Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones is a Clinical Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Play Therapy at the University of North Texas (UNT), within the Department of Counseling and Higher Education in the College of Education. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and a Registered Play Therapist, actively contributing to graduate-level counselor training and clinical practice development.

Her research and professional interests are deeply rooted in play therapy, child mental health, clinical supervision, and counselor education. With over 25 years of experience, she has taught master's level courses, supervised counselors in training, and provided therapeutic services to children and families in school and community settings. Her work emphasizes evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions for children.

Leslie holds leadership in the Center for Play Therapy, a specialized unit dedicated to advancing play therapy through training, research, and community outreach. She teaches courses in play therapy, child appraisal, and clinical counseling, shaping the next generation of mental health professionals.

While no scientific awards or recent publications are listed in the provided text, her sustained contributions to clinical training and play therapy practice reflect a strong professional impact.

She actively supervises counselors in training and contributes to clinical education through direct teaching and program leadership. Her work bridges academic instruction with real-world therapeutic application, particularly in school and community agency environments.

The Center for Play Therapy at UNT, which she co-directs, serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, training, and innovation in child-centered therapeutic approaches.