Therapeutic recreation may be defined as a profession that utilizes a variety of leisure-based activities as treatment modalities, to assist the lives of people with injury, illness, disability and other limitations. This is considered a helping profession because it focuses on the whole person to maximize potential. Six functional domains are considered including physical, cognitive, emotional, social, behavioral, leisure and play. It offers a unique and creative approach to meeting patients’ needs and leisure interests. This profession helps by teaching people to develop independence and form social relationships. Recreational therapists ultimately assist to reduce depression, stress and anxiety. Additionally, they recover basic physical and mental activities, build confidence and teach effective socialization strategies. Interventions including arts and crafts, dance or sports activities may be implemented as treatment modalities. Individuals with physical disability or visual impairment may benefit from learning adaptive activities. Recreational therapists also help individuals with disabilities integrate into the community by teaching them how to use community resources and recreational activities. A person in a wheelchair may be taught how to use public transportation. Social and coping skills may be developed by using a therapy dog, or animal assisted therapy to manage depression or anxiety. Therapeutic recreation values the right to leisure, autonomy, optimal health and quality of life. These are positive aspects of therapeutic recreation as a profession, while offering a unique and fun approach to helping others.
Recreational therapists endeavor to improve the well-being of their clientele. I feel that I am a good candidate as a practitioner in a helping profession because my personality is bubbly, warm and caring. I am also very understanding and patient. I have learned to develop these skills through my educational, professional and personal life experiences. Working as an intake coordinator has prepared me as a healthcare professional, by assisting to help families receive services for their children. I have had exposure to different diagnostic groups in this position including Autism, ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders, speech-language and communication disorders, etc. My genuine and humble personality has allowed me to establish a good rapport with families. It is incredibly important to develop mutual trust, friendship and affinity with others. This can also be very beneficial to a professional career. It ultimately helps one to establish good interpersonal relationships, while opening many doors for success and other opportunities. In addition, I have always had a passion and willingness to help others. This field will allow me to use my creative side and utilize diverse skillsets. I'm very driven by goals, and my enthusiasm helps to motivate and inspire others. My selfless orientation will support me in caring for, and putting my patients first. I possess empathy for others and motivation in anything that I do. I believe that I have the potential to address the needs of my patients.
Of the areas presented, I see myself working with either children or the elderly community. I feel that since working in a pediatric therapy office, I have gained increased patience, understanding, communication and listening skills. I also work well independently and as part of a team. I have the capacity to think on my feet and stay calm in stressful situations. I sincerely believe that helping children and families is the most rewarding career. Being able to help kids reach their full potential, while helping them feel happier and increase confidence would bring a huge smile to my face. Every day will be different while working with kids. I think it’s the fun challenge that interests me the most. I’ve never had the opportunity in working with the elderly population. This is something that I’ve always wanted to do. I believe having the luxury to work with the elderly will allow me to observe different personalities, behaviors and interests. It requires patience and good listening skills. The older generation love to share stories about their lives. Working with older adults will help decrease their potential of feeling lonely and allow them to experience companionship. I want to be able to make a difference in the lives of others. The elderly often appreciate your time and what you do for them. It gives a different perspective on life and you can learn from their experiences. For people with a higher level of care needed, your support is invaluable. As a recreational therapist, I will be able to support my patient’s by increasing their independence and dignity. This great accomplishment will feel rewarding, knowing that I have turned what could have been a really difficult day into a great one, full of laughter and fun activities. My interaction may be the highlight of someones day and help to enhance quality of life. Working with these groups will genuinely help support our values and beliefs as recreational therapists.
I believe that there is always room for improvement when it comes to developing professional skills. Other skills utilized by a recreational therapists that can always be improved may include critical-thinking skills, social perceptiveness, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, active listening and speaking skills, time management and organization skills , persuasion, detail orientation and creativity. Skills can be enhanced by trainings, attending workshops, taking additional courses, reading books or articles and observing other professionals. Professional skills are essential to any career and field of study. These skills are important in the field of therapeutic recreation because they will help the therapist to form a good relationship with the patient, family and other healthcare specialists. It ultimately benefits the patient which is our primary focus in this field.