JBU opens clinic that uses play therapy as treatment

John Brown University dedicated its new CARE Clinic, a counseling facility located on the Siloam Springs campus, at a ceremony on Thursday morning.

The clinic features facilities designed to utilize play therapy. JBU is the first university in Arkansas to provide a certificate in play therapy through the graduate counseling program.

“The dedication of the new play therapy CARE Clinic demonstrates John Brown University’s strong commitment to providing high quality training and to better serving the mental health needs of our communities through the use of play therapy,” said Dr. Charles Romig, professor of counselor education, licensed marriage and family therapist and registered play therapist.

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy which helps children process complex emotions through playing, a method which comes most naturally for children.

“The new facilities will focus on state of the art training in play therapy techniques for any licensed clinician interested in becoming a registered play therapist,” said Dr. John Carmack, program director for graduate counseling and professor of marriage and family therapy. “Currently, the closest like facilities are in Denton, Texas, and in Kansas City.”

The building’s five play therapy suites are located in The Tucker Hill PlayTherapy Wing, named in honor of the late grandson of Dr. John Carmack. The new facility features two sand-tray rooms, two family sized play therapy suites and one parental consultation suite equipped with flat screen TVs and cameras. In addition, the newest observation room will allow viewing for up to 10 interns and one faculty supervisor.

The CARE Clinic is a counseling center with locations in Northwest Arkansas and Fort Smith that offers affordable counseling to anyone in the community. The clinic allows JBU’s graduate counseling students to gain experience through training and supervision.

With more than 200 students, the marriage and family therapy program atJohn Brown University is the largest in Arkansas.

The CARE Clinic model seeks to integrate Competence, Christ-like Attitudes, Relationships, and Essential knowledge to facilitate growth and healing for individuals, couples, and families. More information can be found at www.jbu.edu/careclinic.