What is a recreational therapist?

Recreational therapy is a planned and organized program. You may also hear it called therapeutic recreation. It's designed to help you gain social skills and take part in leisure group activities. The focus of recreational therapy programs is to help you:

• Get involved in leisure activities

• Gain or restore social functions

• Prevent loss of physical abilities

• Reduce stress, anxiety, or depression

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

The recreational therapist may guide or instruct you in these areas:

• Relaxation methods. These include deep breathing, to help ease stress and tension

• Stretching and limbering exercises

• Individual and group sport activities

• Leisure activities. These include arts and crafts, music, dance, games, or dramatics

• Special outings. These include ball games, sightseeing, or picnics

Recreation therapists may practice in these settings:

• Hospitals

• Inpatient rehab centers

• Long-term and residential care facilities

• Schools

Recreation therapists are graduates of an undergraduate program in therapeutic recreation. Many are certified in their specialty.