Danny Pettry/ Rec Therapy Today has consistenly sent out a monthly email for Recreational Therapists since 2004. 

Dear Innovative Rec Therapist –

 As we step into a new season, we remain committed to our person-centered approach, celebrating the unique stories and experiences of each individual we serve.

This month, we explore fresh perspectives, innovative techniques, and inspiring success stories to empower your practice and enhance the lives of those you work with.

Together, let’s continue to create meaningful, positive change through recreation therapy.

Enjoy the journey!

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. 

Upcoming Teleconference Day

Potential Schedule:

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Tai Chi for Health & Energy
Presenter: Autumn Robertson, CTRS

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Perinatal Mental Health
Presenter: April Green, MPA, CTRS

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Non-pharmacological or Ecopsychosocial Interventions?
Presenter: Vicky Pitner, CTRS, CDP

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Recreational Meditation: Mindfulness for the Fun of It!
Presenter: Brandon Cruz

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Outpatient Behavioral Health: Where RT Makes Sense!
Presenter: Kristina Martin, CTRS

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Synapse of Physical and Cognitive Disabilities
Presenter: Julie Bradwell, LRT/CTRS

More information and registration page will be coming soon.

Inspiration for the Month

Humor of the Month

An Important Message based on the joke of the month:

“If You Don’t Have a Seat at the Table, Then You’re on the Menu”

In the world of healthcare and human services, decisions are made every day that impact the people we serve. As recreational therapists, it’s crucial that we have a seat at the table when these decisions are made. If we aren’t there to advocate for the value of recreation therapy, our perspectives—and, more importantly, the needs of our clients—could be overlooked or misunderstood.

Let’s step up, speak out, and make sure recreational therapy is always represented.

One way to ensure we have a voice is by joining our national association, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). By becoming a member, you can be a part of the conversation, support advocacy efforts, and help shape the future of our field.

Disclaimer: Danny Pettry is a Lifetime Member of ATRA but is not an elected board member or representative of the association.

Infographics for the Month

Holiday this Month

Here is a list of holidays celebrated in the United States in September 2024:

Labor Day – Monday, September 2

A national holiday honoring the contributions of American workers, typically marked by parades, barbecues, and the unofficial end of summer.

Patriot Day – Wednesday, September 11

A day of remembrance for the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Observed with moments of silence, memorial services, and ceremonies.

National Grandparents Day – Sunday, September 8

A day to honor and celebrate the contributions of grandparents and their role in families and communities.

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day – Tuesday, September 17

A day recognizing the adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and celebrating those who have become U.S. citizens.

Rosh Hashanah – Begins at sundown on Friday, September 27, and ends at sundown on Sunday, September 29

The Jewish New Year, a two-day celebration involving prayer, reflection, and festive meals.

Yom Kippur – Begins at sundown on Sunday, September 29, and ends at sundown on Monday, September 30

The Jewish Day of Atonement, marked by fasting, prayer, and reflection.

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

Embracing Carl Rogers’ Humanistic Approach in Recreational Therapy

Carl Rogers, a prominent figure in psychology, developed the humanistic approach, which emphasizes the inherent worth of individuals and their capacity for growth, self-awareness, and self-determination. Rogers’ philosophy, often referred to as “client-centered” or “person-centered” therapy, has profound implications for recreational therapy. His approach encourages practitioners to focus on the client’s experiences and foster a supportive environment that enhances personal growth, well-being, and self-actualization. Here’s how we can integrate Rogers’ principles into recreational therapy practice.

Key Principles of Rogers’ Humanistic Approach

Unconditional Positive Regard: One of Rogers’ core concepts is the idea of offering unconditional positive regard, which means accepting and valuing the client without judgment. In recreational therapy, this translates to creating an environment where clients feel safe, respected, and free to express themselves. By showing genuine care and empathy, therapists can help clients build self-esteem and trust in their abilities.

Empathy: Empathy involves understanding the client’s feelings and perspectives without imposing one’s own beliefs. In recreational therapy, practicing empathy allows therapists to connect deeply with clients, gaining insight into their motivations and challenges. This connection can enhance the therapeutic alliance, making the intervention more effective.

Authenticity or Congruence: Rogers emphasized that therapists should be genuine and transparent in their interactions. In recreational therapy, authenticity helps create a space where clients feel comfortable and supported. When therapists model authenticity, it encourages clients to be honest and open, which can lead to more meaningful engagement and personal growth.

Self-Actualization: According to Rogers, everyone has an inherent desire to achieve their full potential, known as self-actualization. Recreational therapy offers diverse opportunities for clients to explore their interests, develop new skills, and discover their strengths, all of which contribute to self-actualization. Activities such as team sports, creative arts, or outdoor adventures can provide clients with experiences that promote personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

Application of the Humanistic Approach in Recreational Therapy

Client-Centered Planning: Incorporating Rogers’ humanistic approach involves actively involving clients in the planning and decision-making processes of their therapy. By allowing clients to choose activities that align with their interests and goals, therapists empower them to take ownership of their therapeutic journey. This collaborative approach ensures that therapy is meaningful, engaging, and aligned with the client’s personal values.

Creating a Supportive Environment: Recreational therapists can apply the principle of unconditional positive regard by fostering an inclusive, non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore new activities and take risks. This supportive atmosphere encourages clients to express themselves freely, try new things, and build confidence.

Facilitating Meaningful Connections: By emphasizing empathy, recreational therapists can build strong therapeutic relationships that help clients feel understood and valued. Through activities that promote social interaction, such as group games or community events, clients can form meaningful connections with others, reducing feelings of isolation and improving overall well-being.

Promoting Self-Reflection and Growth: Incorporating reflective practices, such as group discussions, journaling, or debriefing sessions, allows clients to process their experiences and reflect on their growth. These practices align with Rogers’ emphasis on self-awareness and personal development, helping clients gain insights into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Conclusion

Carl Rogers’ humanistic approach offers valuable insights for recreational therapists seeking to create a client-centered, empathetic, and growth-oriented practice. By embracing Rogers’ principles of unconditional positive regard, empathy, authenticity, and self-actualization, recreational therapists can empower clients to achieve their full potential and enhance their overall quality of life. As we continue to evolve our practice, integrating these humanistic values can lead to more meaningful and transformative outcomes for those we serve.

Recreation Ideas

Book of the Month

Book of the Month: September 2024

Title: 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation—And Making Your Own Life Easier
Author: Hardcover
Release Date: August 6, 2024

Overview: “10 to 25” delves into the unique psychological and neurological development that occurs between the ages of 10 and 25, a critical period often referred to as the “emerging adulthood” phase. The book offers a comprehensive look at how the brain and behavior evolve during these formative years, providing valuable insights into what drives motivation in young people. The author draws on the latest scientific research to propose practical strategies for effectively engaging and guiding the next generation. The book not only focuses on how to motivate young people but also highlights the importance of understanding their perspective, fostering better communication, and building strong, supportive relationships.

Benefits for Recreational Therapists:

Enhanced Understanding of Youth Development: This book offers recreational therapists a deeper insight into the developmental stages of young people, helping them to tailor interventions more effectively to meet the unique needs of this age group.

Improved Motivation Strategies: The book’s strategies for motivating young people can be directly applied in therapeutic settings, enabling therapists to design activities and programs that resonate with their clients’ intrinsic motivations.

Building Stronger Therapeutic Relationships: By understanding the science behind how young people think and behave, recreational therapists can improve their communication skills and build stronger, more trusting relationships with their clients.

Informed Program Development: The book provides evidence-based guidance that can help therapists create more effective and engaging programs, particularly for those working with clients in the 10 to 25 age range.

This book is a must-read for recreational therapists looking to deepen their knowledge of youth development and improve their practice by applying cutting-edge motivational techniques. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned professional, 10 to 25 offers valuable insights that can enhance your ability to connect with and support young clients.

Game of the Month

Overview of Moose Master:

• Objective: The primary goal is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards by following the rules and trying to catch others breaking them.
• Gameplay: Players take turns drawing cards and following the instructions on them. These instructions can involve creating new rules, asking questions, or trying to make other players break the existing rules. The game thrives on unpredictability, and as players add more rules, the game becomes increasingly chaotic and hilarious.
• Interaction: The game encourages interaction, with players often trying to outwit one another. The laughter often comes from the unexpected twists and turns as players try to keep track of the evolving rules.
• Duration: A game typically lasts about 30 minutes, but this can vary depending on the group and how much everyone is enjoying the chaos.

Why It’s Great for Recreational Therapy:

• Social Interaction: Moose Master is excellent for encouraging social interaction and breaking the ice, making it a great tool for group therapy sessions.
• Laughter and Stress Relief: The game’s light-hearted nature promotes laughter, which is known to reduce stress and improve mood, making it a fun way to lift spirits.
• Cognitive Flexibility: The game requires players to think on their feet and adapt to changing rules, which can help in improving cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.
• Inclusivity: The game is easy to learn and can be enjoyed by people of various ages and abilities, making it an inclusive option for diverse groups.

Overall, “Moose Master” is not just a fun game but also a valuable tool for promoting laughter, connection, and cognitive engagement in a recreational therapy setting.

Rec Therapist of the Month

Phoenix Daniels

1. My name is Phoenix Daniels

2. I received my Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Hospitality & Parks Management with an emphasis in RT through Chico State. I am currently halfway through my Masters of Science in Rec Administration at Sac State!

3. I have been a CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) since I graduated in 2018.

4. I am a member of both ATRA (American Therapeutic Recreation Association) & CPRS (California Parks & Recreation Society)

5. I was on the Dean’s Honors List for 3 semesters of my undergraduate education.

6. I became a Rec Therapist to help people of all abilities in a fun way! I was inspired to be in the health field by mom who worked as an RN while I was growing up. I then learned about RT during my sophomore year in High School when I got to be in a new sports and recreation program. I knew I wanted to do this for my career and the rest is history!

7. I work in 2 care homes as well as an adult day program facility.

8. I currently work with clients who have intellectual disabilities and mental health diagnoses and transitioning to also work at a prison! 9. Different interventions I use with my clients are social recreation activities, leisure education, coping skills (self-awareness activities such as yoga), skill-training to increase motor skills such as jewelry making for fine motor-movements and I’ve done journaling clubs for leisure exploration.

10. I love the rapport I build with my clients over the years.

11. I would recommend a new RT to be open for new experiences. I’ve been fearful, nervous & scared to try out new interventions such as gardening when I started a club a couple years or so ago. Turns out, gardening is now one of my personal hobbies!

12. I see RT being more so widely adopted in common healthcare practices in the future. 13. Heather Kinsey is a RT I admire. She is the owner of the Milieu Center, which she started for recreation therapy practices originally and has expanded it to an amazing multi-disciplinary treatment team. The MC is where I’ve worked for 6 years come October and the first place I had the opportunity to work after receiving my certification. Heather went to Sacramento State & has had tons of experience in the field. She is a true hero!

14. Networking is key in a smaller field like RT!

15. What I enjoy about Rec Therapy Today is the monthly newsletters that include all sorts of goodies for a RT like myself! I always find fun resources and I’m get excited about each new month’s newsletter!

Video of the Month

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Enter the September 2024 Giveaway

Win some FREE Rec Therapy Today ink pens

Rec Therapy Today is excited to announce an Ink Pen Giveaway, open to all individuals aged 18 and older. No purchase is necessary to enter, and making a purchase will not increase your chances of winning. To participate, simply complete the entry form available on our website [include link]. The giveaway period runs from [Start Date] to [End Date], and only one entry per person is allowed. On [Draw Date], fifty winners will be randomly selected using a random number generator and will be notified via email within [number of days] days. Each winner will receive a Rec Therapy Today ink pen, with no substitutions or cash redemptions allowed. Winners consent to the use of their name and likeness for promotional purposes. Rec Therapy Today is not responsible for lost, damaged, or delayed shipments of prizes and reserves the right to cancel or modify the giveaway if necessary. Personal information collected will only be used for the giveaway and will remain confidential. By entering, participants agree to abide by these terms and the final decisions of Rec Therapy Today.

P.S. The Danny P. CEU Guarantee