John Brown University

A milestone of memories and a milestone of accomplishments. Congratulations!!! 2171 Ravenwood Plaza, Siloam Springs, AR (479) 215-1000 Siloam Springs is the home to JBU and you have given our community a campus filled with an institution of learning that is immeasurable. Happy For that, we thank you and RogeRs Automotive Hwy. 16 • 1 mile south from 412 Bypass Behind DaySpring - Siloam Springs 875 S. Dogwood St. Siloam Springs Dinger explained that training standards are set by different licensing bodies and that before counseling clients, the students have to pass required classes and an evaluation "to see if they're ready to enter clinical work. Once the student completes their training, they can then apply with the state to get a license to continue their supervised practice." Trainees provide counseling services for a minimal six hours weekly and meet with their supervisors once a week. "We actually take their work and review their sessions, then give them feedback on their delivery of service," Dinger said. Currently, 17 trainees are doing clinical work in Siloam Springs and 6 in Little Rock. Why do students choose to become therapists? Dinger suggests that while there are many reasons, "Most notably is a sense of congruence with their desire to serve. They report wanting to understand relationships, the challenges with living and the role of mental health in living well. Pursuing a master's degree in counseling equips them to work effectively in a range of settings and impact their community. It's challenging work but rewarding." As a Christian liberal arts institution, John Brown University includes spiritual formation as integral to a holistic education. "We identify ourselves as Christians," Dinger said, "but ethically we also recognize we can't impose values. So, while our training emphasizes integrating Christian faith into our understanding of people and wellness, we accept all walks of life. The responsibility is on the trainees [graduate students] to respect diversity and honor people whatever their belief standards are. Often faith is manifest in just the character of the counselor." Dinger explained how the system works. "When a call comes in to the clinic, we take an assessment of their presenting need to see if we can serve them. Then we ask about their availability and match it to a trainee that's available." Students majoring in marriage and family counseling are assigned couples and families. "Those majoring in clinical mental health see diverse clients across the age span." While all graduate counseling students have undergone general training in child and adolescent mental health needs, "We limit those trainees that are serving young children to those with training in play therapy." Play therapy is a type of psychotherapy "which helps children process complex emotions through playing, a method which comes most naturally for children," as described in an August 22, 2013 press release that announced the dedication of a new play therapy center added to the clinic. Like other faculty members in the graduate program, Dingle maintains a limited counseling practice of his own. "This is so we can sharpen our own sills and be relevant to our students." To request an appointment or for more information, visit the JBU Community Counseling Clinic website, or call 479-524-7300 for the Siloam Springs clinic or 501-219-9245 for the Little Rock clinic. John Brown University | 100 Years 13

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