Remuda Ranch

Recreation Therapy Overview

“We want to help our patients remember what it’s like to have fun. We want them to reconnect with life.” -Christy Gundel, Recreation Therapist

Remuda Ranch seeks to treat the whole person, not just the eating disorder. We recognize many of our patients have been locked in the darkness of an eating disorder for so long, they have simply lost the ability to enjoy life. This is why we offer a wide range of therapeutic recreations; we hope to help our patients rediscover the enjoyment to be found in leisure activities.

First, we try to establish exactly what barriers exist in her life. This is done through a leisure lifestyle questionnaire, which is given to all patients upon admission. A barrier can be anything from self worth to body image distortion, perfectionism to control. One of our Certified Recreation Therapists or Program Therapists then meets with her to explore her individual needs.

Remuda’s therapeutic recreation program is designed to accomplish many goals. We hope to promote a better quality of life and a greater satisfaction with life through recreation. We want patients to discover the many benefits leisure activities have to offer them.

To help achieve these goals, our patients participate in many groups while at Remuda. In smaller groups, they do more individualized activities such as creating a list of leisure activities or design a personal coat of arms. In larger groups they are involved in more innovative activities designed to develop communication skills and team building. These might include certain outdoor sports, trust groups, human mazes and group jump rope. Focus is placed on problem solving and practicing assertive techniques. They discuss topics such as the benefits of humor and the value of laughter.

Our therapeutic Recreation also includes several optional activities. Patients can opt for stretching, leisure walks and creative art. Then there are those activities that are provided for pure enjoyment: movies, karaoke, dancing, luaus, talent shows, holiday celebrations, game nights, and theme snacks.

Therapy at Remuda is designed to get our patients on the road to recovery. If they can also rediscover the God-given gifts of joy, laughter and fun, all the better.

For more information on Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders, please call 1-800-445-1900.