A-State Play Therapy Certificate Program Awarded by ArAPT

Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – October 22, 2024 – Arkansas State University’s play therapy certificate program was recently recognized with a Community Partner Award from the Arkansas Association for Play Therapy (ArAPT), reflecting A-State’s commitment to The advancement of this specialty honors 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 advocate for the value of play therapy and providing innovative approaches to addressing the mental health needs of children, A-State is truly making a difference in the lives of those it serves,” ArAPT’s social media page reads.

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 HOWL 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 has worked so hard to serve all of Arkansas and we were so happy to partner with them to bring play therapy training to the Jonesboro area. We have so many great clinicians in the NEA area who want to incorporate play therapy into their practice. That’s why it was such a fulfilling moment for me professionally to be able to bring ArAPT to our campus. Additionally, being recognized by ArAPT as a community partner was incredibly meaningful. I want to give a big shout out to Josh Everette, the director of Eastern Arkansas, for working with me.”

Originally developed at the turn of the 20th century, play therapy now encompasses a variety of treatment modalities, all taking advantage of the therapeutic benefits of play. Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, change behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn different ways to interact with others. The game provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows the expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development.

“Play therapy has completely changed the way I do therapy! Play therapy helps me connect with my clients on their level. While children in therapy learn to recognize, appropriately express, and regulate their emotions, they do not have to learn to play. So play is the language through which children learn these things. They also learn responsibility and behavior change through play therapy skills such as giving back responsibility and making decisions. I can say that the breakthroughs in play therapy are incredibly moving for me as a counselor.”

A-State students and faculty provide play therapy services and workshops to clients in the Northeast Arkansas community and to A-State faculty, staff and students at the HOWL Service Center in the Education and Communications Building on the A-State campus. Learn more about the services offered or schedule an appointment today by calling (870) 972-2000 or emailing [email protected].