Three years into college, I decided to switch my major to Therapeutic Recreation.
What is this Recreation Therapy degree everyone is talking about?
Certainly you do not mean to tell me that I get to help others by doing fun things all day long?
Wow, okay – I’m sold. Sign me up!
Flash forward to the present moment. I am six and a half years into my career as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. As a result, I have gained some serious insider knowledge on what the life of a recreation therapist is actually like. Whether you are:
- considering pursuing a therapeutic recreation degree,
- currently a therapeutic recreation student, or
- you have been working in the field for several years and just need a pick-me-up,
then continue reading to learn about the 7 Things You Should Know About Being a Recreation Therapist.
1. Recreation Therapy and Job Satisfaction
“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.” – Maya Angelou
According to Owl Guru,
- 73 percent of recreation therapists report being satisfied with their jobs and,
- 87 percent feel as though their work is meaningful and improving the lives of others.
Those are some pretty awesome stats! Probably because recreation therapists have the unique ability to incorporate play, recreation, and leisure into their daily work.
But a recreation therapists job isn’t all fun and games.
Recreation therapists are responsible for completing assessments, program planning, evaluation, and documentation. They also attend treatment meetings, complete budgets, and any other duties that fall into their laps.
The good news?
In my experience, no matter how busy my day gets, I usually feel a strong connection to the purpose of my work and the individuals I serve.
When you are able to facilitate a moment of joy, accomplishment, or serenity, it is always worth all the not-so-fun work you will do.
2. Recreation Therapy and Compassion Fatigue
Compassion Fatigue is the physical and mental exhaustion and emotional withdrawal experienced by those who care for sick or traumatized people over an extended period of time.
Recreation therapists do a lot of fun stuff. But often this fun stuff takes place in difficult environments such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers. And with people who are sick, suffering or have experienced a traumatic life event.
Human connection and empathy are a large part of a recreation therapist’s job.
It is very hard to be unaffected by another’s pain when you are invested in their well being. This investment will eventually take a toll on your mental health. Without proper self-care, it can result in compassion fatigue.
Even Mother Theresa was aware of the effects of Compassion Fatigue. She recommended that all nuns should get 1 year off every 4-5 years of service. Very wise Mother Theresa.
Read more about practice self-care here, how to Be Your Own Recreation Therapist.
3. Advocating for Recreation Therapy
If you decide to become a Recreation Therapist, you will need to develop your elevator pitch.
Whether it’s your mom, your bumble date, or your director at work, you will need an educational and concise explanation of what recreation therapy is and why it’s important.
As recreation therapy is a new-ish discipline, many people will not know what you do or why you do it. Without becoming offended that you yet again must explain what it is that a recreation therapist does, you can use your recreation therapy elevator pitch.
Recreation therapists advocate for their clients, patients, and residents who can benefit from recreation, leisure, and play. We also often advocate for our seat at the table as well.
4. Recreation Therapy and Growth Mindset
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Throughout a recreation therapist’s career, there will be many opportunities for growth and development. Conferences, training, online courses, journal articles, blog posts (wink-wink).
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to continue to grow and change over the lifespan. The brain can develop new neural pathways that allow us to think, act, and behave in different ways. Through continued education, recreation therapists can create new neural pathways.
The best thing a recreation therapist can do is develop a growth mindset.’
Check out this quick video explaining Neuroplasticity (in an Aussie accent… you’re welcome…)
5. The Recreation Therapy Process
Recreation therapy is a process…an APIED Process
As a recreation therapist, you will become very familiar with the APIED Process.
This process of assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, and documentation is what keeps recreation therapy credible in the highly accountable world of health care and public health.
So whether they work in behavioral health, pediatrics, community services, long-term care or physical rehabilitation, recreation therapist utilize the APIED Process.
6. The Salary of a Recreation Therapist
“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” — Dolly Parton
In 2018 recreation therapists in the US made an average of $53,818 and in Canada made an average of $63,375. Salary will change depending upon what state or province, experience level, and the company.
If you are trying to make the big bucks, it may be time to start looking at other degrees. But no matter the salary, if you love what you do then you will find a way to make it work.
7. The Importance of Recreation Therapy
“You are kind, you are smart, you are important.” – Kathryn Stockett, The Help
In a world of big pharma and rapid technological development, a strengths-based, holistic approach to health is crucial. Here are a few examples of why therapeutic recreation is so important.
Exercise
Physical inactivity is the 4th leading risk factor of global mortality. Physicians are now taught that they need to educate their patients on the benefits of exercise. Not only does a recreation therapist provide education about physical activity, but they also:
- help their clients overcome exercise-related barriers,
- identify and sample new forms of physical activity, and
- find resources in their community to be can exercise regularly.
Social Connection
Research has shown that there is an increased risk of death among persons with a low quantity, and quality, social relationships. Studies show that when people feel more connected to others they have:
- higher self-esteem,
- lower levels of anxiety and depression,
- greater empathy, and
- are more trusting and cooperative.
Recreation therapists help others develop social connections and overcome barriers related to social skills and community integration.
Flow
Flow is defined as an optimal state of consciousness where we feel our best and perform our best. To enter a state of flow the participant much achieve is a balance between the challenge of the task and the skills needed. Recreation therapist use flow to guide their clients towards their treatment goals such as:
- increased positive emotions,
- better coping skills, and
- increased autonomy
Bottom Line
- Recreation Therapists are an important part of the interdisciplinary treatment team.
- Recreation Therapy is a career that is highly satisfying and meaningful.
- Therapeutic Recreation is a growing, evidence-based field.
Did I miss something You Should Know About Being a Recreation Therapist?
I’d love to hear it below 🙂
