Recreation Therapy

A person in a blue outfit, with climbing gear, is smiling while being suspended in a climbing gym. The background shows a climbing wall with colorful holds and several people.

Explore this Program

Discover the transformative power of recreation therapy

Imagine turning fun and engaging activities into life-changing experiences. At Shepherd Center, recreation therapy goes far beyond just staying active — it’s about redefining what’s possible and unlocking your potential. We believe that recreation is essential for people with disabilities to embrace healthy, fulfilling lives while navigating new challenges with confidence and joy.

Why recreation therapy?

Research shows that staying active improves physical fitness, boosts self-esteem, and strengthens social connections. More than that, it helps reduce medical complications, lowers the likelihood of hospital visits, and eases the transition to lifestyle changes.

Our program is designed for individuals with newly acquired or long-standing disabilities who want to embrace an active and fulfilling lifestyle. With a focus on leisure counseling and education and leisure skills instruction, we empower you to thrive and rediscover your passions.

  • Laws and rights
  • Meaning of wellness
  • Benefits of recreation
  • Problem solving techniques
  • Community accessibility
  • Self-advocacy
  • Transportation and air travel
  • Time management
  • Community resources
  • Stigma management

  • Explore recreation interest
  • Adaptive equipment
  • Adaptive techniques
  • Activity modifications
  • Recreation resources

Explore recreation therapy

Recreation therapy goes beyond the clinic — it’s about real-world application. Recreation therapy begins with a personalized assessment to identify your goals and opportunities for growth. Together with our Recreation Therapy Specialists, you’ll establish a plan tailored to your needs and aspirations, setting the foundation for meaningful progress.

You’ll have the chance to practice new skills in community settings, supported every step of the way by our dedicated specialists. Whether exploring adaptive sports, creative arts, or other activities, you’ll gain the confidence, tools, and encouragement to embrace a fulfilling, active lifestyle that brings joy and purpose.

Back to doing what you love, or embarking on a new adventure

Two men in wheelchairs play basketball indoors. One, in a gray shirt, holds the ball and looks determined. The other, in a blue and orange jersey, raises his arm to block. People watch in the background.
A group of people, including a woman in a wheelchair, are fishing by a lakeside. The scene is set on a wooden deck with trees in the background. They appear engaged and enjoying the activity together, with fishing gear and a bait container visible.
A person wearing a red shirt and dark pants is swinging a golf club on a green golf course. They are positioned beside an adaptive golf chair. Trees and a soccer goal are visible in the background under a blue sky.
Shepherd Center’s Recreation Therapy Department is committed to helping individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities lead independent, active lifestyles. Through engaging activities, education, and skill-building, we empower you to thrive both physically and mentally while reintegrating into your community.

Our team of recreation therapy specialists

Our Recreation Therapy team is made up of skilled specialists dedicated to empowering patients to rebuild their lives through meaningful and engaging activities. Each specialist brings unique expertise to provide well-rounded therapeutic experiences tailored to individual interests and goals. Our team includes:

  • Outdoor specialist: Camping, boating, hunting, target shooting, fishing, ATV, canoeing, and kayaking.
  • Sports specialist: Basketball, quad rugby, billiards, power soccer, hand-cycling, sled hockey, football, snow skiing, bowling, track and field, fencing, softball, golf, tennis, and bocce.
  • Exercise specialist: Health and wellness, appropriate strength and cardiovascular exercises and equipment, basic adaptations for equipment, home exercise programs, and general guidelines for health and wellness.
  • Art specialist: Expressive arts such as painting, ceramics, clay work, pottery wheel, jewelry making, photography, sewing, wheelchair dance, drama, creative writing, and journal writing.
  • Aquatic specialist: Water safety, swimming, water exercise, water skiing, personal watercraft use, and scuba diving.
  • Horticulture specialist: Indoor and outdoor gardening, seed propagation, flower arranging, bamboo gardens, lawn care, landscaping, raised outdoor garden beds, and horticultural crafts.
  • Music specialist: Expressive arts of music, such as music appreciation, composition, voice, piano, guitar, drum set, harmonica, violin, and percussion.
A man in a wheelchair, wearing a cap and sunglasses, plays tennis. He is holding a racket with a yellow frame and reaching to hit a ball. The background shows a tennis court and an Adidas banner.

Launch your career in recreation therapy

Ready to turn your passion for therapeutic recreation into a meaningful career? Shepherd Center’s 15-week Recreation Therapy Internship offers hands-on patient care, community integration, and professional development with a nationally recognized team. Build confidence, lead therapeutic sessions, and make an impact while gaining invaluable experience.

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