Understanding Identity as Foundational to Recreation Therapy Practice: Exploring, Forming, and Re-storying
Session Description (for use in the program and for marketing purposes)
Identity is strongly linked to health and wellness outcomes. Oftentimes, the connections between identity theory/terminology and recreational therapy practice are understated or misunderstood. However, the concept of identity provides a foundation for our client’s attitudes, motivations, and behavior. A greater understanding of the implications surrounding stages and styles of identity formation provides us with greater ability to be effective facilitators as we work with our clients to integrate their valued health behaviors into daily life.
This session will highlight the existing identity-based approaches inherent in recreational therapy. It will also explain the areas of opportunity to dive deeper into identity-based practices (e.g., exploring, forming, and re-storying) within recreational therapy in order to maximize positive health and wellness outcomes. Identity theory grounded in research will be presented and coupled with programmatic implications and facilitation techniques that can be implemented with individuals and groups across diagnosis and life stages. Interactive elements will be utilized.