Define Recreation Therapist

Recreation therapists use leisure activities to treat physical and mental conditions.

A recreation therapist, or more correctly, a therapeutic recreation specialist, is a member of the treatment team in many mental health and rehabilitation facilities. A certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS) is a professional trained in the use of recreational activities and pursuits to support the goals and objectives of an individual treatment plan or of an overall recreational program plan. These specialists also work in public recreation, education and community-based program settings.

The National Therapeutic Recreation Society

As defined by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society (NTRS), a certified therapeutic recreation professional "uses treatment, education and recreation services to help people with illnesses, disabilities and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that enhance their health, functional abilities, independence and quality of life."

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) defines a therapeutic recreation specialist as a professional who is "trained and certified, registered and/or licensed to provide therapeutic recreation." Under ATRA's definition, a CTRS is one who "provides treatment and recreation services to persons with illnesses or disabling conditions." ATRA further states that the primary purposes of "treatment services," which are often referred to as recreational therapy, are to "restore, remediate or rehabilitate in order to improve functioning and independence as well as reduce or eliminate the effects of illness or disability." On the other hand, according to ATRA, the primary purposes of "recreational services" are "to provide recreation resources and opportunities in order to improve health and well-being."

Department of Labor-Dictionary of Occupational Titles

According to the Department of Labor (DOL), a recreational therapist "plans, organizes, and directs medically approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals and other institutions." The DOL definition lists recreational activities like sports, dramatics, games and arts and crafts that the recreation therapist uses to help patients develop interpersonal relationships, socialize, build confidence and improve physical strength, flexibility and endurance. Recreation therapists use breathing, concentration, relaxation and exercise activities to reduce stress and tension and increase engagement by the patient or client toward accomplishing personal or program goals. In addition therapeutic recreation specialists sit on treatment teams, plan and supervise group and individual recreational activities, train recreation staff, write reports, conduct assessments and prepare program reports. Recreation therapists also monitor safety, supplies and maintenance.

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification

The CTRS designation program is administered under the auspices of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), since 1981, the nationally recognized credentialing authority for the profession of therapeutic recreation. Qualification as a CTRS requires combined experience and education before a recreation professional becomes even eligible to take the CTRS examination. The NCTRC website can help her determine whether or not she is eligible to take the exam.

Certification Requirements

Certified therapeutic recreation specialists meet national standards for education and training specifically in the field of recreation therapy. Recertification is required every five years. The CTRS must take continuing education courses, meet minimum times in actual practice or retake the examination to qualify for recertification. His CTRS credential is recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

References

• Healthline: Recreation Therapy
• University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics: Therapeutic Recreation
• Recreative Resources: Therapeutic Recreation Definition
• Recreation therapy: Definitions of recreational therapy
• Illinois Periodicals On-Line

Resources

• American Therapeutic Recreation Association
• National Recreation and Parks Association: National Therapeutic Recreation Society
• National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification