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.
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.
CEU Opportunites
Created by, CTRS, Danny Pettry, Rec Therapy Today, offers recreational therapists a mix self-study Continuing Education Units (CEU) programs, courses, workshops, and webinars to renew national certification through NCTRC and/ or state license. These courses are convenient and easy-to-use.
SMART CEUS HUB
Founded by, CTRS, Nathan Lamaster, SMART CEU Hub's mission is to provide quality online NCTRC approved CE for Recreational Therapists; which is both affordable to take, and convenient to use.