Roles and Strengths of Therapeutic Recreation Professionals in Service Provision: A Strengths-Based Approach

Authors

M. Rebecca Genoe, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, CanadaFollow
Linda Ostryzniuk, Not Applicable
Kathy Park, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CanadaFollow
Sherri Nelson, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CanadaFollow
Douglas G. Cripps, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, CanadaFollow
Donna Boser, Mobile Recreation Therapy, Unity, Saskatchewan, Canada

Abstract

Therapeutic Recreation professionals work in healthcare and community-based settings where they utilize recreation and leisure to improve quality of life. Despite their contributions, Therapeutic Recreation often goes unrecognized as an important component of the healthcare team. The purpose of this study was to explore the strengths and successes of Therapeutic Recreation professionals. We aimed to explore how Therapeutic Recreation professionals identify and perceive their roles, and what strengths they use within their roles. Data was collected through 19 individual interviews and eight focus groups with Therapeutic Recreation professionals and analyzed thematically. The theme of “nurturing well-being through leisure” was generated through our data analysis process and was comprised of four subthemes: (1) engaging clients in meaningful leisure; (2) creating programs and spaces; (3) going with the flow; and (4) connecting and building. Our findings highlight how Therapeutic Recreation professionals provide person-centered care to those receiving services by focusing on their strengths, needs and interests. Taking a flexible approach to problem solving allows Therapeutic Recreation professionals to meet their clients’ changing abilities. In doing so, they provide opportunities for clients to experience meaningful leisure while supporting skill development and independence.

Keywords

strengths, thematic analysis, therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy

Author Bio(s)

M. Rebecca Genoe, Ph.D., is a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina. Please direct correspondence to rebecca.genoe@uregina.ca

Linda Ostryzniuk, CTRS, worked as a Recreation Therapist at William Booth Special Care Home

Kathy Park, CTRS, is a recreation therapist for the Saskatchewan Health Authority

Sherri Nelson, CTRS is recreation therapy practice lead for the Saskatchewan Health Authority

Douglas G. Cripps is academic lead, Centre for Experiential and Service Learning at the University of Regina and Instructor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina

Donna Boser is owner and recreation therapist of Mobile Recreation Therapy.

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada.

Publication Date

2-16-2026

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2026.6979

Recommended APA Citation

Genoe, M. R., Ostryzniuk, L., Park, K., Nelson, S., Cripps, D. G., & Boser, D. (2026). Roles and strengths of therapeutic recreation professionals in service provision: A strengths-based approach. The Qualitative Report, 31(2), 5258-5282. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2026.6979

ORCID ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2094-1732