What is recreational therapy?

Recreational therapy or therapeutic recreation is when trained providers use recreational activities to help improve or maintain cognitive, emotional, social or physical functioning of an individual. People who receive this therapy - sometimes referred to as patients - are often sick, disabled or older. The therapist provides adapted recreational opportunities to help patients develop independent life skills and improve the quality of life. Recreational therapy can help reduce the level of stress and depression and contribute to greater physical and emotional comfort of the patient. For some, this can even be used to maintain or restore basic reasoning or motor skills. The therapist may use direct patient observation, evaluation, medical records and interviews with the patient and family members or medical staff. Upon completion of the tune, the therapist is able to create an individualized treatment plan, take into account the patient's interests and solve areas where it is necessaryno improvement.

Recreational therapy can take many different forms. Therapeutic activities could include sport, crafts, dance, time spent with animals, stress, music, music and community trips. These activities can provide patients with mental and physical stimulation and some activities can help patients develop specific skills. Sometimes recreational therapy is used to help the patient to build confidence, strengthen social skills and even integrate more into their community.

patients receive recreational therapy in various places and environments. For example, a therapist may be employed in an assisted housing facility and patients could participate in therapy within the facility. Schools can also employ recreational therapists, often provide services of special education department. This therapy is sometimes part of complex therapeutic services offered in centers PRO treatment of mental health or treatment of addictive substances.

usually most positions at the basic level for a recreational therapist requires a bachelor's degree with the main or concentration in the field. In the United States, there is a council that offers certification for recreational therapists, although certification is not compulsory. Several countries regulate recreational therapy and may require a license to practice.

recreational therapy can be a valuable part of the treatment of people who are ill, older or disabled. This unique form of therapy can work in conjunction with other treatments to increase positive results. For many patients, recreational therapy can help improve functional skills, develop independent skills, increase overall health and increase the basic quality of life.