Career: Recreational Therapists
James, who has advanced cancer, lives in a hospice (a home for people with fatal illnesses). His hair has fallen out as a result of chemo-
therapy. James is always sullen when he shows up for art therapy sessions.
One day he paints an unusual picture of a featherless bird. When the therapist gently comments on the similarity with James's appearance, he breaks down in tears. From that moment, James begins to open up and face the terrifying prospect of death, inspiring those around him with his courage.
Recreational therapists provide treatment via recreation activities to people with disabilities or illnesses. Using activities that range from arts and crafts, movement, and games to interaction with animals, they help people improve their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
“I like helping patients focus on their strengths.”
Valerie, Movement Therapist
Are You Ready To...?
- Create treatment plans
- Lead activities
- Writes notes about client progress
- Take people on outings
- Attend conferences
- Work as part of a team
- Work with people one-on-one and in groups
It Helps to Be...
Interested in and comfortable with people who are sick or disabled. It also helps to have creativity, compassion, and a sense of humor. Your efforts to help people with various emotional, physical, and mental challenges can prove deeply rewarding -- both for you and for them.
Make High School Count
- Make the most of your science classes to learn as much as you can about the human body.
- Sign up for psychology to learn about the mind.
- Become a peer counselor at your school.
- Volunteer at a hospital, rehabilitation center, or home for the elderly.
- Get involved in activities that you may want to specialize in later, such as dance.
- Visit a website such as the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, the American Music Therapy Association, the American Art Therapy Association, or the American Dance Therapy Association.
Did You Know?
- Recreational therapists often specialize in one area, such as art, dance/movement, drama, music, or horticulture (gardening).
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for recreational therapists to grow more slowly than the average for all careers through 2016.
However, jobs should grow faster for recreational therapists who work at community care facilities for the elderly, live-in facilities for the mentally ill or mentally handicapped, or substance-abuse treatment centers.
Compensation
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that recreational therapists earned an average salary of $39,930 in 2008.
