By Danny Pettry, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BH
Image credit: Credit:Jovanmandic
Inspired by: What to Do When It’s Your Turn (Godin, 2014)
Some people still misunderstand recreational therapy.
They see:
- games,
- crafts,
- sports,
- music,
- recreation.
But recreational therapists know something deeper is happening.
We make change.
A recreational therapist may use an activity to:
- reduce isolation,
- improve coping,
- build confidence,
- strengthen communication,
- increase motivation,
- support emotional regulation,
- or help someone reconnect with hope.
The activity is not the treatment goal.
The activity is the tool.
Behind every intervention is:
- assessment,
- planning,
- clinical reasoning,
- facilitation,
- observation,
- and evaluation.
Recreational therapy is intentional.
Strong RTs help people reconnect with life, meaning, relationships, confidence, and participation.
That matters.
And the profession grows stronger every time recreational therapists clearly communicate the value of what they do.
Interested in growing professionally as an RT?
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Reference
Godin, S. (2014). What to do when it’s your turn (and it’s always your turn). Do You Zoom.