Philosophy

What is TR?

A holistic process that purposely uses recreation of all kinds to bring about a positive change in a person's life, whether physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially, or intellectually. The end goal being to help improve and maintain Quality of Life. 

"Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. Recreational therapists use a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, and community reintegration field trips to help maintain or improve a patient’s physical, social, and emotional well-being." 
- Bureau of Labor Statistics 

Ashley's Philosophy

I have just completed my first semester in the Therapeutic recreation major at Brigham Young University. What do I believe? I believe that Recreation Therapists do not make a change- we provide opportunities for change. We give clients opportunities to have improved quality of life. We give people the opportunity to learn about ways they can use recreation to help cope with life stressors. We do not make a change in someone’s life- they have to decide for themselves that they want to change. They have to decide for themselves that they want to take the opportunities that, we, as rec therapists are giving them, and apply them to their own lives. I believe that it is very easy to make progress when the rec therapist is holding the client’s hand. But what happens when we are not there? The only way someone truly makes a change in their life is when they decide, “This is not how I want my life to be.”

My timeline: Do my internship with the National Ability Center Winter 2016, take the exam, graduate, get an awesome job, keep my CEUs up to date, have a great life. 

Professional Philosophies