Rec & Chill was created to advocate, educate, and inspire others on using purposeful recreation and leisure to address specific needs and goals.  Follow our blog posts for more information on improving your quality of life and well-being through Recreational Therapy.

What is Recreational Therapy?

Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being.

The purpose of the RT process is to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning in order to facilitate full participation in life. Services are provided or directly supervised by a “Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist” (CTRS).

Recreational therapy includes, but is not limited to, providing treatment services and recreation activities to individuals using a variety of techniques including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings. Recreational therapists treat and help maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients by seeking to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively.

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association

ATRA is the ONLY national organization representing the specific needs and interests of ALL Recreational Therapists.

ATRA's vision is to have a world where all people have access to Recreational Therapy. To make that happen, Recreational Therapists need to be recognized and valued in Federal and State governments.

ATRA works hard through our efforts and through collaborations and alliances with other groups to  promote recreational therapy.

ATRA Website

Interested in Becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist?

NCTRC certification indicates to employers and the public that the CTRS has met the educational, experiential and professional requirements necessary to be a qualified provider of recreational therapy services. Only individuals who have met the specific qualifica-
tions to become certified by NCTRC can use the CTRS designation.

NCTRC WEBSITE

The word Recreation is really a very beautiful word. It is defined in the dictionary as "the process of giving new life to something, of refreshing something, of restoring something." This something, of course, is the whole person.

-Bruno Hans Geba

Therapeutic Recreation: Re-Creating Mind, Body & Spirit

When your mind, body, and spirit are in harmony, happiness is the natural result. Finding the balance between all three is also a great achievement. I challenge you to find that balance.  

Rec and Chill Team

Click the link below to join or donate to Rec and Chill's Team for the NAMI Strides in Mental Health Awareness.

NAMI Walk