Therapeutic Recreation

Code Course Description
CFCS 3810

Directed Research Studies

This upper-level seminar course is designed for students interested in pursuing their research interests and/or who may wish to pursue postgraduate studies. Topics may include: developing research ideas, understanding research ethics, participating in a peer review process, engaging in research, writing research reports for diverse audiences, formulating grant proposals, and developing effective ways to communicate research findings. Prior to admission to this course a standard contract form must be completed by the student and signed by the faculty instructor and department co-ordinator.
CFCS 4905

Wellness Coaching

This experiential course introduces the theory and practice of wellness coaching. Students will demonstrate the skills and qualities of a wellness coach as they create alliances with clients who are aiming to achieve high-level wellness and to manifest their full potential in life. Key concepts include: core coaching values and beliefs, essential wellness coaching concepts, skills and processes.
THRT 1100

On-line Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition

This online course is for therapeutic recreation (TR) practitioners with at least two years of experience in the TR field who are preparing to earn credit toward a therapeutic recreation credential. Students will work with an instructor within an online environment and will learn how to use various methods of communication to support their completion of a wide range of prior learning assessments.
THRT 1101

Therapeutic Recreation Foundations

This course introduces the philosophical and theoretical concepts of therapeutic recreation. The theoretical concepts are examined and applied in the form of therapeutic recreation service models, which provide direction for the development and delivery of therapeutic recreation. Attitude development is explored while looking at sensitive terminology and empowerment of all individuals. The therapeutic recreation process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation is introduced and applied in examining a broad range of consumer services. The development of therapeutic recreation as a profession is also addressed.
THRT 1102

Leisure and Community Recreation

In this course we introduce concepts and theories of leisure and recreation and examine how Canadian society understands and values leisure and recreation. Understanding leisure and recreation service delivery, differences in leisure involvement, diversity issues, and benefits and constraints of participation informs professional practice and provides context for exploring emerging perspectives of leisure and recreation.
THRT 1114

Wellness: Health Promotion in Therapeutic Recreation

This course provides an introduction to health promotion theories and practices. As a foundation, students study the homeostasis of the physical body systems. This ecological perspective is then developed with an emphasis on the interconnectedness of the physical, psychosocial and spiritual dimensions of health. Students move from theory to practice by exploring a range of health promotion interventions, which can be applied in the profession of therapeutic recreation.
THRT 1122

Professional Skills and Person-Centred Approaches in Therapeutic Recreation

This course will introduce the emerging TR professional to important values, ethics and skills that guide TR practice. Awareness of person-centred practice that includes being strength-based, becoming culturally conscious, and developing an understanding of self-reflective practice are a strong foundation of effective TR service delivery.
THRT 1201

Recreation Program Planning

This course examines the theories and strategies used in the organization and delivery of leisure and recreation programs and services. Students will apply the total program planning process including: needs assessment, program design, implementation strategies and leadership and evaluation of recreation programs.
THRT 1203

Recreation Leadership I

This course is designed to provide the learner with the knowledge, skills and practical applications required to lead leisure and recreation activities across the lifespan. Throughout the course, the learner will be encouraged to develop leadership skills through active participation in physical, creative and expressive arts, providing opportunities to practice and reflect.
THRT 1204

Principles and Practices of Health

This course examines health and wellness from individual and social perspectives. Principles, practices and approaches related to individual and community health are examined, with a particular emphasis on the core concepts of health promotion discussing the broad determinants of health, health inequities and their relevance to leisure and therapeutic recreation. A range of health promotion interventions are explored.
THRT 1205

Communication Skills for Recreation and Health Professionals

This course focuses on the principles and practices of effective interpersonal communication. Learners will increase their self-awareness and communication skills and be able to explain and use the interpersonal communication process. The impact of technology, culture and gender on language and relationships will be explored. Learners will be introduced to helping skills including attending, paraphrasing, questioning, empathy and summarizing. Learners will be able to apply these skills through conversational leisure interviews.
THRT 2100

Flexible Completion

This course provides opportunities for individualized study, which meet the learning needs of students who are transferring credit from another institution or program and/or are challenging courses through prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR). Working with program faculty, students will develop and complete assignments/projects/portfolios, which meet individually identified criteria and specific learning outcomes from one or more THRT courses.
THRT 2301

Introduction to the Therapeutic Recreation Process

This course introduces the therapeutic recreation process with an emphasis on assessment, documentation, and evaluation. Therapeutic recreation standards of practice in relation to the TR process are explored in depth. Topics regarding medical terminology, interdisciplinary communication, assessment methods, and documentation methods are explored. Students will gain skills in interpreting program protocols and individual program plans, interpreting assessment data, designing client goals and objectives, documenting client attendance and progress, and gathering client feedback.

THRT 2302

Therapeutic Recreation Process I

This course introduces the therapeutic recreation process with an emphasis on assessment, documentation, and evaluation. Therapeutic recreation standards of practice in relation to the TR process are explored in depth. Topics regarding medical terminology, interdisciplinary communication, assessment methods, and documentation methods are thoroughly explored. Students will gain skills in designing client assessments, evaluations, and individual program plans, as well as documenting client progress.

THRT 2306

Inclusive Leisure Practice

In this course, we will examine historical and contemporary theories and models for inclusive leisure and recreation and consider implications for practice. Practical strategies for enhancing citizenship and belonging for persons with disabilities through personal leisure identities will be explored using person-centered planning and community building processes. Students will be actively engaged in class discussion to explore diverse cultural and Indigenous approaches to inclusive leisure and engagement with community organizations.

THRT 2307

Valuing Diversity: Therapeutic Recreation and Mental Health

In this introductory course, we explore concepts and skills necessary to work in the field of mental health, focusing on therapeutic recreation interventions. Topics will include examination of historical, contemporary and emerging perspectives of mental illness etiology, treatment and support; national and provincial mental health and addiction strategies; current models for the classification and treatment of illness; and strengths based therapeutic recreation best practices.
THRT 2308

Older Adulthood: Psychosocial Issues and Therapeutic Recreation

This course examines the impact psychosocial impairments and loss of cognitive function has on quality of life and independence in older adulthood. Dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s Disease, and changes in social structure and supports are addressed in depth. The impact of economic structure, social structures, and societal attitudes, including ageism, on the life of older adults is examined. Innovative therapeutic recreation interventions, current models, and resources for older adults with dementia are explored.

THRT 2309

Physical Fitness: Theory and Application in Therapeutic Recreation

Students will examine principles of physical fitness and the components of health-related fitness, skill-related fitness, and functional fitness. Physical literacy and health promotion techniques will be explored, along with theories and models of lifestyle behaviour change. Students will design, lead, and evaluate individual and group fitness programs for people of different ages and abilities within Therapeutic Recreation settings.

THRT 2333

Therapeutic Recreation Practice I

In this diploma practicum course, students engage in experiential learning by working alongside practitioners and participants in selected sites under supervision. Students will actively observe, participate, plan and lead individual and group therapeutic recreation activities and will integrate and reflect on their educational and professional experiences throughout the practicum.

THRT 2406

Recreation Leadership II

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the theoretical foundation for understanding and leading effective groups. The theory of groups and group dynamics will be explored as well as factors influencing effective and ineffective groups. Useful leadership strategies will be practiced and strategies for effective decision making and problem solving will be applied to group facilitation techniques.
THRT 2407

Therapeutic Recreation and Physical and Developmental Disabilities

In this course students will gain an appreciation of the strengths and diversities of persons living with physical and developmental disabilities. Therapeutic Recreation intervention and implementation strategies and techniques will be used to explore disability and disease related changes a person experiences when acquiring disability. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health is considered in its relationship to therapeutic recreation practice.

THRT 2408

Older Adulthood: Chronic Health Conditions and TR

This course explores chronic health conditions experienced in older adulthood. Current research and best practices will be examined and used to facilitate therapeutic recreation interventions that can improve quality of life and enable one to age well with a chronic health condition. In addition, the role of therapeutic recreation within models for chronic disease prevention and management will be explored.
THRT 2444

Therapeutic Recreation Practice II: Diploma

In this second diploma practicum course, students continue to engage in experiential learning through supervised work alongside practitioners and participants in selected sites. Students have an increased level of independence and will continue to actively observe, participate in, plan, and lead individual and group therapeutic recreation activities. Students will engage in self-reflective practice and will integrate and reflect on their professional experiences throughout the practicum while demonstrating critical thinking skills.

THRT 2455

Therapeutic Recreation and Recreation Health Promotion Practice: Degree

In this degree practicum course, students engage in experiential learning through supervised work alongside practitioners and participants in selected sites. Students integrate theory and philosophy with professional practice. Students will observe and conduct assessments and will design, implement and evaluate individual and group program plans. Demonstration of activity analysis and adaptation will be assessed as students lead small group activities. Throughout practicum, students will establish effective working relations with TR practitioners and interdisciplinary teams that offer therapeutic recreation and health promotion services.
THRT 3504

Managing Stress: Principles and Strategies For Health Promotion

This course builds upon previously acquired knowledge of health and offers a mind/body perspective in its examination of the nature of stress and health promotion practices. Principles of integrative and complementary medicine are applied to the design and delivery of individual and group recreation health promotion interventions. Students will have the opportunity to develop depth in one area of health promotion.
THRT 3505

Advanced Interpersonal Skills in Leisure Counselling

This course builds upon a foundation of basic communication and helping skills , enabling students to effectively provide advanced leisure counselling services. A focus is on reflective practice in developing oneself into a resilient practitioner. Application of therapeutic recreation assessment practices will set the foundation for students to provide leisure counselling services for both individuals and groups in therapeutic recreation and health promotion settings.

THRT 3506

Recreation Leadership III: Advanced Leadership and Group Processes in Therapeutic Recreation

In this course, the study of group process and group work practice is taken to a more advanced level as students analyze the relationship between group theory and practice. Group assessment and co-facilitation skills are demonstrated. Ethical group work practice, experiential education concepts, and advanced leadership skills will be applied as students design, implement, and evaluate a Therapeutic Recreation proposal and program.

THRT 3601

Community Development Concepts and Applications in Health and Social Services

In this course we apply an ecological perspective to explore the nature and process of community systems and approaches to planning. Experientially we explore meanings of community, capacity building, social capital, inclusion and belonging, citizen power, and social change. Through active involvement in class discussions and engagement with community organizations, we examine various approaches to community development in health and social services settings by applying leisure, recreation and therapeutic recreation concepts and practices. This course is eligible for the Global Competency Certificate.

THRT 3710

Research Methods and Implementation

This course provides guidelines and skills to enable neophyte practitioner researchers to move comfortably through a process of scientific inquiry. Students will learn the methodological, technical, and ethical demands of doing applied or practitioner-led research. Students will conceptualize and design a research project and learn specific research skills that will enable them to deal effectively with many of the research and evaluation issues that confront them as they work with multi-disciplinary health and recreation teams.

THRT 4701

Management of Therapeutic Recreation in Health and Social Services

This course introduces the theory and practice of management in therapeutic recreation. The course is designed to prepare students with skills, knowledge, and applied experiences to become effective practicing therapeutic recreation managers in health and social service settings. The universal functions of management will be addressed including planning, organizing, leading and controlling.

THRT 4702

TR Process II: Leisure Education & Program Planning

This course provides an in-depth exploration of program planning within the context of leisure education. Leisure education concepts, such as leisure literacy, leisure research, and Therapeutic Recreation models and theories will be addressed. Students will gain advanced skills in program planning that will prepare them to lead, manage, and facilitate therapeutic recreation programs.
THRT 4704

Leisure and Health Promotion

This course builds upon the foundational concepts of health, health promotion, health determinants, and population health. This requires an in-depth exploration of interdisciplinary meanings and measures of health and includes an examination of the relationship between risk factors, including stress and health behaviours, and the fundamental causes of ill health and disease. The interconnections between health promotion and therapeutic recreation practice are discussed and applied with examples of current models, strategies and interventions.

THRT 4802

Current Issues and Trends in Therapeutic Recreation and Health Promotion

This course examines current issues and trends in Therapeutic Recreation. Weekly content, discussions, and projects explore diverse local and global perspectives on topics relevant to the Therapeutic Recreation profession. Topic examples include but are not limited to professionalization, advocacy, marginalized client groups, and healthcare issues in Canada.

THRT 4855

Therapeutic Recreation and Health Promotion: Internship

The Internship is a 560 hour experience, implemented in partnership with Douglas College and an approved Agency. It offers the student the opportunity to apply classroom theory and skills in a supported environment. Supervised by the College faculty and qualified Agency practitioner, students will assess, plan, implement, evaluate and document individual and group progress, deliver therapeutic interventions, complete a service-learning project in conjunction with the agency, understand department administration, and demonstrate professional competency. Internship successfully completed under a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) meets eligibility for a student to sit the NCTRC exam to obtain the CTRS designation. Internship is completed in one of a student's finalized support areas.
THRT 4901

TR Process III: Advanced Assessment

This course will build on the student’s understanding of assessment in order to thoroughly examine assessment instruments used in therapeutic recreation and other allied health fields. Students will explore the selection and evaluation of assessment instruments, the development of agency specific assessment instruments and the use of assessment instruments in research.

THRT 4905

Wellness Coaching

This experiential course introduces the theory and practice of coaching. Students will demonstrate the skills and qualities of a wellness coach as they create alliances with clients who are aiming to achieve high-level wellness and to manifest their full potential in life. Key concepts include: core coaching values and beliefs, essential wellness coaching concepts, skills and processes.