Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Oct. 22, 2024 – Arkansas State University’s play therapy certificate program was recently honored with a community partner award by the Arkansas Association for Play Therapy (ArAPT) recognizing A-State’s dedication to advancing the field of play therapy and supporting the mental health needs of children.
“Overall, A-State’s play therapy program is a shining example of how institutions can leverage their resources and expertise to positively impact the mental health and well-being of their communities. By continuing to champion the value of play therapy and provide innovative approaches to addressing children’s mental health needs, A-State is truly making a difference in the lives of those they serve,” according to ArAPT’s social media page.
Dr. Savannah Cormier, assistant professor of psychology, director of the Play Therapy Education and Research Center at Arkansas State University and co-director of the H.O.W.L. Service Center accepted the award on behalf of the A-State play therapy certificate program.
She said she was “surprised but also very honored! ArAPT had been working so hard to serve all of Arkansas and we were so happy to partner with them to bring some play therapy education to the Jonesboro area. We have so many amazing clinicians in the NEA area who want to incorporate play therapy into their practice so being able to bring ArAPT to our campus was such a fulfilling moment for me career-wise. So, on top of all that, to be recognized by ArAPT as a Community Partner was incredibly meaningful. I would like to give a huge shout-out to, Josh Everette, the Eastern Arkansas director, for working with me.”
Initially developed in the turn of the 20th century, today play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows the expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development.
“Play therapy has changed the way I do therapy completely! Play therapy helps me connect to my clients on their level. While children learn in therapy how to identify, appropriately express and regulate their emotions, they don’t have to learn to play. So, play is the language children use to learn these things. They also learn responsibility and behavioral changes through play therapy skills like returning responsibility and choice-giving. I can say that the breakthroughs that happen in play therapy are incredibly moving to me as a counselor.”
Students and faculty from A-State offer play therapy services and workshops to clients in the Northeast Arkansas community and to A-State faculty, staff, and students at the H.O.W.L. Service Center, located in the Education and Communication Building on the A-State campus. Learn more about the services offered or make an appointment today by calling (870) 972-2000 or emailing HOWLCS@AState.edu.