Jennifer Baggerly

Dr. Jennifer N. Baggerly is Professor of Counseling at the University of North Texas-Dallas, a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S). She earned her doctorate in counseling at the University of North Texas in 1999. Since then, she has served as a Counselor Educator, training thousands of graduate students to be culturally responsive counselors and play therapists.

Dr. Baggerly is an award-winning Counselor Educator and distinguished leader in the field of counseling and play therapy. Some of her notable awards across the decades include UNT Dallas Graduate School Outstanding Faculty Award (2022), Texas Counseling Association Outstanding Supervisor Award (2021), Viola Brody Outstanding Play Therapist Award (2005), and Post-Secondary Counselor of the Year for Hillsborough Counseling Association (2004). Dr. Baggerly’s distinguished leadership is exemplified by serving as President of UNT Dallas Faculty Senate in 2020-2021; Chair of the Association for Counselor Educators and Supervisors (ACES) Research Grant Committee 2016-2021; and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association for Play Therapy (APT) in 2014.

Dr. Baggerly is also a distinguished scholar and researcher with over 75 publications, which includes 37 peer reviewed journal articles, 6 books, 24 book chapters, and 9 training manuals or videos. She has received several research grants and conducted numerous research studies. Dr. Baggerly’s multiple research projects have led her to being recognized as one of the lead play therapy experts in the world. She has presented research and trainings in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Argentina, England, Sri Lanka, and Canada.

Dr. Baggerly has provided Disaster Mental Health services for children domestically and internationally for disasters such as Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Texas tornados, Oklahoma Tornados, Hurricane Katrina, the tsunami in Sri Lanka, and Florida hurricanes. She keeps her counseling and play therapy skills fresh by serving as a LPC and RPT in a local counseling agency. Dr. Baggerly’s students appreciate the practical knowledge and passion for the field that she brings to the classroom each semester.