A therapeutic recreation specialist helps people who are suffering from mental, physical, or emotional problems. A therapist works with clients to restore independence and self-management through a carefully planned series of exercises and activities. In hospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health centers, and private practice, therapeutic recreation specialists work with clients. The majority of our clients are referred by a psychiatrist or social worker.
A therapeutic recreation specialist has four main responsibilities: evaluation, plan development, implementation, and documentation. A bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy or physical therapy is usually required to work as a therapeutic recreation specialist. Most employers require certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
The majority of therapeutic recreation specialists work as part of a medical team. A review of the patient’s medical history, a discussion with the primary care physician about the issues that need to be addressed, and a brief meeting with the client comprise the first meeting with a new client. A recreation specialist examines a patient’s interests, hobbies, or skills and builds a therapy program around them. A therapist might teach a stroke victim with partial paralysis to fish, for example. The activity can begin with the functional side and then be expanded to include the paralyzed side.
The therapist will conduct a series of diagnostic tests to assess mobility, strength, and interest at the start of the program. This data is used to create a baseline against which growth can be measured. The items that are measured are determined by the patient’s concerns.
A patient suffering from severe depression, for example, may be very quiet and only respond with single words. A patient with poor motor control may be unable to walk in a straight line. Progress is measured based on each patient’s individual accomplishments over a set period of time.
The treatment plan is created to address specific skill levels and objectives. To engage the client, introduce variety, and focus on different muscle groups, a variety of activities can be used. Individual and group activities are alternated to add variety and aid in the recovery process.
Depending on the client’s issues, level of family support, and interpersonal skills, the approach used to implement the treatment plan varies. Many therapists take a low-key approach, inviting patients to participate in a group activity with a family member or other patients. Some therapists give their support staff a detailed plan but do not share it with the patient. The patient’s level of involvement, as well as the success and failure of various options and techniques, must be documented and discussed with the patient’s treatment team. This type of evaluation assesses the therapy’s efficacy.