Therapeutic Recreation
Stacey Carlson says the favourite part of her job is putting smiles on people's faces. Read more...
Two Options!
- Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation - 2 year program
- Bachelor in Therapeutic Recreation - 4 year program
Therapeutic Recreation Program Description & Philosophy
Therapeutic recreation at Douglas College is about play - and so much more. For Therapeutic Recreation practitioners and their clients, it's about embracing challenges and helping people make the most of their lives.
Leisure and recreation are essential parts of a healthy life. Research has clearly shown that physical activity, stress reduction, good nutrition, mental stimulation and friendships are necessary to good health!
Traditionally, therapeutic recreation has focused on using recreation experiences to assist those people with disabilities and illnesses to overcome barriers that prevent them from achieving a fulfilling, quality of life. Currently therapeutic recreation is broader than that and includes services to people who have any barrier that prevents them from achieving optimal health and quality of life (for example, employee wellness programs).
For a young person with a spinal cord injury, therapeutic recreation is a way to increase endurance, strength and independence, and ease their return to community living. For the older person in a long-term care facility, recreation activities provide them with the social and physical stimulation that are essential in maintaining physical and emotional well-being, self-respect and development as a person. For the adult working in a busy workplace environment, leisure education and activities help build effective stress management skills, work-life balance and plans for a healthy and enjoyable retirement!
In the Therapeutic Recreation Program at Douglas College, you will learn about the importance of leisure and how it promotes health, self-esteem, self worth, status, recognition, enjoyment, satisfaction, and/or independence.
In addition to the academic portion of the program, you'll also get a lot of hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply the theory you've just learned. The program is well known for providing students with tremendous practical experiences, in class, in community projects and in practicum/internship placements.