Recreational Therapist

According to the dictionary, “recreation” is “activity that’s done for enjoyment.” In other words, recreation is fun. Illness, on the other hand, is decidedly un-fun. It seems a logical conclusion, therefore, that one would be an effective treatment for the other.

That’s your belief if you’re a Recreational Therapist. Employed by hospitals, schools, clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers, a Recreational Therapist is paid to help patients overcome mental and physical illnesses and disabilities by engaging them in recreational activities, such as art, crafts, music, dance, games, and sports.

Consider, for instance, children with anger management issues, who might be helped by channeling their energy into painting; senior citizens at risk of developing Alzheimer’s, who might benefit from puzzles that keep their brains sharp; adults with social anxiety disorders, who can improve their social skills by participating in group activities; or disabled teens, who can learn to overcome mental and physical barriers by engaging in athletics.

The opportunities are infinite. The methods, meanwhile, are universal. To help patients overcome obstacles, you interview and observe them, consult with Doctors, and administer standardized tests in order to assess the nature and extent of their challenges. Then, based on your findings, you develop and execute a treatment plan that includes recreational activities that can help them reduce stress, anxiety, and depression; recover motor functioning and reasoning abilities; and develop new physical, emotional, and intellectual abilities.

Whether your patients suffer from low self-confidence or serious physical handicaps, a Recreational Therapist understands that medication isn’t always the answer. Sometimes, the best medicine is a hobby — and you supply it!