I have been a Certified Recreation Therapist for 8 years and have worked with various populations in different settings within those years. Recreational therapists, also known as therapeutic recreation specialists, use recreation-based activities to help individuals with disabilities or illnesses regain or improve their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Very often as our physical medical needs increase our recreation decreases. It is my job to take the "everyday" recreational activity and adapt it so the client / resident can still participate in activities they enjoy, which in turn naturally enhances their physical, social and emotional wellbeing.