What is Recreation Therapy?

Our mind and body are interconnected — Emotional wellness and cognitive function are enhanced through meaningful social, spiritual, and physical activity but getting there isn’t always easy. Recreation Therapy is an Allied Health profession that uses leisure and recreation as a modality for supporting individuals to address specific needs, practice life skills and reduce barriers that limit meaningful leisure experiences. Through positive leisure experiences, individuals can build on skills that reinforce overarching mental health goals, while also developing self-awareness and attitudes that promote the development and maintenance of healthy lifestyles. The Recreation Therapy process follows a systematic approach that includes recreation specific assessment, collaborative goal planning, client-centered and evidence-based interventions, as well as regular evaluations to ensure outcomes are met and opportunities are meeting individuals’ needs and preferences.

What does Recreation Therapy look like?

At Little Oaks, the Recreation Therapist works collaboratively with clients and/or their family to explore: personal interests, strengths, and resources, that increase access to authentic leisure opportunities and create leisure goals that align with both immediate and long-term objectives.

A Therapeutic Recreation specialist uses knowledge in behavioural activation strategies as well as activity analysis and interaction patterns to provide meaningful modifications that increase the likelihood of positive experiences; therefore, promoting continual engagement and a sense of self-efficacy.

reception@littleoaks.ca