Other Information Related to Philosophies

Other Information Related to Philosophies

Below are some links for increased understanding of the philosophies in therapeutic recreation as well as some concerns that lie with these philosophies.

Building a Philosophical Defense of Therapeutic Recreation
Roots of ATRA (American Therapeutic Recreation Association)
Philosophical Statement of the NTRS (National Therapeutic Recreation Society)
Therapeutic Recreation: A Long Past but a Brief History
ATRA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association Code of Ethics

Philosophies of Professional Organizations

Philosophies of Professional Organizations

 As shown below, there exists in the field of therapeutic recreation a wide range of philosophies. Although there is not a set-in-stone philosophy for the profession, it is important that each program as well as each individual has a philosophy from which to guide their actions in the field of practice.

Personal Philosophy Statement

My Personal Philosophy

Recreational activities are beneficial to all people in all walks of life. Participating in such activities enables one to relax from the stresses of their daily routine and enjoy doing something that they love. I feel that everyone should be able to participate in regular recreational activities, no matter what their ability level is.

How I define therapeutic recreation

Therapeutic recreation is a holistic process that purposively uses recreation and leisure of all different types to bring about a positive change, whether emotionally, socially, intellectually, physically, or spiritually in an effort to maintain or improve quality of life. It involves individuals of all ability types and allows them to participate in meaningful recreational activities, something which is important in daily life. People also are complex and have multiple dimensions, each of which is extremely important to daily functioning and reaching an individual’s maximum quality of life. As such, it is important to take into account each dimension of the person and strive to improve in each one instead of focusing on those that most obviously need work.