Related Fields

Other careers and fields associated withTherapeutic Recreation.

Professions Related to TR.

Medical DoctorsMedial doctors (M.D.'s) use surgery, drugs, and other methods of medical care to prevent and alleviate disease. There are over 30 different specializations of medical doctors. Examples of these are psychiatrists (who specialize in mental and emotional disorders), pediatricians (who specialize in the care and treatment of children), and neurologists (who deal with diseases of the nervous system).

PsychologistsPsychologists usually hold Ph.D. or Psy.D. degrees in psychology. They engage in psychological testing, diagnosis, counseling, and other therapies.

Play TherapistsPlay therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses play activities and toys with children to permit the expression of and working through emotional conflicts. Symbolic play is seen as a means for the child to surface problems sot that they can be dealt with.

Vocational Rehabilitation CounselorsVocational rehabilitation counselors (often referred to as "voc rehab" counselors) are concerned with work or career counseling of clients in treatment and rehabilitation programs. They assess client vocational interests and potentials and attempt to find appropriate training and placements to meet clients' abilities.

Physical TherapistsPhysical therapists (P.T.'s) are concerned with restoration of physical function and prevention of disability following disease injury, or loss of body part. They apply therapeutic exercise and functional training procedures in physical rehabilitation.

Occupation TherapistsOccupational therapists use purposeful activities with persons with limitations due to physical injury, illness, psycho-social disorders, developmental or learning disabilities, economic and cultural differences, or aging processes in order to increase independent functioning, maintain health, and prevent disability.

Music TherapistsMusic therapists (M.T.'s) use music as a medium to reach and involve clients in treatment. Musical therapy is found primarily in psychiatric treatment programs rather than in centers for physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Art TherapistsArt therapists use art as a medium to promote self-awareness, nonverbal expression, and human interaction. Art therapy is used with both physical and psychiatric rehabilitation, although it is most widely used within psychiatric treatment.

Dance TherapistsDance therapists use movement as a medium to work with clients. It is a nonverbal means of expression employed with both individuals and groups. Although not found exclusively in psychiatric treatment programs, it is most commonly used with people experiencing problems in mental health.

Activity Therapy and Rehabilitation Therapy ServicesThe terms activity therapy and rehabilitation therapy are regularly used as umbrella terms for administrative purpose in order to encompass several of the action-oriented therapies. In addition to therapeutic recreation, activity therapy and rehabilitation therapy departments are compassed of occupational therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, and art therapy. Sometimes vocational rehabilitation counseling is also located within an activity therapy or rehabilitation therapy department.