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Recreational therapists
Published on: Monday, November 29, 2021
By: K Krishnan
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WE always wish to live happily, peacefully and healthily forever. However, life has ups and downs. Our entire life can change after an illness, accident, tragedy, war or fate.  

People who can’t carry on living normally need some form of help. Long time ago such special people are just locked up in a room, left alone or ignored by their family members and society.  

However times have changed. Special people too have access to life. There are people who are specially trained to take care of special people today.  Some call them Recreational therapists or recreation workers. Let us find out more about these professional caregivers.  

What do Recreational therapists do? 

Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programmes for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. 

These therapists use a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts; drama, music, and dance; sports and games; aquatics; and community outings to help maintain or improve a patient’s physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Recreational therapists may also be called as Activity Coordinators, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, General Activities Therapists, Recreation Therapists, Rehabilitation Therapist or Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

What is their daily task?  

Whatever their job title is, they typically do the following:
  • Assess patients’ needs using observation, medical records, tests, and discussions with other healthcare professionals, patients’ families, and patients
  • Develop treatment plans and programmes that meet patients’ needs and interests
  • Plan and implement interventions to support the client in meeting his or her goals
  • Engage patients in therapeutic activities, such as exercise, games, and community outings
  • Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent
  • Teach patients about ways to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
  • Document and analyze a patient’s progress
  • Evaluate interventions for effectiveness


In addition, Recreational therapists help people reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic physical and mental abilities; build confidence; and socialise effectively. They use interventions, such as arts and crafts, dance, or sports, to help their patients. 

Therapists often treat specific groups of patients, such as children with cancer. Therapists may use activities such as kayaking or a ropes course to teach patients to stay active and to form social relationships.

Recreational therapists help people with disabilities integrate into the community by teaching them how to use community resources and recreational activities. For example, therapists may teach a patient who uses a wheelchair, on how to use public transportation.

Therapists may also provide interventions for patients who need help developing social and coping skills. For example, a therapist may use a therapy dog to help patients manage their depression or anxiety.

Therapists may work with physicians or surgeons, registered nurses, psychologists, social workers, physical therapists, teachers, or occupational therapists. Recreational therapists are different from recreation workers, who organise recreational activities primarily for enjoyment.

Where do they work?

Almost 40pc of Recreational therapists work in Government and Private hospitals. The others work in social assistance centers, nursing care facilities and healthcare services. 

They use offices for planning or other administrative activities, such as patient assessment, but may travel when working with patients. Therapy may be provided in a clinical setting or out in a community. For example, therapists may take their patients to community recreation centres or parks for sports and other outdoor activities.

Some therapists may spend a lot of time on their feet actively working with patients. They may also need to physically assist patients or lift heavy objects such as wheelchairs.

What qualities do you need? 

If you have the following qualities you can consider pursuing this career. 

Compassion. 

Recreational therapists should be kind and empathetic when providing support to patients and their families. They may deal with patients who are in pain or under emotional stress.

Leadership skills. 

Recreational therapists must plan, develop, and implement intervention programs in an effective manner. They must be engaging and able to motivate patients to participate in a variety of therapeutic activities.

Listening skills. 

Recreational therapists must listen carefully to a patient’s problems and concerns. They can then determine an appropriate course of treatment for that patient.

Patience. 

Recreational therapists may work with some patients who require more time and special attention than others.

Resourcefulness. 

Recreational therapists customise treatment plans for patients. They must be both creative and flexible when adapting activities or programs to each patient’s needs.

Speaking skills. 

Recreational therapists need to communicate well with their patients. They must give clear directions during activities or instructions on healthy coping techniques.

What interest do you need? 

Social – Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Artistic – Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Education & Training 

Recreational therapists typically need a bachelor’s degree, usually in recreational therapy or a related field such as recreation and leisure studies.

Recreational therapy programs may include courses in: 

Psychology – Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Therapy and Counseling – Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Customer and Personal Service – Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. (Adapted from USBLS) 

Q and A

For further information on careers write to [email protected]





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