Professor Graduates from Association for Play Therapy Leadership Academy

COLUMBIA, Ky. -- Lindsey Wilson College Associate Professor of Human Services & Counseling Jodi Crane recently graduated from the Association for Play Therapy Leadership Academy. Crane graduated from the program at the annual APT convention, held Oct. 11-17 in Louisville, Ky.

The academy elevates the leadership skills of mental health professionals who want to participate more effectively in the governance and programs of APT, its 44 chartered state branches and other community and professional organizations.

The six-month curriculum explores leadership concepts and the fundamental elements of every organization. It also examines the "Policy Governance Model" and how it more effectively defines the roles, responsibilities and relationships between governance, management and stakeholders.

Crane is a licensed professional clinical counselor with expertise, as a registered play therapist-supervisor, in play therapy. Crane is also director of the Lindsey Wilson Appalachian Play Therapy Center.

Play therapy is a form of mental health counseling by which licensed mental health professionals incorporate the use of play when developmentally appropriate to better communicate with and help clients achieve optimal mental health. It is particularly effective with children because, just as adults use words to communicate ideas and feelings, children use play.

APT is a national professional society formed in 1982 to advance the field of play therapy.  It sponsors research, training, and credentialing programs to assist the professional development of its almost 6,000 member psychologists, social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists in about 25 nations.