Philosophy.

WHAT is TR?
A holistic process that uses recreation of all kinds to bring about a positive change emotionally, physically, spiritually, intellectually and socially in order to improve or maintain quality of life.

Philosophy

My philosophy in therapeutic recreation is that those that I work with deserve to know that they can do those things that they aspire to do (even their wildest dreams) and they know how to do those things. It's important to focus on the patient's dream of what they want to become--a skier, an artist, a good mother, a traveller. This gives them a goal to work toward that is intrinsically motivated and will make them want to try because they want it.

My goal is to work with them using recreation to teach them the skills they need socially, physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Throughout this process, we will learn and find ways we can adapt in order to take part in our desired recreation like any other friend of ours. We will even invite our friends to join us!

Through the development of talents and discovering self through recreation, the patient feels that he or she can achieve anything that they put their mind to. And the effects of what we learn will span into the patient's family, social, work, and leisure life. The goal is to get them to independence with a wonderful quality of life in all of these aspects and using recreation to do it.

Model

THE Z MODEL OF AWESOME

The first part that I like about this model (The Z Model of AWESOME), is that there's overlap and balance between the three categories of TR and that "play" needs to be incorporated throughout the process. The focus of treatment can change between treatment, leisure education, and recreation participation based on what the patient needs at that specific time. Taking a religious approach, I think it will be very important to specifically ask God what each patient needs for that time. Being able to change between these three aspects of therapeutic recreation allows for much more creativity and allows for you to account for what the patient really needs at that time--especially because each patient is different thus needs a different approach. And it's important to always keep in mind that we are helping people find happiness by finding ways to "play," thus we should be careful not to get too serious and allow ourselves to see the leisure and play in the activities that we do.

It's important that the CTRS switches roles between Therapist, Counselor, and Resource when appropriate. This way the patient doesn't get dependent on the CTRS and can find create recreation for themselves. If the CTRS was trying to be a therapist when doing an activity just meant to be for recreation (not treatment, not leisure education), the patient would feel that they can't recreate whenever they wanted without a therapist there. And it's important for the patient to see the CTRS not only as a therapist but as a friend and a buddy they can go play kickball with.

In Treatment, the focus is on what needs to be improved in order for the patient to be able to participate in recreation. For example, we can do an obstacle course activity that requires teamwork in order for the patient(s) to understand leadership, teamwork, being calm in stressful situations, being open to others' ideas, etc. Thus they can participate in more recreational activities from learning these skills.

In Leisure Education, the focus is on teaching the patient how to get off the couch and stop playing video games and do something worthwhile--and WHY that is important. I want to help them know their resources and how to find recreation, how to be a leader and get people together and have fun.

In Recreation Participation, the goal is to just have fun and enjoy recreation. The more we enjoy it, the more we want to do it and fill our time with good!

As we go through this process, the patient feels more freedom from their mental or physical blocks and can continue in improving their quality of life!

Other's philosophies

The URTA is established for the development of the profession of Recreation Therapy, to promote standards of practice and strengthen members through: education, advocacy, research, networking, community partnership, involvement in local, state and national issues and the enhancement of personal growth and development.

At the City of Chandler Therapeutic Recreation Program, our 

mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with 

physical, mental, emotional, or social limitations.

We strive to facilitate the development, maintenance and 

expression of an appropriate leisure lifestyle for individuals 

with developmental disabilities. Participants typically 

are part of one or more of the following areas: sheltered 

workshop, special education classes and one whose 

mental and/or physical disability limits that person from 

participating in regular recreation