UPIKE advances social work program through new play therapy education initiative

The University of Pikeville has launched a new initiative this semester to expand its social work curriculum by offering specialized play therapy education to students enrolled in clinical mental health graduate programs. This program is spearheaded by the Appalachian Institute for Play Therapy and aims to equip professionals who work with children with the specific skills needed to communicate effectively through play, which often serves as the primary language for young people struggling with trauma and anxiety. By integrating this training into their existing degrees, the university ensures that future social workers are better prepared to address the unique emotional needs of children in a way that traditional talk therapy alone may not achieve. Janessa Kilgore Bowling, Chair of the School of Social Work, highlights the critical regional necessity of this initiative, noting that the institute is currently the only approved play therapy center in Kentucky and the sole one serving central Appalachia. She points out a significant gap in service availability, as four out of the seven neighboring states lack similar programs, creating an urgent demand for these specialized services within the local community. The program directly addresses workforce development needs by training local professionals to fill this void, ensuring that families and children in the region have access to high-quality therapeutic support without having to travel far or rely on under-resourced alternatives. Dr. Renee Krebel, a registered play therapist and supervisor who directs the program, emphasizes that becoming an approved center involves a rigorous application process with reviews occurring every three years to maintain high educational standards. The initiative is designed not only to meet the university's mission but also to demonstrate a commitment to solving local workforce challenges by proving that such specialized training can be successfully implemented in this area. Kilgore Bowling encourages potential participants not to fear the hard work required, stressing that if a need exists and can be met, the institution is dedicated to taking on that responsibility and fostering confidence among professionals to pursue this demanding but rewarding field of practice.