Recreation Therapist

What is a recreational therapist?

Recreation therapy is a planned, organized, and therapeutic recreation program designed to help you develop social skills and learn to participate in leisure group activities. The focus of recreational rehabilitation programs is to help you:

  • Get involved in leisure activities

  • Develop or restore social functions

  • Prevent loss of physical capacities

Programs are designed to meet your capabilities, needs, and interests.

Physical therapist showing woman resistance band exercise.

The recreational therapist may guide or instruct you in the following areas:

  • Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, to help reduce stress and tension

  • Stretching and limbering exercises

  • Individual and group sport activities

  • Leisure activities, such as arts and crafts, games, or dramatics

  • Special outings, such as ball games, sightseeing, or picnics

Recreation therapists may practice in a variety of settings, including the following:

  • Hospitals

  • Inpatient rehabilitation centers

  • Long-term care facilities

  • Residential facilities

  • Schools

Recreation therapists are graduates of an undergraduate program in therapeutic recreation, and many are certified in their specialty.