Therapeutic Recreation: Cases and Exercises

Authors

  • Jodi L. McKenzie

Abstract

Wilhite and Keller use the creativity and innovative thinking that it takes to be a Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Specialist. The authors involve the reader in case studies, discussions, role plays, exercises, and field experiences. The reader must make professional decisions, take chances, and explore new ideas as part oflearning the TR process. This book is a symbol of the daily challenges to TR professionals and paraprofessionals. Wilhite and Keller recognize the need for students ofTR to have work experience before entering the profession. Therapeutic Recreation: Cases and Exercises was written as a teaching tool that allows students (and professionals) the practical application of abstract concepts in real cases. It is meant to be used as a supplement to other texts in undergraduate and graduate education, and as a source for continued professional improvement. The book is set up in a logical order by addressing each step ofthe TR process. Chapters one through five focus on (respectively) assessment, individual therapeutic recreation program (ITRP) planning, implementing the ITRP, leadership in service delivery, and evaluation plans. The final chapter looks at various issues in the TR profession. Specific case studies are introduced at the conclusion of each chapter. The reader is asked to evaluate each case based on the topic ofthe chapter. Twenty four practitioners and educators across the United States contributed these varied and real cases. Some cases appear in several chapters as an example that TR is a continuous process and not a collection of unrelated tasks. Chapter one, on assessment, states that the responsibility of TR specialists (TRS) is to help clients "develop, express, and maintain a personally chosen interdependent leisure lifestyle. . ." (p. 7). The authors introduce the purposes and types of assessments as well as provide the first case studies to assess. The reader must use the information available to discern what is most important, and decide whether or not it is necessary or timely to seek more information. Chapter two summarizes the history of TR service delivery models. The authors indicate that all the models" common link is the shared goal of a client's interdependent leisure lifestyle. They proceed to describe eight steps to developing an ITRP. The case studies in chapter three challenge the reader to make decisions as part of a treatment team, address risk management situations, weigh the pros and cons ofdignity of risk and responsible leadership, and consider an ongoing program evaluation. This chapter also discusses the importance of documentation and meeting professional standards as parts of program implementation. Chapter four explores the topic of leadership. Theories of leadership are not discussed, rather types of leadership and the areas in which they are most effective are addressed. Included in this chapter are tips for improving helping techniques, teaching strategies, and situations to guard against as a leader. Wilhite and Keller take on the formidable task of explaining evaluation in TR service delivery in chapter five. They include formative and summative evaluations and a diagram on the TR systems modeL The narration is followed by a respectable bibliography and suggested readings on evaluation. One of the book's strengths is chapter six which covers selected issues in TR. The case studies are varied and include topics such as confidentiality, accessibility, ethics, dignity of risk, client advocacy, and dilemmas in recreation in correctional programs. These cases give the reader the opportunity to see the scope of TR services and the unlimited roles ofa TRS. I would have liked to have seen more about clients with AIDS as well as more cases involving TR in community recreation and the public school systems. Additional noteworthy features of this book include the topical bibliographies that follow not only each chapter, but each case study. The bibliographies are current and handy resources that will prove invaluable to practitioners, educators, and students. Above all, the authors continually stress the importance of putting the client's desires and needs first in all situations. This fosters the great respect for the client that is at the heart of the TR profession. In summary, Therapeutic Recreation: Cases and Exercises is unique in that it can be used in a variety of professional settings or classes ranging from introductory to graduate level courses. Educators and other professionals can use this multipurpose book to complement other texts and facilitate the learning process.

Issue

Section

Book Review