Approach: The inclusion of scientific insights and expert tips provides RTs with a solid foundation to understand the psychological benefits of gratitude, enabling them to apply these principles effectively in therapy sessions.
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Family-Centric Focus: Many games are designed for family participation, allowing RTs to facilitate family therapy sessions that strengthen familial bonds and promote collective well-being.
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Adaptability: The games can be modified to suit various age groups and abilities, making them versatile tools in both individual and group therapy settings.
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Enhancing Positive Emotions: Regular engagement in gratitude activities has been shown to increase positive emotions and life satisfaction, aligning with RTs’ objectives to improve clients’ quality of life.
By integrating the activities from Family Gratitude Games into their practice, recreational therapists can offer clients enjoyable and meaningful experiences that cultivate gratitude, resilience, and emotional well-being.
Rec Therapist of the Month:
Jesmin Ara
We are excited to feature our November 2024 Rec Therapist of the Month, Jesmin Ara, a dedicated professional making a meaningful impact in the field of recreational therapy in Brooklyn, NY. With a strong educational background and a passion for bringing joy to others, Jesmin provides exceptional care to her clients.
Educational Background
- B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation from Lehman College, CUNY, Bronx, New York
Licenses & Certifications
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
- Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)
Professional Memberships
- American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
- New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association (NYSTRA)
Work Setting & Populations Served
Jesmin works in both long-term and mental health care settings, serving adults aged 18 to 60 and older. She specializes in mental health, providing creative, rehabilitative, and socially engaging interventions, as well as music therapy.
Why She Loves Her Profession
Jesmin finds immense joy in making people happy. This simple yet powerful reason fuels her dedication to helping clients experience meaningful and uplifting activities.
Advice for New Recreational Therapists
Her advice for those new to the field is to “represent your true self to your clients.” She believes that being genuine and authentic is key to building trust and creating effective therapeutic experiences.
Vision for the Future of Rec Therapy
Jesmin envisions a future where more recreational therapy services are available to improve the quality of life for those facing illness. She emphasizes the growing importance of the field in enhancing overall well-being.
Appreciation for Rec Therapy Today
Jesmin values the diverse continuing education opportunities provided by Rec Therapy Today, which keep her informed and inspired to advance her professional skills.
Video of the Month
“The Power of Choosing Gratitude” by Tye Dutcher
In this insightful TEDx talk, Tye Dutcher explores how embracing gratitude can profoundly influence our lives. He emphasizes that gratitude is a deliberate choice, capable of altering our perspectives and experiences. Dutcher shares personal anecdotes and practical strategies to integrate gratitude into daily routines, highlighting its role in enhancing mental well-being and fostering resilience. His engaging delivery and relatable stories make this talk both inspiring and accessible, offering valuable insights for individuals seeking to cultivate a more positive and fulfilling life.
Watch the full talk here:
Danny Pettry’s Corner
Be the Guide, Not the Hero: Reflections from Superman’s Desk
Dressing as Superman for our recent Halloween celebration at the psychiatric residential treatment facility was more than just a costume choice; it became a symbol of how I see my role in the lives of the incredible teens I work with every day. I played the iconic Superman theme song at my desk as our teens went trick-or-treating, creating a festive atmosphere filled with smiles, laughter, and excitement. But here’s the truth: even in my superhero costume, I’m not the hero in this story.
The real heroes are the teens.
In recreational therapy, my role is more of a guide, someone who offers support, wisdom, and resources. Just like Superman inspires courage and hope, I aim to empower the young people in our care. These teens face challenges most of us could never imagine, yet they show extraordinary resilience, strength, and the ability to transform. Every small victory they achieve—whether it’s opening up in a group session, trying a new activity, or working through tough emotions—is heroic.
It’s the teens who deserve the spotlight. They are the ones who summon the courage to heal, grow, and change. My job is to guide them, to create a safe and engaging space where they can explore their potential, and to cheer them on as they write their own hero stories.
Dressing as Superman was fun, but working alongside these remarkable teens is the real adventure. Watching them transform, learn, and soar is better than any superhero story. In our facility, they are the ones who wear the invisible capes. And I feel honored to witness their journey every day.
So here’s to our everyday heroes—our teens—who inspire me to keep guiding, supporting, and believing in the power of transformation.
Praise for Danny’s Work
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October Winners
In October, 80 lucky winners from across the United States received a Rec Therapy Today gift pack! Each pack was filled with goodies, including Life Savers candy—symbolizing how our CEU program has been a true “lifesaver” for many students. The gift pack also featured Rec Therapy Today ink pens and stickers, a magnet, and some festive Halloween stickers to celebrate the season. A big thank you to everyone who participated and helped spread the fun and spirit of recreational therapy!
November Giveaway
The November giveaway is here! Nine lucky winners will receive a physical copy of my book, Living Playfully. Each winner will also enjoy a playful bookmark and a $10 Amazon gift card. Don’t miss your chance to join the fun—enter before midnight on Friday, November 15th. No purchase is necessary, and purchasing won’t increase your odds of winning. This giveaway is open to participants in the U.S. and Canada. Good luck, and let’s keep living playfully!
