Many people have never heard of recreational therapy, but for Alayna Hoch, BHS, CTRS, it’s a deeply rewarding career that blends creativity, compassion, and evidence-based care. As a recreational therapist at Stoughton Health’s Geriatric Psychiatry Unit, Hoch works with older adults facing mental health challenges, using meaningful activities to promote healing and restore confidence.
“I usually tell people it’s a healthcare profession that uses evidence-based recreational activities to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing for specific populations,” she explains. “That could mean working on cognitive, emotional, or physical skills. It really depends on the person.”
Training for a Unique Role
Becoming a certified therapeutic recreation specialist is no small task. Hoch earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, one of the few UW schools offering the program. “There are four different boxes of classes you have to complete, plus a capstone and a major internship, about 500 hours,” she says. After graduation, students must pass a board exam and commit to ongoing continuing education every five years to keep their certification.
It was a path she didn’t originally plan. “I was undecided for the longest time,” Hoch admits. “I wanted to do something I was passionate about and loved every day. My mom actually found the rec therapy program, and it just felt perfect for me. I love helping people, and I love leisure and recreation. It found me, really.”
A Day on the Geriatric Psychiatry Unit
At Stoughton Health, Hoch works on a small, ten-bed inpatient unit serving patients over 55 with mental health diagnoses. Stays average about two weeks, long enough for her to build real connections. “My role is to help in the process of getting them back home and into a safe place,” she explains. “I start with an assessment to find out what they enjoy, their abilities, and what they’d like to do. Then, I tailor activities to support their healing.”
Those activities vary daily. For one group, balloon volleyball became a favorite way to start the morning, combined with chair stretches and current events discussions. For others, expressive arts, trivia, movie nights, or learning new card games spark engagement. “It’s definitely different every day,” Hoch notes. “That’s one of the things I love.”
The Power of Small Steps
The impact can be profound. Hoch recalls a patient who initially resisted every activity, saying she wasn’t interested. With gentle encouragement, the patient began trying new things. “You could see her grow confidence over time, in her skills, her conversations, her social abilities,” Hoch reflects. “By discharge, she had new leisure skills she could use at home. Seeing that progress is one of my favorite things.”
She emphasizes that what may look like simple games often serve a deeper purpose. “Someone might walk by and see us playing Uno and think we’re just having fun. But, we’re actually working on problem-solving, number and color recognition, and social participation. There’s so much more to it than people realize.”
More Than Just Games
For Hoch, recreational therapy combines the joy of play with the seriousness of healthcare. It provides patients with tools for coping, social connection, and improved well-being. “Keeping your mind busy definitely speeds up the healing process and makes you feel a little bit better,” she shares.
And while it may not always be recognized outside healthcare, Hoch sees its impact daily. “There’s so much more to rec therapy than people think. It’s not just surface-level fun. It’s about helping people set goals and build skills that truly improve their lives.”
