An industry is truly defined by the professionals that practice in it. Recreational Therapy is no different and the upcoming generation of RT professionals have the ability to make or break the industry as a whole. Recreational Therapy has a wide variety of delivery systems and it can of course be expanded even more such as in prisons and through the use of unconventional animal therapy, like dolphins. These two delivery systems are just a small sampling of the many possibilities that exist for future RTs to help develop and expand the profession into the mainstream. At the same time, the future generation of RTs bear this heavy burden of development. It is critical for the RT profession to continue to expand, to secure funding through advocacy and to gain legitimacy or the industry as a whole could face an untimely demise. This is the challenge for the future RTs, the definition of a fledgling industry.
Correctional facilities are an excellent place to introduce leisure based services. The focus of the treatment can be geared toward bringing out the best in people, team building exercises and emotional release activities. Inmates benefit by accelerating the rehabilitation and the eventual need for inclusion back in society while providing a safe, healthy environment for emotional release that may lead to decreased violence and improved relationships in the prison. Opera was introduced into prison setting and use in a therapeutic manner. The inmates reportedly had many breakthroughs such as a sense of self forgiveness and less aggression. An RT professional should without a doubt be involved in creating such modalities for prisoners.
Traditional based animal therapy commonly involves horses and dogs to help facilitate an intervention in a person with disabilities' life. Often times this relationship between the client and the animal is effective at helping develop relationships, understand what it is to care for another and also provide sensory stimulation that may help with overall motor skills. A new and exciting alternative is Dolphin Assisted Therapy, or DAT for short. This intervention is set in a marina and uses dolphins as an effective tool to help those with disabilities improve several types of functioning. These interventions can be focused on maintaining eye contact, overall motor skills and attentiveness. An RT professional is best suited for this position to ensure the proper measurable goals are set for the clients.
As previously mentioned the delivery systems for Recreational Therapy are almost endless. In any RT or healthcare setting, it is important the goals are clear and measurable and to the client's benefit. These two non traditional settings that are new to the industry, correctional facilities and marine life based interventions, are just a small sampling of how Recreational Therapy can be integrated into almost any setting to provide a more leisure based treatment. As the next generation of RT professionals venture out into the industry and open their own practices, it is important to continue to innovate and bring new exciting ideas to light.
Correctional facilities are an excellent place to introduce leisure based services. The focus of the treatment can be geared toward bringing out the best in people, team building exercises and emotional release activities. Inmates benefit by accelerating the rehabilitation and the eventual need for inclusion back in society while providing a safe, healthy environment for emotional release that may lead to decreased violence and improved relationships in the prison. Opera was introduced into prison setting and use in a therapeutic manner. The inmates reportedly had many breakthroughs such as a sense of self forgiveness and less aggression. An RT professional should without a doubt be involved in creating such modalities for prisoners.
Traditional based animal therapy commonly involves horses and dogs to help facilitate an intervention in a person with disabilities' life. Often times this relationship between the client and the animal is effective at helping develop relationships, understand what it is to care for another and also provide sensory stimulation that may help with overall motor skills. A new and exciting alternative is Dolphin Assisted Therapy, or DAT for short. This intervention is set in a marina and uses dolphins as an effective tool to help those with disabilities improve several types of functioning. These interventions can be focused on maintaining eye contact, overall motor skills and attentiveness. An RT professional is best suited for this position to ensure the proper measurable goals are set for the clients.
As previously mentioned the delivery systems for Recreational Therapy are almost endless. In any RT or healthcare setting, it is important the goals are clear and measurable and to the client's benefit. These two non traditional settings that are new to the industry, correctional facilities and marine life based interventions, are just a small sampling of how Recreational Therapy can be integrated into almost any setting to provide a more leisure based treatment. As the next generation of RT professionals venture out into the industry and open their own practices, it is important to continue to innovate and bring new exciting ideas to light.
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Although I have yet to complete the program in its entirety, I know I have what it takes to be a Recreational Therapist upon graduation. Although I may be in an introductory role in a facility I have gained the knowledge needed to ensure my success and a positive outcome for any client I work with. I feel that although the degree is offered online which is necessary for today's higher educational learning, there should be more hands on experience during the courses. The internships are of course a huge part of the program, but in my case I had a very difficult time locating a practicing CTRS in my area. If there were a way to secure the positions sooner and offer shorter increments of hands on experience throughout the course it would be beneficial. I do not believe the coursework should transition to a master's level degree. I feel this transition would hurt an already under recognized industry and discourage potential students from enrolling, not give more credibility to the field.
As I am wrapping up my last semester of classes before my full time internship, I quickly am realizing I AM the future of RT I speak and write about. It is almost surreal that the concepts I have learned over the past several semesters will become my reality in just a few short months. Now, more than ever, I feel the responsibility to help further Recreational Therapy as a profession because I have witnessed first hand how it can impact a client's life. I am thankful to have my real word experience of being a Registered Behavioral Technician in the state of Florida and working with children on the spectrum. My higher education has not only made me more effective in my current role, but has poised me to be a leader in the field. I am excited to be able to help shape the industry, to introduce new ideas that will help a countless number of clients and to advocate to ensure Recreational Therapy receives the proper funding and reimbursement from government that will ensure our continued success. As an collective, our industry must do a better job of taking responsibility for our own future in the healthcare arena. I am proud to be the future of Recreational Therapy, and with the help of my newly graduated colleagues, we will write the next chapter in our industry's history.
References:
Dustin, D., & McKenney, A. (n.d.). A Night at the Opera.
Humphries, T. (n.d.). Effectiveness of Dolphin-Assisted Therapy as a Behavioral Intervention for Young Children with Disabilities. Bridges, 1(6).
Keller, J. (n.d.). Looking Forward: The Future of Recreation Therapy/Therapeutic Recreation Education. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 49(4), 223-225.
Dustin, D., & McKenney, A. (n.d.). A Night at the Opera.
Humphries, T. (n.d.). Effectiveness of Dolphin-Assisted Therapy as a Behavioral Intervention for Young Children with Disabilities. Bridges, 1(6).
Keller, J. (n.d.). Looking Forward: The Future of Recreation Therapy/Therapeutic Recreation Education. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 49(4), 223-225.