The authors have retained the practical, reader-friendly approach that makes this ideal for novices. Throughout the new edition the authors acknowledge the evolving nature of this dynamic health and human service profession by discussing the social, cultural, economic, and technological forces that have influenced and continue to shape the role of therapeutic recreation specialists. The authors effectively combine theory and practice to give students both an overall awareness of the nature of the profession as well as an understanding of the practical tasks undertaken by therapeutic recreation professionals. They first focus on the historical and philosophical growth of the field, and then introduce students to the client populations served by therapeutic recreation specialists and the specific application of therapeutic recreation with these individuals. The third edition features a completely revamped chapter on management practices in health and human services as well as broader coverage of philosophies, enhanced helping skills and techniques, updated statistics on social impairments and aging, an expanded discussion of physical disabilities, and the latest DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria. Moreover, the volume is loaded with pedagogical features that will help readers appreciate the role of therapeutic recreation in enhancing an individual's health status, quality of life, and functional capacities.

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