Therapists strive to minimize patients' symptoms and to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Activities employed by recreational therapists are as varied as the interests and abilities of the people they serve. They might, for example, organize athletic events, dances, arts and crafts or musical activities, attendance at movies, field trips, or poetry readings. Apart from sheer enjoyment, activities such as these provide opportunities for exercise and social participation. Other goals that the therapist might have in mind when planning an activity include relieving anxiety, building confidence, or promoting independence.
Recreational therapy is a relatively new field.
They are often located in the activities department or therapy department of an organization. Together with other health professionals, they assess the patient's functioning, develop a treatment plan, and monitor progress as the plan is carried out. Job responsibilities also include directing the support staff. At times, it is the therapeutic assistant who actually conducts recreational programs and spends the most time with the patients. The specifics of the recreational therapist's job vary with the employment setting and capacities of the patients or clients served.