Recreational Therapy in Virginia

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Recreational Therapy for Individuals

Recreational therapy (RT) is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with a disability.

The purpose of the RT process is to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual functioning in order to facilitate full participation in life. Services are provided or directly supervised by a “Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.”

Recreational therapy includes providing treatment services and recreation activities to individuals using a variety of techniques including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings.

Recreational therapists treat and help maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients by seeking to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively.

What Does Recreational Therapeutic Consultation Look Like?

Our Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) will meet with the individual in need of supports and their team to determine support needs through an informal and formal assessment process.  The team will work together to develop goals and outcomes they hope to accomplish through Therapeutic Consultation and identify recreational activities that may be of interest or appropriate to access as the individual works towards their identified goals.  The clinician will then develop a treatment plan that outlines therapeutic techniques, environmental modifications, and activities to try to support the individual in meeting their identified goals.  The clinician will regularly meet with the individual and their team to coach and consult on therapeutic activities, interventions and supports. Throughout the Therapeutic Consultation process, progress or regression is closely monitored and any necessary changes to the treatment plan are made.

Recreational activities can include, but are not limited to:

• Art
• Crafts
• Sports
• Exercise Classes
• Dancing
• Equestrian Activities
• Walking
• Community Outings
• Caring for Animals
• Playing Games
• Cooking
• Joining a Club