p n e u m a
pneu-ma /noo-muh/ noun
the vital spirit, soul, creative force of a person; breath of life
What are Holistic Wellness and Therapeutic Recreation?
The belief that a person’s well-being is comprised of the whole person dates back thousands of years ago and it’s roots can be found in a number of cultures across the globe. Therapeutic Recreation (TR), also known as Recreation Therapy, and it’s main-stream sister, Holistic Wellness (HW) are founded upon the same core belief. Both approaches recognize the crucial pillars that make up a persons sense of well-being: physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. TR also considers leisure health not just one of these foundational domains, but also a tool that can be used to strengthen a participants well-being in every other pillar. Holistic Wellness & Therapeutic Recreation treat and maintain the overall well-being of participants through the use of leisure, recreation, and activities.
The history of RT has divided Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) and our practices into two philosophies:
- A “leisure approach” which is simply enjoying leisure activities and experiencing the benefits they inherently offer.
- More of a “therapeutic approach” that involved treating an participant who experiences barriers in any one or multiple domains of well-being by using recreation and activities to facilitate and achieve personal goals.
Pneuma strongly believes that both philosophies, like everything else, have strengths and limitations. What determines which approach will have more of an influence, is providing the autonomy and choice for participants to determine their own leisure and wellness lifestyle.
“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.”
– Charles Spurgeon
Our Services
One-on-One RT Programming
One-on-One Programming include: Assessing participant leisure interests, goals, and more! Co-creating a solution-focused, personalized plan by applying the Therapeutic Recreation process. Using virtual and/or in-person sessions to engage in activities customized to fit the participants’ strengths and goals. Continuing evaluation and collaboration throughout this process to optimize participant’s leisure and wellness lifestyle.
Employee Wellness Facilitation
From small, local businesses to large corporations, Pneuma is proud to assist workplaces in reaching their goals and optimizing employee wellness. Employee Wellness Facilitation programs guide teams through a selection of systematic, yet flexible, therapeutic recreation activities to match the needs of each team.
Leisure Activity Classes
Participants receive guided instruction and leave with a general understanding of the skills necessary to continue growing and practicing independently.
RT Wellness Workshops
These workshops provide an in-depth analysis of a pre-determined therapeutic topic (ex: Building Self-Esteem). More than just learning for the sake of knowledge, these RT Wellness Workshops have multiple activities developed so we can take this knowledge and begin developing it into a skill.
Free Community Activities
Free Community Activities allow participants to experience the benefits of recreation, interact with peers and local organizations, and access additional resources about programs of interest.
Student Engagement Events
By investing in our children, we are investing in our future! This school-based programming develops social-emotional skills, promotes inclusion, and provides students with a fun, healthy outlet!
Spelling-to-Communicate
Our Story
The idea for Pneuma was born during a time of self-discovery for owner and operator, Taryn Cook. Amidst her newfound sobriety and the solitude collectively experienced mid-pandemic-lockdown, Taryn returned to things that gave her space to imagine and become her favorite version of herself – her hobbies.
A self-proclaimed queen-of-all-trades, our Masters level Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) has experienced first hand – and has seen in thousands of others she has worked with – the profound impact that therapeutic recreation, and activities off all kinds can have on a person. Whether investing in self-discovery, confidence, communication, decreased mental health symptoms like depression and anxiety, increased independence and autonomy, the list goes on and on… the affects of recreation and leisure activities are as endless and unique as the participant.
The priorities, goals, and vision of Pneuma continue to grow and transform alongside Taryn, as she collects experiences and knowledge. Leaving room to adapt to the needs of the organization, the participants she serves, and the community she lives in, is of the utmost importance. We are all continuously growing, changing, metamorphosing – whether it is a conscious effort or not. Pneuma will continue to do so along with each of you, to proactively facilitate your journey to become your favorite version of yourself.
What people are saying
“I can’t say enough about Taryn and the hope she’s given me about what my life can look life. I have so much admiration and appreciation for her.”
— Anonymous Participant
“I feel safe when I am with Taryn. She listens to what I have to say without judging me. Thank you for being a light.”
— Anonymous Participant
** If you or someone you know are experiencing crisis or thoughts of suicide, help is available. Please call 988 or 1-800-273-8255
Pneuma Holistic Wellness & Therapeutic Recreation, LLC 