An extensive and up-to-date treatment on the topic of recreational therapy, the eighth edition of Therapeutic Recreation Processes and Techniques: Evidence-Based Recreational Therapy continues to focus on the practice of recreational therapy, with a philosophy of practice that has been consistent since the first edition in 1982. Like prior editions, this new edition attempts to offer a theory-based, evidence-based, client-centered approach to practice, offering many new references and an expanded discussion of facilitation techniques. This edition also emphasizes aspects of practice rated as critical in recreational therapy and offers information on recreational therapy topics such as the helping relationship, leadership, communication skills, and clinical supervision.

This 7th edition has been extensively updated and revised in order to offer a sound knowledge base, current techniques, and the latest evidence upon which to base practice. In fact, the subtitle, "Evidence-Based Recreational Therapy", has been added to emphasise the importance of evidence-based practice in recreational therapy. Today recreational therapists must possess a broad knowledge base that offers them a foundation for practice. This book explores how to practice recreational therapy yet provides theoretical and empirical evidence to support practice.

A long-standing tradition of excellence is extended in the Fourth Edition of this authoritative introduction to the field of therapeutic recreation. The authors effectively combine a broad orientation to the profession with the practical information necessary for students to become successful practitioners. Part I contains a comprehensive discussion of the fields history and theoretical underpinnings, providing students with the perspective they need to evaluate the social, cultural, demographic, economic, and technical forces that have shaped and are continuing to impact health and human services in general, and therapeutic recreation in particular. Part II introduces students to the client populations served by therapeutic recreation specialists and describes specific approaches and activities employed by TR professionals to help clients achieve meaningful improvements in health status, functional capacities, and quality of life. The authors have retained the practical, student-oriented approach that makes this an ideal text for introductory courses. They address all content areas included in the NCTRC certification exam, are compatible with the American Psychiatric Association on psychological classifications, and incorporate the World Health Organizations international classification of functioning, disability, and health. The latest edition contains updated information on baby boomers, the obesity epidemic, and evidence-based practices; field-based photographs and illustrations; and study questions and exercises designed to engage students.

For over 35 years, Therapeutic Recreation: A Practical Approach has provided an authoritative and engaging introduction to the field of therapeutic recreation. The Fifth Edition of Carter and Van Andel's well-regarded text extends this tradition of excellence, equipping a new generation of students with the theoretical foundations and practical methods they need to become successful practitioners. The authors present the fundamentals of recreational therapy practice from the perspective of a 21st-century health and human service profession: emphasizing evidenced-based practices and documented outcomes, supporting individual and community assets, promoting fiscal responsibility, and utilizing a strengths-based approach that focuses on an individual's capacities when developing a strategy to improve health status, quality of life, and functional abilities. Updates throughout reflect recent scholarship, revised standards and operational definitions, evidence-based literature to support interventions, and global health concerns. The critical component of documentation has been added to discussions of the APIE-D process, while chapters on neurodevelopmental disorders and behavioral and mental health issues incorporate the terminology and organization of the DSM-5. The latest edition also features expanded treatment of social issues and the adult-onset, chronic, and lifelong illnesses and disabilities associated with aging. This full-featured edition retains the student-oriented approach that makes it an ideal text for introductory courses. Illustrations, case studies, key terms, study questions, and practical exercises reinforce key concepts and offer opportunities to apply chapter content, while abundant field-based photographs illuminate the practice of recreational therapy.