Therapeutic Recreation (TR) recognizes leisure, recreation and play as integral components of quality of life. Service is provided to individuals who have physical, mental, social and emotional limitations which affect their ability to engage in meaningful leisure experiences.  Therapeutic Recreation professionals use the APIE system (assess, plan, implement and evaluate) to improve the quality of life, functioning, and health status of clients through recreation and leisure activities. 

Benefits of TR include:

• Improved physical, social and cognitive abilities
• Increased confidence; self-reliance; independence
• Better stress management and reduced fear
• Life enrichment through growth and development
• Stronger interpersonal skills and better expression of feelings
• Learn by doing/learn new approaches
• Better use of leisure time