Recreation and creative arts therapy | veterans affairs

WHAT IS RECREATION THERAPY? The purpose of the recreation therapy process is to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning to promote full

participation in life. Services are provided or directly supervised by a certified therapeutic recreation specialist. WHY IS RECREATION THERAPY IMPORTANT? People are happier and stay

healthier longer when they are physically and socially active. Older adults maintain a sharper mind and a higher level of social involvement when they recreate. Recreation Therapy aims to

improve an individual's functioning and keep them as active, healthy and independent as possible in their chosen life pursuits. WHAT ARE THE OUTCOMES OF RECREATION THERAPY? * Physical

health improvements * Psychosocial improvements * Cognitive improvements * Emotional and life satisfaction WHAT DO RECREATIONAL THERAPISTS PROVIDE? Recreation Therapy uses recreation and a

wide range of activities to develop skills, knowledge and behaviors for daily independent living that ultimately improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and leisure needs of our

Veterans. Recreation Therapists provide treatment to Veterans in two major areas: * Therapy interventions that result in positive functional outcomes * Meaningful activities that lead to

Veterans' experience and sense of well-being WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED? INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING: Recreation Therapists assist Veterans in developing and planning realistic leisure

lifestyles. Sessions examine current conditions or constraints and work toward established goals. INDIVIDUAL THERAPY: Sessions can include developing motor activities, cognitive skill

building, such as problem solving and community management skills, increase social interaction, leisure awareness, health and wellness skills. GROUP THERAPIES: Small group sessions that

offer opportunities to interact in a positive, structured environment to support Veterans' functional goals. COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION: Assist the Veteran with the safe integration into

the community by increasing their knowledge of accessible community resources, improve task segmentation and problem solving skills. Recreation Therapy includes, but is not limited to

providing services and activities by using a variety of techniques including: Animal Interaction, Arts & Crafts, Community Outings, Exercise/Sports, Games, Horticulture, Leisure

Education, Music, Stress Management, and Social Skills Training. HOW TO RECEIVE RECREATION THERAPY: Veterans enrolled in the VA Healthcare System need to be referred to Recreation Therapy

through their provider. A Recreation Therapist will then follow up with the Veteran to schedule a time to complete an assessment and develop treatment goals.