Caring for Kids in Crisis with Play Therapy Expert Beth Mullins-Hughes

This week's guest Beth Mullins-Hughes is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in both Alabama and West Virginia, a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and a Certified Trauma Therapist. Beth specializes in the treatment of traumatized children, along with their families. We talk with her about how play therapy works, the effects of the pandemic on today's kids, kids being over-medicated, her mobile therapy bus that rolls across Appalachia, and more on this week's Big Time Talker podcast, powered by Speakermatch.com! ​Beth graduated in 1992 from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Social Work. In 2001, she graduated with a Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama. After graduation, Beth served in various roles as a Social Worker. She began her career as an independent living coordinator and then a director of residential services at the Presbyterian Home for Children. In 2003, Beth began private practice in Alabama, specializing in complex trauma and treatment of children with dissociative symptoms and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She has also worked with children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and Grief and Loss issues. Additionally, she performed psychotherapy for traumatically physically injured children- including those with brain and spinal cord injuries. In following years, Beth served over 2,500 foster children in the State of Alabama; assisting in the determination of best practices for youth with varying diagnoses. She has also served as an expert witness in court testimony, provided crisis intervention for physically, emotionally, and sexually abused children, conducted various private adoption home studies, and served as an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama Graduate School of Social Work. For more info, visit www.bethhughes.org and www.wvpowerofplaytherapy.com.