Leisure and the Therapeutic Relationship: Contributing to Meaningful Lives

Authors

  • James B. Wise Minnesota State University, Mankato

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2021-V55-I2-10739

Keywords:

hermeneutics, leisure, meaning-making, phenomenology, therapeutic recreation

Abstract

The primary goal of human beings is creating meaningful, healthy lives out of their existence, a task tailored to therapeutic recreation (TR). In this article, the core elements of TR, leisure and the helping relationship between professionals and service recipients, are examined through the lens of hermeneutic phenomenology. Hermeneutic phenomenology is a philosophical perspective centered on understanding how people interpret and assign meanings to lived experiences. Applying the philosophical perspective to TR, leisure generates meaningful experiences that therapeutic recreation specialists (TRSs) and service recipients collaboratively weave into personal narratives. The result is service recipients living well and flourishing. Conceiving of TR in this manner entails that our services are germane for all people.

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Author Biography

James B. Wise, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Jim Wise is a professor within the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services department at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He teaches therapeutic recreation courses and advises therapeutic recreation students.

Published

2021-05-12

Issue

Section

Theoretical and Philisophical Perspectives