Embracing Creativity: Art As A Recreational Therapy Intervention

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

This course provides an introduction into the use of of art as a therapeutic intervention. Learners will gain an understanding of the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual benefits of art. The course explores specific RT methods for incorporating art into your RT practice, and a variety of therapeutic art interventions that RT's can implement with their clients to help them reach their desired goals. At the completion of this course, participants will need to pass an exam with a minimum score of 70%. Participants must complete the course within 365 days of starting the course to receive a completion certificate.
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Course Objectives:

  • Students will be able to identify 4 health benefits of engaging in art-based programs.

  • Students will be able to identify 2 interventions in each of the 3 types of art.

  • Students will be able to identify 2 goals associated with each of the RT domains.

Carolyn Breinich, MA, CTRS/CCLS(s)

Instructor Bio:

I earned my Bachelor Degree in Zoology from Ohio State University. While completing my degree I did an internship at the Dolphin Research Center, where I focused on animal assisted therapy utilizing Dolphins. I earned my Masters Degree in Recreational Therapy from The University of Toledo, so I could combine my love of animals with my desire to help people. I trained my dog, Velvet, to be a certified therapy dog. For ten years, we visited schools, nursing homes and hospitals. As a graduate student at The University of Toledo, I taught RT Intervention: Pet Assisted Therapy course. I became a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in 2006, I became a Child-Life Specialist in 2009, and I worked in Long-Term Care, Adult and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Adult and Adolescent Psych and with Individuals with Disabilities.

Carolyn Breinich, MA, CTRS/CCLS

SMART Instructor