Therapeutic Recreation

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What does a CTRS do?  Activity and community based interventions. TR uses recreation to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, social and leisure needs of the individual. Assist clients to develop skills, knowledge and behaviors for daily living and community involvement. Works with the individual to incorporate specific interests and community resources into therapy to achieve outcomes that transfer to their real life situation. Why is Therapeutic Recreation important for individuals at Crotched Mountain? Research supports the concept that people with active, satisfying lifestyles will be happier and healthier. Recreational therapy provides services which are based on the individuals' interests and lifestyle. TR allows individuals to take the outcomes of recreation and use that in their everyday life resulting in greater health maintenance over time. Recreational therapy aims to improve an individual's functioning and keep individuals as active, healthy and independent as possible in their chosen life pursuits. Who receives Therapeutic Recreation at Crotched Mountain? Individuals admitted/enrolled into the following settings: Brain Injury Unit Specialty Hospital Residential School How are Therapeutic Recreation services different from other therapies? Embraces a definition of "health" which includes not only the absence of "illness", but extends to their development so individuals may participate in chosen life pursuits. TR uses recreational modalities in the design of intervention strategies. TR is extremely individualized to each person, their past, present and future interests and lifestyle. The TR has a unique perspective regarding the social, cognitive, physical, and leisure needs of the individual by working with them to develop goals. The TR Incorporates the individual’s interests, and the individual's family and/or community makes the therapy process meaningful and relevant. TR’s enhance independence and successful involvement in all aspects of life. What are the outcomes of Therapeutic Recreation? Current research indicates a significant number of positive health outcomes resulting from participation in recreational therapy programs: Improvement in Physical Health Status Improvement in Psychosocial Status Improvement in Cognitive Status Improvement in Life, Recreation & Community Activities What are a therapist's education, qualifications, & credentials? A qualified recreational therapist is someone who is nationally certified as a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS), usually referred to as recreational therapists. Qualified professionals are certified through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) http://www.nctrc.org, which requires a bachelors degree or higher from an accredited university, a formal internship and the passing of a national certification examination. A CTRS must maintain their credential every five years through the NCTRC recertification process. Academic programs in therapeutic recreation or recreational therapy emphasize course work in the physical, biological, and behavioral sciences and recreation and leisure theory.   Home | Information | Rehabilitation | Education | Community | Family News/Events | Jobs @ Crotched Mountain | Site Map | Search Graphic Version | Text Version Crotched Mountain School ©Copyright 2006, All rights reserved