The Comprehensive Sexuality Education Intensive is pre-approved for 0.95 CEUs and Community Inclusion Services and Developmental Disabilities Speciality Designations by NCTRC.
   

Understanding and Supporting Sexual Wellness Needs

This module will lay the foundation for recreational therapists to understand sexual wellness as an essential component of holistic client care. Participants will be equipped with self-awareness tools to mitigate personal biases as well as research-literacy skills to implement affirming, fact-based sexual wellness programming and interventions across diverse populations and clinical settings.

Comprehensive Sexual Health Education in Recreational Therapy

This module delves into the essential aspects of comprehensive sexual health education (CSE) and how to use a multifaceted approach to incorporate CSE into therapeutic RT interventions. This approach allows recreational therapists to provide CSE that is not only informative but also therapeutic and empowering. It recognizes the diverse needs of clients and offers flexible strategies for addressing sexual wellness in a way that is sensitive, inclusive, and effective.

Creating a Positive, Affirming, and Safe Environment

This module explores the essential components of creating positive, affirming, and safe environments in recreational therapy settings. Through examination of trauma-informed principles and gender-inclusive practices, participants will develop competencies in fostering environments that support client dignity, safety, and self-expression. The module addresses the integration of trauma awareness into organizational policies and procedures while examining dimensions of gender identity, sexual orientation, and inclusive language practices. Participants will gain concrete strategies for creating therapeutic environments where clients feel respected, understood, and empowered to engage in their therapeutic journey.

RT systematic process: Assessment, Planning, Documentation, Evaluation

This module focuses on the systematic process of Recreational Therapy, emphasizing the core components of assessment, planning, documentation, and evaluation. This module provides hands-on experience with assessment tools, SMART goal writing, documentation formats, and outcome measurement strategies. Through practical exercises and reflective activities, participants will develop skills in client-centered care, professional documentation, and program evaluation. Special attention is given to comprehensive sex education within the RT scope of practice, ensuring ethical and effective service delivery. The module combines theoretical knowledge with practical application to enhance professional competency in the RT systematic process.

Social Skills Development Through Leisure Builds the Foundation for Meaningful Relationships

Recreational therapists use leisure activities to help clients develop healthy relationships. This module equips RTs with strategies to structure leisure experiences that foster relationship skills, from basic social connections to intimate partnerships. Through practical approaches, RTs will learn how to support clients in developing the social skills needed for meaningful relationships, which may include intimate relationships. The module focuses on recognizing how leisure interventions can be used to teach essential relationship concepts, such as consent, boundaries, and healthy support networks, ultimately enhancing clients' quality of life.

Implementation - Sexual Health Education Through Recreational Therapy

This module builds upon the relationship foundation established in Module 5 by addressing specific sexual health topics through recreational therapy interventions. This module equips recreational therapists with practical strategies, interactive activities, and evidence-based approaches to deliver sensitive sexual health content to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through demonstration, hands-on practice, and reflective activities, participants will learn to create safe, affirming learning environments while maintaining professional boundaries and therapeutic objectives. The module emphasizes using leisure education methodologies to teach essential sexual health concepts, including body image, anatomy, reproductive health, consent, safer sex practices, and sexual pleasure within the RT scope of practice.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this ATRA Intensive on Comprehensive Sexuality Education transforms theory into clinical action. Centering on the autonomy of individuals with IDD, this final module encourages participants to reflect on their roles as both therapists and advocates. We leave this training with a renewed commitment: to build the safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces necessary for every client to achieve sexual wellness and personal fulfillment.