What is a recreational therapist?

Recreation therapy is a planned, organized, and therapeutic recreation program. 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

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

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

• Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, to help ease 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 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.