Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation ― Perceptions, Philosophies, and Practices

Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation, Second Edition, introduces students to the many career possibilities in the field of therapeutic recreation. Drawing on the combined wisdom and expertise of editors Terry Long and Terry Robertson, as well as 20 contributing authors who represent a broad spectrum of experiences within the discipline, the text provides the foundational concepts that are essential for understanding the profession.

One of the more significant updates to the second edition of Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation is a more contemporary description of models of practice, including significant attention to strength-based models and approaches to practice. In addition, the second edition has been updated to reflect current National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) requirements for obtaining the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential. Other updates to this edition include the following:

• Integration of more global perspectives on therapeutic recreation
• Greater emphasis of evidence-based practice for designing and delivering enjoyable and beneficial therapeutic recreation interventions
• Streamlined content and reorganized chapters to facilitate a natural progression throughout the semester

Each chapter contains a summary and discussion questions to help assess and promote retention of key concepts. In addition, case studies provide students with a glimpse of client issues they may face in the future, and professional profiles highlight outstanding professionals in the field.

Students will discover potential areas in which therapeutic recreation can be practiced—including mental health centers, programs for those with developmental disabilities, physical rehabilitation facilities, youth development programs, and programs for the aging population—and will also be exposed to potential changes and uses of therapeutic recreation as technology innovations, public policy, and service demand trends evolve.

Plus, instructors will find a suite of ancillaries to assist in managing their course. The instructor guide includes learning objectives for each chapter along with sample classroom activities and assignments. The test bank has been expanded, and the presentation package has undergone significant revisions to reflect the content of the text.

Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation, Second Edition, provides students with evidence-based information on fundamental concepts in the field of therapeutic recreation. With a reader-friendly format and engaging style, this text will help students explore the various career possibilities in the field.

Terry Long, PhD, is a professor and the director of the School of Health Science and Wellness at Northwest Missouri State University, where he has worked since 2000. He is regarded nationally as one of the leading scholars in the field of therapeutic recreation, as evidenced by his teaching, research, applied experience, and service to the field.

Long has been on the editorial board of Therapeutic Recreation Journal for more than 10 years and served as editor from 2008 to 2011. He was an active member of the Northwest Missouri State faculty senate, serving his second term from 2012 to 2014, and was the faculty senate president for the 2014-2015 academic year. In addition to therapeutic recreation, Long’s professional interests also include adventure-based therapy, inclusion, disability rights, and mental health. His interest in independent living has enabled him to be instrumental in fostering a partnership between Northwest Missouri State and Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living (MERIL).

Terry Robertson, PhD, is a professor and associate dean in the College of Health and Human Services at California State University at Long Beach. Robertson was previously a clinical associate professor at the University of Utah; a professor and chair of the department of health, physical education, recreation, and dance at Northwest Missouri State University; and a research fellow at the University of Queensland. While at Northwest Missouri State, Robertson helped create a partnership with Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living (MERIL), for which he served on the board from 1994 to 2008, including six years as the chair. The Terry Robertson Community Partner Award was created in 2010 in honor of Robertson’s service to MERIL.

In addition to his work on independent living, Robertson has had a considerable impact on the field of therapeutic recreation, working as an educator, practitioner, and consultant for more than 40 years. He is a past president of the National Therapeutic Recreation Society, the Missouri Therapeutic Recreation Society, and the Nevada Therapeutic Recreation Society. He also served on the Utah Therapeutic Recreation Licensure for six years and was the director of continuing education for the Midwest Symposium on Therapeutic Recreation for more than 20 years.