New Professor Brings Adventure-Based Counseling to U of A Program

University Relations

David Christian

David Christian, assistant professor of counselor education, is excited to bring his unique take on counseling methods to the University of Arkansas campus.

He joined the College of Education and Health Professions faculty this fall.

Christian pursued his master's degree and doctorate in counseling from the University of North Texas after receiving his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas.

As a high school teacher at Mesquite High School in Mesquite, Texas, Christian had the opportunity to help many at-risk students transform their lives. From there, he worked as a professional school counselor for the past four years, during which he had the chance to develop his craft of helping students in an unconventional way.

He combined his love of the outdoors and being active with his research to focus on adventure-based counseling, which uses activities and different elements of adventure, such as rope courses, to create a change in adolescent individuals.

Christian's research is focused on professional school counselors and school-based counseling interventions. Through his research, he hopes to not only increase the mental training with school counselors that allows them to be more memorable to their students but also help create fun and engaging interventions with kids who are struggling.

Christian will also be helping Kristi Perryman, assistant professor of counselor education, with the newly established Center for Play Therapy, another area in which he is trained.