The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is excited to announce “Radiant Minds: Nurturing Mental Health for All” as the theme for the 2024 Virtual Summit. "Radiant Minds: Nurturing Mental Health for All" will allow you to discover the latest insights and strategies for promoting mental and behavioral health and well-being, fostering resilience, and enhancing mental health for individuals of all backgrounds.
This summit brings together practitioners, experts, caregivers, clients, advocates, and researchers to explore the diverse facets of mental health, share innovative approaches, and ignite discussions aimed at building a brighter, more inclusive future for mental wellness. Don't miss this opportunity to engage and join with thought leaders and practitioners toward radiant minds and thriving communities.
This virtual event will run February 1 - 29, 2024 on ATRA's virtual learning platform. Additional sessions may be added so please check back regularly to view the program.
Using Principals of Positive Psychology in Recreational Therapy Practice to Help Patients Move Towards Recovery
Session Length
90 minutes
Description
Positive psychology is an area of psychology that encourages individuals to strengthen their quality of life through a focus on strengths and empowerment. This focus on life satisfaction and well-being is a perfect foundation for Recreational Therapy practice in mental health recovery services. In this session, we will explore the principals of positive psychology and practical ways for recreational therapists to utilize these theories to build evidence-based practice.
Focus of Presentation
Intervention/treatment modality
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify 2 Positive Psychology theories and how they align with RT practice
2. Identify 2 ways to utilize theories from Positive Psychology to increase patient engagement and building of rapport in RT practice
3. State 2 ways they can utilize tools from Positive Psychology practice to develop RT EBP interventions
Presenter
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/898c8ce3f791371944a088aea4e9c98a.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Ms. Holly A Eichner, Ph.D., CTRS-BH, UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO")
Ms. Holly A Eichner, Ph.D., CTRS-BH, UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO
Biographical Statement
Dr. Eichner has been a CTRS-BH (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) for 20+ years. Her education includes a philosophical doctorate in Educational Psychology along with a Certificate in Peace Education, a master’s in Recreation and Leisure Studies, and baccalaureate degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in psychology. Dr. Eichner is the Director of the Recreational Therapy Program at the University of Toledo; she also practices as a CTRS-BH on a local inpatient psychiatric unit. Past clinical experience includes working with individuals across the life span including Veterans, individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, and psychiatric diagnosis. She is passionate about the field of Recreational Therapy and has presented at several professional conferences in the areas of Recreational Therapy and Psychiatric Rehabilitation on the topics of mindfulness, Bibliotherapy, recovery, patient education, and the use of evidence-based practice. In addition to being a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, she is also a Certified Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Instructor (seated and standing), an adapted Cardio Drumming instructor, and an avid Metropark Toledo volunteer.
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Co-Presenters
Lydia Miller, University of Toledo
Biographical Statement
Lydia Miller is a senior at the University of Toledo majoring in Recreational Therapy. She recently had the opportunity to be a Peg Connolly Scholar at the last ATRA conference in St. Louis and fell even more in love with the profession. Lydia is the current Student Member at Large for the Ohio Recreational Therapy Association. She will be receiving her baccalaureate degree in Recreational Therapy in August of 2024. As a future graduate, Lydia hopes to bring new perspectives and ideas into the flourishing profession.
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Lauren Durocher, University of Toledo
Biographical Statement
Lauren Durocher is a junior at the University of Toledo majoring in Recreational Therapy. She earned an associate degree from Monroe County Community College in 2022. She is eager to explore the field of recreational therapy and learn more ways to succeed as a student and a professional. She recently attended the ATRA conference in St. Louis as a student and saw the passion for the profession. This conference inspired her and made her realize even more that this is what she wants to pursue. She will be receiving her baccalaureate degree in Recreational Therapy in 2025. As Lauren continues her education in Recreational Therapy, she hopes to inspire others and create a lasting impact.
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