Nurturing the Spirit: Activities for Meaning and Connection

Date: May 29, 2025
Time: 12 PM – 1:30 PM PT
Format: Live on Zoom or recorded for later viewing
Earn: 1.5 NCTRC pre-approved CE hours (0.15 CEUs) and qualify for the
Specialization Area Designation in Behavioral Health

This 1.5-hour interactive session explores the spiritual domain in Recreation Therapy through evidence-based research, experiential activities, and practical tools. Participants will define key spiritual concepts, review current research—including a study using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)—and examine the benefits of incorporating spiritual practices into therapeutic recreation. There will be many hands-on activities using meditation, creative arts, and compassion-based practices will guide participants in exploring meaningful client engagement. The session also introduces spiritual assessment tools and empathetic interviewing techniques to support individualized goal development. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to integrate spiritual practices into person-centered care.

By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

1. Define the spiritual domain within Recreation Therapy and explain its role in promoting holistic well-being through evidence-based practices.
2. Demonstrate at least one spiritually focused intervention (e.g., creative arts, mindfulness, or compassion-based activity) and describe its therapeutic benefits.
3. Identify one spiritual assessment and empathetic interviewing technique to support person-centered goal development for diverse clients.

Presented by: Keelin Jardin, PhD, CTRS, RTC

Dr. Keelin Jardin is a certified recreation therapist and certified Laughter Yoga instructor with a passion for promoting wellness and emotional well-being. She holds a PhD in Mind-Body Medicine and specializes in therapeutic recreation, creative interventions, and mind-body practices. With extensive experience in both academic and clinical settings, Dr. Jardin has worked with diverse populations, focusing on stress reduction, mental health, and holistic healing. She is also a lecturer at California State University, East Bay, and a recreation therapy consultant.

Recorded/Zoom Options:

This session is pre-approved by NCTRC for 0.15 CEUs. Upon registration, you will receive access to the Zoom link or recorded session. After completing the video, you will be issued a certificate for 0.15 CEUs.