Therapeutic recreation as a pathway to support mental health in Northern Canada: practitioners perspectives

Abstract

ABSTRACT Residing in northern Canada presents unique contextual factors that can implicate one’s experience and management of their mental health. Scant evidence exists pertaining to the role of clinical therapeutic recreation services in northern Canada, specifically in supporting mental health. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of therapeutic recreation in supporting mental health in northern Canada, specifically in Yukon Territory. Seven Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews, and data were analyzed using a process of content analysis. Findings are represented by four themes: (a) creating pathways to coping, (b) creating pathways to meaning, (c) creating pathways to connection and, (d) practicing therapeutic recreation in Yukon Territory: contextual considerations. Findings contribute to the understanding of how the therapeutic recreation profession can support mental health in Yukon Territory and can be extended to future practice across northern Canada and other similar contexts.