ARTA vs. ATRA debate

We are recreational therapists.

As a profession, we’re going against the herd when we use the term “therapeutic” first.

None of our allied therapists are using the word “therapeutic” first.

Here are 11 examples:

AART – American Association for Respiratory Therapy
APTA – American Physical Therapy Association
AOTA – American Occupational Therapy Association
AATA – American Art Therapy Association
AMTA – American Massage Therapy Association
AMTA – American Music Therapy Association
ATA – American Therapy Association
ADTA – American Dance Therapy Association
AHTA – American Horticulture Therapy Association
APA – American Psychotherapy Association
AFTA – American Family Therapy Association

We’re already aware that there are therapeutic uses for art, message, dance, and horticulture, etc. However, their associations do not use the terminology:

Therapeutic Dance Association
Therapeutic Art Association
Therapeutic Horticulture Association

There is an interesting book titled,
“Therapeutic Modalities for Physical Therapists.”
It is written by: William E. Prentice, PhD, PT, ATC.

How productive would it be if the Physical Therapists were to call their association, The Therapeutic Physical Modalities Association?

As a recreational therapist, I personally feel that using the term Therapeutic Recreation is counterproductive. I think it is hindering us as a profession opposed to helping us achieve our mission and vision.

The ATRA MISSION: is to: collectively supports the recreational therapy profession

The ATRA VISION: is to be the premiere professional membership association representing recreational therapists, consumers and stakeholders.

Of course, we recreational therapists will always use “therapeutic recreation” as a modality, as a vehicle to achieve an outcome, and to serve a purpose. However, our association needs to identify us, as who we are, recreational therapists.

Your friend,
Danny Pettry, MS, CTRS