The benefits of recreation therapy: Sasha's Story

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For Sasha, having the ability to express herself through art has helped her cope with her bipolar disorder, a diagnosis she received when she was 18. She discovered her passion for the arts during a stay as an Inpatient in Joseph Brant Hospital’s (JBH) Mental Health and Addictions Unit where she worked with Jack, a Recreation Therapist, who is part of a multidisciplinary care team.

“Recreation therapy takes a strengths-based approach to care and allows recreation therapists to focus on what their patients are able to do, rather than what they are not,” said Jack. “This approach helps to support patients in achieving goals that align with their own ideas and values relating to their well-being.”

With this approach, the whole care team has an interest in getting to know the patients who are being cared for and respects each individual as someone with unique goals, needs and interests. The collaboration between nurses, peer navigators, physicians, social workers, unit clerks, housekeeping and recreation therapists plays a significant role in creating an inviting patient experience.

“Effective recreation programming can allow patients to discover new interests that assist in improving their quality of life beyond the care they would typically receive in a hospital,” said Jack.

For Sasha, it was painting.

“Recreation therapy was a lifesaver. During treatment, it gave me the tools I need to handle great flows of creative energy,” she said. “As I became more engaged with my artistic endeavors, my stays became shorter.”

“By seeing our patients through a holistic lens of care, it provides them with a degree of autonomy and allows them to engage with pursuits that are meaningful to them,” said Jack. “This helps to keep our patients engaged in their environment and treatment plans while receiving care at JBH.”

“From my experience as a patient, Jack went above and beyond to support all of our unique needs,” said Sasha, “Hospitals can be dreary, but there are many ways that recreation therapists help to use tools and activities to engage patients with the healing powers of wonder and play.”