Real Talk Recreation Therapy

What exactly is aquatic therapy, and how can recreation therapists use it effectively? In this episode, Carol and Jana dive into the benefits, evidence-based research, and best practices for using water-based interventions with clients. Whether you're new to the pool or looking to refine your approach, this episode will help you make a splash in your practice.

Don't miss our shownotes which are full of research links to help you learn more and advocate for this in your practice: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lOOddyEEyMmTbbLfEfCDg-oP8kJY3C-nMYPQjA7SbCs/edit?usp=sharing

Curious about using nature in your therapy sessions? In this episode, Alexis from Root in Nature explains what therapeutic horticulture is, how recreation therapists can start using it—no garden required—and the research that backs it up. Learn how to confidently bring plants into your practice and explore certification options like the Certified Therapeutic Horticulture Facilitator (CTHF).

Check out Shownotes for links to Research, Root in Nature programs, and how to contact Alexis:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MVYnIEa4daE6pYo9Gsx5Zn9P1nzIo2JGYIlg23o4yDg/edit?usp=sharing

In this unique episode of Real Talk Recreation Therapy, we sit down with recreation therapists working inside a unique assisted living facility designed specifically for retired firefighters. Tune in as we explore what recreation therapy looks like in a Firemen’s Home, how these therapists tailor therapeutic interventions for older adult males, and why understanding your client population is key to providing meaningful, person-centered care.

We dive into the challenges and opportunities of working with a predominantly male population, and creative ways to build trust and engagement with older adults who’ve spent their lives in high-risk, high-impact careers. If you work in geriatric recreation therapy, assisted living, or male-centered programming, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiring stories.

Shownotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NQMGwGpPQnKPQJrhR0jl7W1oZxOTLYp-OoEQJePoKMw/edit?usp=sharing

Keywords: recreation therapy, therapeutic recreation, firefighter assisted living, Firemen’s Home, older adult males, senior recreation therapy, therapeutic interventions for men, geriatric recreation, male engagement activities, CTRS, person-centered care

In this episode of Real Talk Recreation Therapy, we dive into the essential topic of community outings in recreation therapy. If you're a recreation therapist, CTRS, or healthcare professional who understands the value of therapeutic experiences beyond the facility walls, this episode is for you.

We explore the key considerations for planning offsite outings, including assessing client readiness, coordinating with caregivers and staff, selecting accessible community locations, managing risk, and ensuring outings are both meaningful and therapeutic. Whether you're new to offsite programming or looking to refine your current approach, this conversation will help you think through the logistics, benefits, and common challenges of therapeutic recreation in community settings.

Tune in to learn the who, what, when, where, and how of making your next community-based recreation therapy outing a success.

Carol and Jana are back. Here are our updates and preview of what you can look forward to in Season 5 coming out this Spring! First full episode will be available on May 8. Everyone pop those ear pods in and join us!

We interview our friends & past teammates to share how people who study Sports Psychology and Recreation Therapy can work together. Then they offer some ready-made resilience tips to keep you and your clients going.

Listener Hannah Jacobs, CTRS joins us to offer best practices for how to keep recreation and leisure offerings therapeutic in Skilled Nursing Facilities and Long-Term Care. As the Senior Recreation Director at Aston Health in Florida, she advises Recreation Therapists in this setting all the time and we're psyched she's joining us to share her tips. Spoiler: we go way beyond BINGO

TechOwl's mission is to help people with disabilities get the tools and technology they need to be independent. This episode is full of information and resources to enable independent leisure.

Transitions, even good ones, are often hard. In this episode Kristi Smith, CTRS at Craig Hospital gives us insight into her unique position of preparing patients to transition from in-patient rehabilitation to community integration and participation. If you've never heard of the amazing work done at Craig Hospital, prepare to be amazed!

This week we're excited to share an interview with Katrina Stickle host of the Engaged in Rec Podcast. Kristina talks passionately and helps encourage other Recreation Therapists to stick with it and find your purpose.