Understanding Recreational Therapy

At New Transitions, we understand that the world of therapy can seem complicated – there are so many different flavors! We have found that recreational therapy is often misunderstood. This type of therapy brings massive benefits both to patients and loved ones and is worth considering!

We have all probably heard the word “recreation” used to denote exercise, fitness, and activity. Recreational therapy takes the movement of recreation and uses it to promote mental health in patients. Basically, recreational therapists take play extremely seriously. This type of therapy involves individual and group play, and is helpful to everyone – from children in hospitals who need to play, to elderly adults in nursing homes who need to socialize and move around.

Another way to look at is this: recreational therapy takes stock of a whole person in the recovery process. Where physical therapy focuses on one part of the body and occupational therapy focuses on one goal at a time, recreational therapy’s scope is wide enough to encompass body and mind at the same time.

Examples of recreational therapy include helping disabled patients excel at sports, or developing skills as diverse as riding the bus or managing finances. If you are already engaged in another type of therapy, recreational therapy can be molded to empower and complement it. Recreational therapy is often to boost that patients need.

Whatever you’re pushing through, New Transitions is here to help. We are passionate about giving people the tools they need to grow and keep growing. In our counseling center in Palatine, Illinois, we will take the time to answer all your questions and make you or your loved one feel completely comfortable. Call us today!