An Introduction to the HeartMath System as a Recreation Therapy Modality

*This course has been pre-approved by NCTRC for 5 clock hou

In this course you will learn about the HeartMath® System and how it can be used as a modality to help improve your client’s well-being. As a Recreation Therapist, this course will help you add extra tools to your toolbox to work with clients struggling mentally, physically, cognitively and spiritually. The HearthMath® System teaches you self-regulation techniques and exercises that have proven results to help improve the quality of life no matter what setting you work in as a Therapist. When completing the course, you will feel confident in implementing the HeartMath® System into your own Recreation Therapy practice. So, be prepared to explore a new way of helping your clients using non-pharmacological interventions. The Learner must pass a quiz at the end of the course with at least a 70% in order to be awarded a completion certificate. The course must be completed within 365 days of start date.

Course Objectives

  • The student will gain basic knowledge about the heart and brain as well as a greater understanding of the Brain and Heart Connection.

  • The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the HeartMath® System, Technology, Training, and result driven successes through case studies.

  • The student will learn how to plan and implement the HeartMath® System into your RT practice.

Randy Shaw, MHS, LRT/CTRS

Instructor Bio:

Randy Shaw, MHS, LRT/CTRS has been a practicing Recreation Therapist for 20 years. He received his BS degree from Western Carolina University (WCU) in 2001 and received his Master Health Science in Management in 2012 from WCU. Randy has worked with individuals with a variety of disabilities/illnesses in different settings. He has worked at an Alcohol Drug Abuse Treatment facility (internship), a group home with adults with Autism, Juvenile Development Center, Community Parks & Recreation Department, Veterans Hospital setting, and he has also spent some time teaching as a recreation therapy adjunct instructor at WCU. Currently, Randy works with veterans in a long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice facility. Over the past 20 years Randy has served on numerous boards and committees, chaired recreation therapy conferences, mentored upcoming Recreation Therapists, and presented at several workshops and conferences. Randy is very excited about passing along his knowledge and experiences to other recreation therapists to help improve the overall well being patients.

Randy Shaw, MHS, LRT/CTRS

SMART Instructor