Recreational Therapists

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In 1931 the American Red Cross began hiring recreation hospital workers. The term "recreational therapy" was first coined by the Menninger brothers who were enthusiastic for the inclusion of recreational therapy as a treatment of persons with mental health disorders.

“Recreational therapists, or therapeutic recreation specialists, provide treatments and recreation activities to individuals with illnesses or disabling conditions to improve or maintain physical, mental and emotional well-being and help reduce depression, stress and anxiety.” ("Recreational Therapy Career Overview." Mayo Clinic. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. .) These activities include, but are not limited to, “arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings.” ("Recreational Therapists." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 17 Dec. 2009. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. . ) Now, one should know that recreational therapy is not cut and dry, as one patient's treatment, may differ from another's. “Patients are evaluated with information from standardized assessments, observations, medical records and discussions with medical staff and family members as well as the individual.” ("Recreational Therapy Career Overview." Mayo Clinic. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. . ) “Recreational Therapists may work with a wide range of individuals requiring health services including geriatric, mental health, addictions, general medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, developmental disabilities and pediatric clients. “ (About Health Professions Network. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. . )

How does one become ...

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...career opportunity, and a great one at that, for those looking to make this world a better place.

Works Cited

About Health Professions Network. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. .

"Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Introduction - Wellsphere." Wellsphere - Health Knowledge Made Personal. 8 Sept. 2008. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. .

"Field of Study: Recreation Therapy." ISEEK | Minnesota's Career, Education, and Job Resource. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. .

"Recreational Therapists." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 17 Dec. 2009. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. .

"Recreational Therapy Career Overview." Mayo Clinic. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. .

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