Do You Need a Degree to Do This? A Message to Caregivers and Families about Recreation Therapy

As someone who has spent nearly four decades working as a Recreation Therapist, there’s one question I’ve heard over and over again:

“Do you really need a degree to do this?”

At first glance, Recreation Therapy might seem like simply playing games or doing crafts—but it’s so much more than that. And as I approach my 40th year in this field, I want to help caregivers and families understand why this work matters and why a university education is not only important but essential to doing it well.

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It’s Not Just About “Playing”

When I first told my father—who had spent his life in the military and then in landscaping—that I wanted to become a Recreation Therapist, he said something I’ll never forget:

“Why do you need a degree to know how to play?”

To him, and to many others, leisure activities didn’t seem like serious work. But what he didn’t realize is that for people in recovery, rehabilitation, or long-term care, leisure is more than a pastime—it’s a powerful tool for healing and connection.

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Education Builds Understanding—and Compassion

My degree gave me far more than technical skills. It gave me a deep understanding of the human experience—how we grow, how we struggle, and how we find joy. I studied subjects like:

• Anatomy and Abnormal Psychology – to understand how the body and mind work

• Counseling and Sociology – to connect meaningfully with people from all walks of life

• Philosophy and Ethics – to think critically and make responsible, compassionate decisions

• Exercise Science and Human Lifespan Development – to guide physical recovery and meaningful engagement at every age

These weren’t just academic requirements—they were essential tools that helped me work with individuals facing serious life challenges: psychiatric illness, brain injury, dementia, chronic pain, or age-related decline.

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Helping Your Loved One Requires More Than Good Intentions

As a Recreation Therapist, I don’t just offer activities—I assess each client’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. I collaborate with healthcare teams. I design therapeutic interventions that align with medical goals. I measure outcomes. I document progress.

Whether your loved one is in rehabilitation, memory care, or long-term care, they benefit from a professional who understands:

• Their medical diagnosis and abilities

• Their cultural background and personal values

• How to use evidence-based practices to improve quality of life

• How to advocate for their dignity and autonomy

All of this takes training, experience, and a strong ethical foundation.

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Why It Matters to You as a Family Member or Caregiver

You want the best care for your loved one. You want them to feel seen, valued, and engaged in life. Recreation Therapy helps make that possible—but only when delivered by professionals who are educated, certified, and committed to high standards.

So yes—a degree is absolutely necessary for this work. It’s how we ensure that your loved one receives care that is not only safe and effective, but also deeply respectful of who they are.

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Still Curious? Keep Asking Questions.

In the spirit of the philosophical inquiry that shaped me early in my career, I encourage you to keep asking questions—about care, about quality of life, about what truly matters in your loved one’s journey.

We’re here to support not just the individual receiving care, but the entire circle of people who love and support them. And that, too, is a professional commitment rooted in education, empathy, and integrity.

Monique Di Lonardo, CTRS/L, CMDCP