Professional identity: Race and gender in recreational therapy

Abstract

Professional identity in recreational therapy, specifically for males, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color, presents a great opportunity for the profession to begin to explore ways to become more diverse. Numerous publications and demographic information from national organizations and credentialing agencies continue to show a lack of racial and gender diversity among recreational therapists (RTs). Using the dialogical self-theory as a theoretical framework, this conceptual piece seeks to discuss, describe, and present strategies to increase both racial and gender diversity. Professional identity among RTs stems from multiple identities, both internal and external which undergird a complexity of identity formation as students matriculate through colleges and universities toward becoming a RT.