Mindfulness Beyond Meditation: Achieving Mindfulness Through Recreational Therapy interventions

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

Mindfulness is a clinically effective intervention that can positively impact stress, rumination, emotion regulation, self-esteem, and perception of pain. In this course we will examine ways to add mindful awareness to your practice to help your patients foster mindfulness through Recreational Therapy interventions. We will also explore the difference between mindfulness and meditation.

Course Objectives

  • Learners will be able to identify 2 characteristics to describe what mindfulness is.

  • Learners will be able to Identify a minimum of 1 contraindication for meditation.

  • Learners will be able to identify a minimum of 3 clinical outcomes achievable through engagement in mindfulness.

  • Learners will be able to Identify 2 talking points to help clients identify their stress experience using the 5 domains as part of patient education on mindfulness.

  • Learners will be able to Identify a minimum of 5 evidenced based practices to foster mindfulness.

Holly Eichner, Ph.D., CTRS-BH

Instructor Bio:

Holly Eichner, Ph.D., CTRS-BH has an educational background that includes a Philosophical Doctorate in Educational Psychology with a certificate in Peace Education, Master of Education in Recreation and Leisure, and Bachelor of Education in Recreational Therapy with a minor in psychology. Dr. Eichner has worked in the Recreational Therapy field since earning her CTRS from NCTRC in 1999. Her job titles over the years have included Recreational Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, Volunteer Coordinator, Associate Director of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Communication Specialist, Quality Management Coordinator, and now Program Director for the University of Toledo, Recreational Therapy program. Dr. Eichner has worked with individuals across the lifespan in settings such as inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, addiction treatment centers, hospice, long-term care, the Veteran’s Administration, and an alternative learning center (school). She has made regional, state, and local presentations on therapeutic recreation practice, mindfulness, psychiatric rehabilitation, and various therapeutic interventions. In addition, she is a trained facilitator in seated and standing Tai Chi – Tai Chi for Health Institute, Nature Interpretation - NAI, Mindfulness-Based Ecotherapy, TEACH for Success (health coaching), Stanford University’s Chronic Disease Self-Management program (Healthier Living with Chronic Conditions), and Cardio Drumming - Drums Alive. She is passionate about mental health recovery, mindfulness, and wellness. This focus inspires her to be actively involved in her own wellness and she regularly participates in hikes in the Toledo Metroparks. She is also passionate about the wellness of others which leads her to volunteer to teach Tai Chi in her community.

Holly Eichner, Ph.D., CTRS-BH

SMART Instructor