What is a recreational therapist?

Recreation therapy is a planned, organized, and therapeutic recreation program designed to help you develop social skills and learn to participate in leisure group activities. The focus of recreational rehabilitation programs is to help you:

• Get involved in leisure activities

• Develop or restore social functions

• Prevent loss of physical capacities

Programs are designed to meet your capabilities, needs, and interests.

The recreational therapist may guide or instruct you in the following areas:

• Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, to help reduce stress and tension

• Stretching and limbering exercises

• Individual and group sport activities

• Leisure activities, such as arts and crafts, games, or dramatics

• Special outings, such as ball games, sightseeing, or picnics

Recreation therapists may practice in a variety of settings, including the following:

• Hospitals

• Inpatient rehabilitation centers

• Long-term care facilities

• Residential facilities

• Schools

Recreation therapists are graduates of an undergraduate program in therapeutic recreation, and many are certified in their specialty.