EXPLORING THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PRACTITIONERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THE BREADTH AND IMPACT OF NATURE-BASED PROGRAMMING IN THE PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA
Date
2025-04-11
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Nature-based therapeutic recreation (NBTR) offers meaningful, challenging opportunities that enhance wellbeing by fostering connections with nature and others. While research has highlighted the benefits of nature-based programs, little has focused on the perspectives of therapeutic recreation (TR) practitioners. This study explored NBTR practices in Nova Scotia through insights from 13 TR practitioners using qualitative description informed by a constructivist worldview. Reflexive Thematic Analysis revealed four key themes: (1) Taking TR Service Delivery Outdoors, (2) Perceived Benefits of TR in Natural Environments, (3) Exploring Place-Based TR Practice in Nova Scotia, and (4) Promoting Healthy Risk Taking Through NBTR. Findings illustrated how nature supports wellbeing and fosters positive change, while also addressing perceived challenges and risks. The study emphasized the significance of nature-based approaches in TR, outlining key barriers, guiding principles, and opportunities for future growth. Practitioners highlighted NBTR's potential across diverse populations, reinforcing its value within Nova Scotia’s therapeutic landscape.
Description
Introduction: Nature-based therapeutic recreation (NBTR) modalities create challenging and meaningful engagement opportunities that can improve wellbeing. These practices explore the connections we can make to the natural world as well as to the people around us. While there is a large body of research exploring the impact and benefits of nature and nature-based programs for different population groups, there is a limited amount of literature exploring these practices specifically through the perspectives of therapeutic recreation (TR) practitioners. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the breadth and impact of NBTR practices in the province of Nova Scotia as perceived by TR practitioners. Methods: Guided by a constructivist worldview, this qualitative description study employed Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) to analyze data from 13 semi-structured interviews with TR practitioners implementing NBTR programs in Nova Scotia. Findings: Through diving into the practitioners’ insights on their approaches, and their perceived benefits and challenges, four themes were developed: (1) Taking TR Service Delivery Outdoors, (2) Perceived Benefits of TR in Natural Environments, (3) Exploring Place-Based TR Practice in Nova Scotia, and (4) Promoting Healthy Risk Taking Through NBTR. Discussion: This thesis highlighted the role of nature as a supportive environment to promote wellbeing and the TR practitioners’ perceptions of nature as a setting that facilitated both challenge and change for the individuals they work with. There was discussion on how NBTR’s benefits outweigh some of the potential risks involved and insights on the potential pathways for growth for the field. These insights highlighted the importance of nature-based practices for a wide range of populations in Nova Scotia, and helped to gain a deeper understanding of the guiding principles, the barriers encountered, and the resulting impacts or outcomes of NBTR in the province.
Keywords
therapeutic recreation, nature-based, therapeutic recreation practitioner, leisure, outdoor recreation, nature, supportive environment, qualitative description, reflexive thematic analysis