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A therapeutic specialist can refer to either a specialist in therapeutic recreation or a practitioner of complementary medicine such as acupuncture or massage. The necessary training depends on the type of therapy practiced. Recreation specialists need a four-year degree, while complementary medicine specialists require varying levels of training and certification.
The term therapeutic specialist can be used to refer to two quite distinct job categories. Some people use this term to refer to specialists in therapeutic recreation. This type of therapist plans and implements therapeutic leisure activities for individuals of all ages and with a wide range of physical and emotional problems. Others use the term therapeutic specialist more generally to refer to practitioners of various types of complementary medicine, such as acupuncture or massage. The nature of the training required to become a therapeutic specialist depends on what type of therapy will be practised.
In some cases, the term therapeutic specialist is used in reference to specialists in therapeutic recreation. This type of therapist is usually based in a hospital, rehabilitation center or senior care center, where they work with clients of all age groups with physical or emotional issues. The therapist’s role is to promote the recovery and well-being of their clients through the planning and implementation of leisure activities. For example, she can help abused children build confidence and social skills by organizing team sports games. She can encourage clients at an elderly care center to maintain a sense of independence by taking them on trips to the movies or the supermarket.
For some, the term therapeutic specialist has a more general meaning that is applicable to practitioners of various types of complementary or non-Western medicine. Exactly what this type of therapeutic specialist does depends on their area of expertise. An acupuncturist, for example, places needles at various points on a client’s skin, working on the principle that these needles will release the client’s energy and, in turn, improve their well-being. A massage therapist uses various techniques to rub and manipulate her clients’ muscles, relieving pain and promoting relaxation.
Determining what type of training is needed to become a therapeutic specialist depends on what type of therapy will be practiced. A recreation specialist generally needs a four-year degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university. The type of training required to become a complementary medicine specialist can vary more widely. In the US, for example, acupuncturists are usually required to complete a master’s degree, a minimum number of hours of training, and an exam to become certified. On the other hand, the minimum training required to become a massage therapist can vary greatly from state to state.
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