No playing around: the important role of DSHS’ therapeutic recreation employees

Recreational therapy is more than fun. Playing is hard work that can turn people’s lives around, as any recreational therapist knows.

DSHS recreational therapists play a key role in treatment plans for youth at the Child Study and Treatment Center and in adult inpatient programs.

“From taking some youth on their first camping trip, teaching them how to ride a bike, to promoting skills generalization and integration back into the community, the CSTC recreational department is a passionate team dedicated to providing the best possible care to the most in-need youth in the state,” said Dr. Fran Dewalt, DSHS’ CSTC chief clinical officer.

“They help youth build a repertoire of fun age-appropriate leisure time activities while offering youth an opportunity to practice emotional regulation, distress tolerance and social skills. CSTC is grateful for the work recreation therapists do and the experiences offered to the youth we serve,” Dr. Dewalt continued.

Recreational therapists support patients’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being and promote inclusion in healthcare and community settings. They help reduce depression, stress, and anxiety, assist in regaining basic abilities, and boost confidence for adequate socialization.

Recreational therapy includes various physical activities like adaptive sports, yoga, games, and exercises. It can also involve creative arts such as painting, drawing, crafts, music, dance, drama, and community outings. These activities help improve a person’s motor skills, sensory development, cognitive abilities, communication skills, and behavioral patterns.

“We also teach kids about the library, how to use the catalog, check out books, and get a library card. Or we take them to parks, beaches, arcades, bowling — any place they can practice their skills while also having them participate in everyday type activities,” said Raewyn Heim, a recreation therapist supervisor at DSHS.

At Eastern State Hospital, recreational therapists who work with adult populations are often mistakenly called the “rec department,” said Cami Young, DSHS’ Eastern State Hospital rehabilitation services director.

Young emphasized that recreation therapists serve as a bridge between patients and healthy lifestyles.

On the surface, playing card games is a leisure activity. However, the recreation therapist is observing the patient’s sequencing and studying their fine motor skills, Young noted.

“There is a lot of time spent observing and documenting,” Young continued. “Recreation therapists make up a critical piece of helping patients in their development and recovery.”

“Often what occurs in their leisure time is what brings them here,” Young said. “Something in their leisure wasn’t right, whether it was drugs, alcohol — not engaged in positive leisure — that got them into trouble. A lot of them don’t know how to have sober leisure. They don’t know how to have a healthy lifestyle.”

Recreation athletic specialists

Working with recreation therapists are recreation athletic specialists.

“They are the backbone to successful operations as they manage and organize our equipment such as our rock wall or bikes,” Heim said. “They often work hard in the background to ensure safe and successful special events such as the carnival, rocketry, camping, backpacking, and more. They also provide support with patients and residents during events.”

Erik Nygard, a Clinical Services Manager for DSHS’ Maple Lane Forensic Recovery Program, said, “Our recreation specialists are the often-overlooked heroes in working with our residents.”

Not everyone learns and grows well in a classroom setting. Some learn by doing or through play. Recreation specialists are experts at connecting with these types of learners.

“We also forget that treatment is hard work. We go home at the end of the day and hopefully unwind. Our residents are here 24–7. Recreation specialists are the experts at bringing that unwinding to residents,” Nygard said.

DSHS’ CSTC is looking for recreational therapists

If you are interested in exploring open positions as a recreational therapist at DSHS, visit the State of Washington Job Opportunities to learn more.

Written by PJ Angelini, DSHS Behavioral Health Administration