Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story

The LOVE Approach for Living with Dementia: A Family Ecosystem Perspective

In this episode of Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story, we sit down with Vicky Pitner, a seasoned CTRS and dementia support coach, to discuss a paradigm shift in how we support families living with memory loss. Drawing from over four decades of experience and her own personal history, Vicki introduces her LOVE Approach —a humanistic model that moves beyond the clinical "caregiver" label to focus on the health of the entire family ecosystem. Whether you are a practitioner looking to deepen your clinical practice or a family member seeking a more hopeful path forward, this episode offers a heartfelt and practical guide to finding meaningful connection in the midst of dementia. Connect with Vicki Pittner: * Website: vickypitner.com [vickypitner.com] * Book: The Love Approach (Available on Amazon) Learn more about ATRA: * Website: atra-online.com [http://atra-online.com] * Intensives: atra-online.com/intensives [https://www.atra-online.com/intensives]

Senses Activation and Nature-Based Therapeutic Practices: A Conversation with Re-Tx Yourself

This episode of Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story explores how sensory activation and nature-based therapeutic techniques can enhance client engagement and support positive outcomes within recreational therapy practice. Guest Sami Dowling, founder of ReTx Yourself, joins the show to discuss foundational concepts of sensory activation, practical examples of nature-based interventions, and the research supporting biophilic engagement. Participants will gain practical tools applicable to both clinical and community-based environments, with a focus on adapting these approaches across diverse populations and settings. If you want to learn more about nature-based practices or attend an upcoming retreat, you can reach out to Sami through the following channels: Website: ⁠retxyourself.com⁠ [http://RETXyourself.com] Social Media: Follow @retxyourself on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram for active updates and resources. This episode was pre-approved for 0.1 CEUs.

The Journey to Arts and Rec: A Recreational Therapy Entrepreneur's Story with Julie Quill

CEU pre-approval is pending for this episode. The learning platform [https://www.pathlms.com/atra/courses/51426]will be updated when In this conversation, Julie shares her journey from a business and art background to becoming a Recreational Therapist and founding Arts and Rec. She discusses the therapeutic power of art, the importance of individualized goals, and the challenges of running a community-based program. Julie emphasizes the need for accessible services for adults transitioning out of school and the impact of her work on the lives of her clients. She also shares her aspirations for expanding Arts and Rec and the importance of community support.

Cultural Connections in Recreational Therapy: What Study Abroad Taught Us

This episode was not approved for CEUs. In this conversation, Maggie Bayerl interviews Tyra and Nora, two students from Longwood University studying Therapeutic Recreation. They share their personal journeys into the field, their impactful experiences during a study abroad trip to Guatemala, and the importance of cultural insights in therapeutic practices. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of working with diverse populations, including children and older adults, and emphasizes the significance of advocacy and personal growth within the field of recreational therapy. Both Tyra and Nora express their aspirations to expand the reach of therapeutic recreation globally and share valuable advice for future therapists.

Creating Safe leisure Spaces: The Role of Libraries in Community Mental Health with Lake Seif

In this conversation, Maggie and Lake discuss the intersection of bibliotherapy, youth services, and mental health. They explore the importance of representation in literature, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, and how reading and writing can serve as therapeutic tools. Lake shares personal experiences with mental health and the role of writing groups in fostering creativity and emotional expression. The discussion also highlights the valuable resources libraries offer, including community support and access to diverse literature.To earn CEUs for this episode, visit our podcast page. [https://www.pathlms.com/atra/courses/51426]