Therapeutic Recreation Essay

When we observe the demographics of today¡¦s society, we notice that there is quite a change in the average age, as well as life expectancy. In 1993, the average life expectancy rose to an amazing 75.5 years, with women living an average of 79 years and men living an average of 72 years (Hawkins, 1996, p. 4). With this gradual rise in age, the idea of therapeutic recreation for the aging population has taken on a significant role. Therapeutic recreation uses recreation and leisure activities to meet the needs of people in order to improve their quality of life. These needs include social, physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual. The experience of engaging in recreation is perceived to have therapeutic benefits. Engaging in

Dieser, R. (2013). Special issues: Global therapeutic recreation: Should the United States therapeutic recreation profession and the United States National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) be replicated in other nations. World Leisure Journal, 55(4), 307-319

Adolescence is a critical time of development. During this period there are significant changes in brain development, emotions, cognition, behavior, and personal relationships. It is during this time that most major mental health disorders appear, many of which carry over into adulthood. Behavior patterns such as substance abuse also often develop during this time and may continue throughout adulthood. Many adolescents struggling with mental health issues begin to exhibit symptoms such as acting out at home or in school, showing a decreased interest in activities that they previously enjoyed, or bringing home poor grades. Others ultimately are charged with offenses ranging from status

As I make my way on this journey that is my life, I realize that I have always believed in the fundamental worth of all humanity and my responsibility as a fellow human being to respect this premise and also to support individuals, as much as I am able, to help unearth it should this basic truth become hidden to them. This is a guiding principle for me and I believe that many of the constructs of the field of Therapeutic Recreation (TR) are congruent with this philosophy. Making the decision to obtain a Therapeutic Recreation Specialization (TRS) degree offered a theoretical rationale in which to further explore the concept of leisure, define my professional philosophy and an opportunity to reflect critically on the field which I have

These services are mainly psychotherapy and biomedical therapy. Psychotherapy is understanding your mind and illness, helping cope with feelings and symptoms, and changing behavior patterns that cause symptoms of the illness. When children don’t use the proper mental health services, they are at a greater risk for difficulties later in life such as substance abuse, suicide, or involvement with the correctional system (Turner). Therefore it is, important to not only attend psychotherapy but to also be on the proper medication when dealing any mental illness. In the American Psychiatric Association’s new DSM-5, fifteen new disorders are listed. Some mental health professionals fear that medication will now be given to those who would have earlier been seen as the “worried well” (Rubinstein, 2013). The key is to distinguish when one is mentally ill and needs assistance and when they are just going through a tough situation. Many psychologists have been through the same situation, and could help guide past that tough time in

Everyday so many people are conflicted with injuries that may or may not change their life and find themselves in need of someone to help them to get back on their feet. Recreational therapists are that someone who will be a shoulder for anyone to lean on that needs a little extra support, both figuratively and literally. Every day Recreational therapists are working hard to help people get their life back on track. The mental drive to help people is a big part of what makes this job so incredibly appealing. Recreational therapists must be supportive and patient and kind in order for the treatments to be effective in keeping the patients' happy and feeling taken care of. Being a go getter is such a big part of being

Compassion is one of the most important qualities to have as this type of therapist because they deal with some broken and hurt people, physically and emotionally. Without compassion they would never impact the lives of people with disabilities the amazing way that they do. Recreation Specialists improve the well-being of individuals who have illnesses or disabilities through treatment and activities. This includes playing games, dancing, and much more! (“Recreational Therapists: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor

To understand stereotypes about of a recreational therapist, one must learn what therapeutic recreation does and how it benefits patients. Recreational therapists are people that plan, direct, recreational – based treatment people for people with illnesses and disabilities. There are myths about recreational therapists that come from a society not understanding the term “recreational therapy”. Recreational therapists play an active role in helping people young or old learn to carry daily activities to aid them in their daily lives.

The past two days, I have been truly privileged to attend the 2017 Newfoundland & Labrador Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference. The conference consisted of sessions delivered by those in the field of Therapeutic Recreation and related areas in Newfoundland and Labrador. I was able to attend many sessions involving topics like inclusion, mental health and empowerment, and through which, attained many new skills and perspectives for my future in therapeutic recreation. Before this conference, I did not have a solid idea as to what therapeutic recreation truly looked like in Newfoundland. However, through involvement in sessions, and interaction with other delegates and therapeutic recreation professionals, I was able to broaden my

Underestimated, unnoticed, and sometimes ignored, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) lurks in the shadows of other illnesses. OCD is a mental condition that has severe to minor effects, but help is always available through Exposure with Response Prevention Therapy and medication. OCD obliterates the ability to think and live freely, leaving its victim trapped in a world of repetition.

It provides the reader with the assumptions on the education, what it is like to become this type of therapist, and the job setting that one would be placed in. This reading was in particular for those that have an interest in learning or who are interested in being a Recreational Therapist. The writer mentions some of the basis for the academic accreditation and how the option of independent accreditation has recently been formed. This program is being compared to the recreation and parks program. The main focus is to understand that the Recreational Therapy program need to be followed as an independent accreditation, rather than that of an academic accreditation. The logic, labor, and academic certification for both these programs are separate from one another. The statues of educational for recreational therapy practice has been an issue for decades ( “Childhood Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Efforts to Cope After Hurricane

Recreational therapy has been a constant form of happiness throughout the past four years of my life. As a freshman in college, I came to Temple University undecided on what I wanted to major in for the next four years. Only knowing that I wanted to study something pertaining to health and well-being, I checked out my options and instantly fell in love with the idea of studying recreation therapy. By doing so, I would be able to directly work with individuals, promoting health through recreation and leisure involvement.

On September 8th, 2015, I first began interning for Dr. Dawn Cox and her staff of experienced Physical Therapists at PRANA Functional Manual Therapy in Lancaster, PA as a Physical Therapy Aide. Intermittently, on the first day of my internship, I would ask the therapists “Why choose Physical Therapy as a profession?” One of the Physical Therapists conveyed that aside from the substantial benefits a job provides, it was the intangible materials that gave the profession a meaning. As a student exploring the field of Physical Therapy, I have infallibly witnessed professionalism at PRANA and other Physical Therapy facilities through the therapists’ altruism towards patients -without violating ethical practices as professionals; their apposite use of communication with each individual at the workplace; and their sense of accountability when things go unforeseen.

Recreational therapy is a major that seems to be of interest to those with a strong-willed mind and a heart of wanting to help others be able to live a better life. My goal is to be able to achieve the title of a recreational therapist, where I could have the chance to help those who need that extra hand. This is a particular career found in the medical field in which was able to capture my interest, for helping others to have a good time while rehabilitating themselves is something that I would believe to be helpful to many. I believe recreational therapy would be a particularly good career for me to grow and be a part of for many reasons. One of the most important qualities that one interested in this field must have is patience, which I

Play therapy is appropriate for children between 3-12 years old. Aspects that counselors must consider include whether the child has the capacity to learn, obtain insight, and the ability to develop a relationship with an adult. The purpose of play therapy relates to exploring and expressing feelings, gain knowledge about self and others, strengthen problem-solving and decision-making skills, in addition to increasing the child’s sense of competence and self-efficacy. When counselor’s setup space intended for play therapy they must ensure that the space is comfortable and private. According to the text, the room should be between 150-200 square feet with washable walls and floors, sink and bathroom, and storage shelves cabinets and shelves to store toys and other materials.