The Benefits of Recreational Therapy

When it comes to therapy, one size – or type – does not fit all. Some see improvements with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while others may see more progress with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or often a combination of therapies might be the best fit. One type of therapy gaining traction is Recreational Therapy, a unique group of therapies that use leisure activities to improve emotional & social well-being.  

What is Recreational Therapy? 

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) defines Recreational Therapy as “a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses, disabling conditions, and/or adverse circumstances to promote psychological and physical health, recovery, and well-being.” Using evidence-based practices, Recreational Therapists work in a variety of clinical and community settings, helping their clients overcome barriers to mental wellness. 

Types of Recreational Therapy 

• Art Therapy: Allowing individuals to express feelings that might be difficult to put into words through painting, drawing, and more. 

• Animal-Assisted Therapy: Spending time with trained therapy animals, such as dogs or horses, helps ease loneliness and build trust and empathy. 

• Music Therapy: Improving moods and reducing anxiety by listening to music, songwriting, or playing instruments. 

• Outdoor and Nature-Based Therapy: Activities such as hiking, gardening, and forest bathing offer purposeful engagement with nature to enhance mindfulness. 

• Movement Therapy: Combining physical exercise with therapeutic principles to reduce stress and improve well-being.