A Philosophical Analysis of Therapeutic Recreation: What Does It Mean to Say «We Can Be Therapeutic?" Part I

Authors

  • Kenneth E. Mobily

Keywords:

Therapeutic Recreation, Perceived Control, Philosophy, Stress, Existentialism

Abstract

What does it mean to say that recreation can be therapeutic? In order to be considered therapeutic, the application of recreation as a treatment agent must be considered a means rather than an end. Furthert recreation is fully justifiable as therapy when it fosters a free environment where the client can make choices and perceive herlhimself in control of some events, when the therapist acts in a sensitive, understanding and empathetic manner toward the client and promotes growth, and when· recreational activities can help the patient cope with stress. The philosophical position proposed is existential in nature and implies that: (1) practitioners ought to assume a role as existential therapists, focusing on the phenomenological nature of recreation, (2) researchers should entertain other ways of knowing aside from the empirical method and (3) educators should teach or otherwise-engender an existential attitude in future therapeutic recreators.

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Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (1985)

Section

Theoretical and Philisophical Perspectives

License

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