Recreational Therapist: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Recreational Therapist
Practice Interviews Online - Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Recreational Therapist mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now »What is a Recreational Therapist?
Recreational Therapists utilise leisure activities, such as sports, games and arts, to help people recovering from physical or mental illness or those with disabilities. They create treatment plans suited to the individual's needs and interests to promote overall health and wellness, reduce stress, and improve their physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Skills
- Strong communication and active listening skills
- Empathy and compassion towards clients
- Ability to create and implement therapeutic activities and programs
- Knowledge of various counseling techniques and theories
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Flexibility and adaptability in working with diverse populations
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
- Effective teamwork and collaboration skills
- Continuous learning and self-development mindset
Qualifications & Education
- Possession of an accredited degree or postgraduate qualification
- Completion of training, which can take between two to five years depending on the chosen method of study
- Exposure to a mixture of theoretical study and practical experience
- Membership of professional bodies may be mandatory in some areas
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
A recreational therapist in the UK is a professional who supports individuals in participating in social and recreational activities, helping them to integrate into society and engage with their community. They work closely with healthcare professionals, therapists, and others to provide therapeutic activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The focus of recreation therapy is to use leisure activities as a form of treatment to improve the overall functioning of individuals with disabilities or illnesses.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Recreational Therapist mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now