When you think about therapy, what comes to mind? Depending on your personal experience of therapy of one kind or another, different things might pop into your head. Maybe you imagine yourself in a room with a couch to lie upon as you tell a stern, notetaking therapist about your dreams. Or maybe your own experiences lead you to picture a comfortable space in which both you and the therapist sit in cozy chairs and have a conversation. Maybe you call to mind something a little more intense like, say, primal therapy.
What you probably did not call to mind was bowling. Or playing the piano. Or painting watercolors.
But it turns out that those activities—and many, many more besides—can be part of something called recreational therapy. Unexpected? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding Recreational Therapy
Recreational therapy is not all fun and games. So declares the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, likely in an effort to head off any misconceptions right away.
But that certainly does not mean the therapy is devoid of fun and games. Not only are fun and games key components of recreational therapy, but so too is personalization. Your recreational therapist will talk with you to determine what activities are most likely to be beneficial to you. And the options are wide and varied.
Here are some details provided in an article in U.S. News & World Report:
From team sports to music, hiking to bowling, a recreational therapist fuses goal-oriented leisure and health care. After meeting with a patient, therapists develop a treatment plan for him or her. They take into account where patients are in their care, their abilities and disabilities, and their interests.
“We will ask you, ‘What do you enjoy doing? What makes you, you?’” [a recreational therapist] says. “These aren’t questions they’re going to get from their physician or their nurse; they’re questions they’re going to get from their recreational therapist.”
What happens once your therapist has a good sense of “what makes you, you”? Then it is time to get to work—which is when the play comes into…well…play.
How Recreational Therapy Works
Here’s how the American Therapeutic Recreation Association defines recreation therapy:
Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery, and well-being.
That’s a mouthful, to be sure. Admittedly, it does not necessarily sound all that fun. Still, that definition provides a good baseline understanding of the therapy.
The goals of recreational therapy align with the goals of almost any kind of therapeutic practice. You and your therapist are working toward better mental health. As a bonus, this active form of therapy can also lead to better physical health, which in turn, also supports your mental well-being.
Your therapist will identify activities that are a good fit for you and your needs. Benefits of recreational therapy can include, in addition to improved overall health, boosted self-confidence, and a richer quality of life.
When you are pursuing recreational therapy, it is important to remember that you are not in a training program. For example, if playing basketball is part of your therapy, you should keep in mind that you are not trying to get good enough to join the NBA or the WNBA. If your therapy involves making music or painting or another artistic endeavor, it is important to remember that you are not trying to book a concert at Carnegie Hall or have your work hung in a museum.
When it comes to recreational therapy, the most important thing is the process rather than the product. Sure, you might uncover a talent you didn’t know you had or that you had let lie dormant. And that might lead to additional opportunities. But again, mastery or performance is not the purpose of recreational therapy. Better mental health comes from jumping into the process—which involves a willingness to participate, engage, experiment, and let your guard down—with joy and enthusiasm.
Pursue the Therapy You Need at Peak View Behavioral Health
Recreational therapy is one approach among many for improving your mental health. At Peak View Behavioral Health—located in Colorado Springs, Colorado—we will work with you to find the best therapeutic option for you, your unique situation, and your specific needs.
We approach our work with a commitment to evidence-based practices that are supported by our years of training and experience. We offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment options and can also help those who are struggling with a substance use disorder that may be entangled with a mental health issue.
Working toward better mental health is a wonderful way to improve your quality of life. When you are ready to make a positive change, we are prepared to help you reach your goals. Like recreational therapy, it will not be all fun and games, but it will be worthwhile—for you and the people in your life.
