Real Talk Recreation Therapy

Real Talk Recreation Therapy
  • 5.0 (8)
  • LEISURE

On this podcast, Carol and Jana, two Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, talk about real experiences and real research that back up the use of Recreation Therapy as a method of treatment for a variety of populations and in a variety of settings. We try to keep it real, as we address concerns and successes that we’ve had, that we think other RTs might relate to, as we navigate this awesome career field. We don’t have it all figured out, but one thing we know for sure is, everything gets a lot easier when you can talk it out with a friend.

  1. 06/18/2025

    Episode 32: Aquatic Therapy for Recreation Therapists: Research, Best Practices, and Getting Started

    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

    58 min

  2. 06/04/2025

    Episode 31 Therapeutic Horticulture for Recreation Therapists: Nature-Based Tools for Client Wellness with Alexis from Root in Nature

    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

    58 min

  3. 05/21/2025

    Episode 30: Recreation Therapy for Retired Firefighters: Engaging Older Adult Males

    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

    55 min

  4. 05/07/2025

    Episode 29: Out and About: Planning Community Outings for Recreation Therapy Clients

    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.

    1h 41m

  5. SEASON 5 TRAILER

    We're Back!

    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!

    4 min

  6. 04/04/2024

    Episode 28: Resilience in Real Time for the Busy RT

    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.

    1h 7m

  7. 03/21/2024

    Episode 27: Keeping Recreation Therapeutic in SNFs and Long Term Care

    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

    59 min

  8. 03/07/2024

    Episode 26: What Assistive Tech Can Do and How to Get It

    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.

    46 min
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About

On this podcast, Carol and Jana, two Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, talk about real experiences and real research that back up the use of Recreation Therapy as a method of treatment for a variety of populations and in a variety of settings. We try to keep it real, as we address concerns and successes that we’ve had, that we think other RTs might relate to, as we navigate this awesome career field. We don’t have it all figured out, but one thing we know for sure is, everything gets a lot easier when you can talk it out with a friend.

Information

  • Creator
    Real Talk Recreation Therapy
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Real Talk Recreation Therapy
  • Show Website
    Real Talk Recreation Therapy