| Recreational Therapy |
Article Index for Recreational |
Website Links For Recreational Therapy |
Information AboutRecreational Therapy |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT RECREATIONAL THERAPY | |
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Usually, recreational therapists are distinguished from physical and occupational therapists because they are helping the client cope with no longer being able to participate in meaningful leisure activities. For example, they may help a former professional athlete who has lost the ability to walk get over this by helping them play chess. They usually try to develop another interest for the patient. US STRUCTURE In many states, such as New York, there is no licensing requirements for recreational therapists causing some to feel they are not given that much credibility by insurance companies, doctors, and patients. In other states, such as the West Coast California, recreational therapists are looked upon with as much respect as a physical therapist. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS The National Therapeutic Recreation Society NTRS (official National Therapeutic Recreation Society website) and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association ATRA (official American Therapeutic Recreation Association website) offer its members organizations much like other certified professions. The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification National Therapeutic Recreation Certification website , a charter member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA), also provides a certification that expires after 5 years, and needs to be recertified at the end of the expiration period. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Many colleges and schools provide programs in recreational therapy.The website, accessed 30 April , 2007 Recreation Therapists provide a variety of interventions including, but not limited to: leisure education/ counseling, values clarification, bibliotherapy, cinematherapy, horticulture therapy, therapeutic community, humor, therapeutic use of touch, relaxation techniques, physical activity, aromatherapy, tai chi, assertivness training, social skills training, cognitive rehabilitation, animal-assisted therapy, aquatic therapy, creative arts, reality orientation, validation therapy, remotivation, resocialization, sensory training, self-esteem training and reminiscence. ]]. CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) are required to earn continuing education units for re-certification. As with any continuing education agency/ program, the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) does not pre-approve or endorse any continuing education program. REFERENCES EXTERNAL LINKS
Therapeutic Recreation Exam Certification |
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