Photo of Sarah E Carlson, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, E-RYT, YACEP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sarah E Carlson
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, E-RYT, YACEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
We provide play therapy, adolescent counseling, adult therapy, yoga, parenting, and social skills groups.
Sometimes, the smallest steps can lead to the biggest change! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher 200 Hour, and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider. I have been providing services in the DFW area since 2007, including services for children, adults, and families. Through a warm and caring approach, I can help you find within yourself the positive qualities to help you feel empowered. I can help you understand yourself and/or your child more fully, to be ready to face the big and little challenges that life can throw your way.
We provide play therapy, adolescent counseling, adult therapy, yoga, parenting, and social skills groups.
Sometimes, the smallest steps can lead to the biggest change! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher 200 Hour, and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider. I have been providing services in the DFW area since 2007, including services for children, adults, and families. Through a warm and caring approach, I can help you find within yourself the positive qualities to help you feel empowered. I can help you understand yourself and/or your child more fully, to be ready to face the big and little challenges that life can throw your way.
(469) 698-3590 View (469) 698-3590
Photo of Shivangi Patel, MBA, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shivangi Patel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MBA, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75024
I specialize in play therapy, filial therapy, parent consults, adult and adolescent counseling.
Being a child in today's world can be challenging and just like adults, children also need a safe space to process their experiences. Play therapy is a specialized approach that focuses on helping children express their thoughts and feelings through play, rather than through words alone. Children often find it difficult to say their emotions directly, especially if they’re experiencing stress, trauma, or other challenges. By engaging in play, children can express themselves more freely and explore their feelings in a non-threatening way.
I specialize in play therapy, filial therapy, parent consults, adult and adolescent counseling.
Being a child in today's world can be challenging and just like adults, children also need a safe space to process their experiences. Play therapy is a specialized approach that focuses on helping children express their thoughts and feelings through play, rather than through words alone. Children often find it difficult to say their emotions directly, especially if they’re experiencing stress, trauma, or other challenges. By engaging in play, children can express themselves more freely and explore their feelings in a non-threatening way.
(940) 765-9029 View (940) 765-9029
Photo of Traci Koen, LPC-S, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Traci Koen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75024
I work as a partner with my clients to gain or restore a healthy balance individually and within the context of their relationships. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and young adults to navigate difficult transitions, family dynamics (divorce, and difficult life experiences). I absolutely love working with parents experiencing chaos and stress at home to create the family and partnerships they desire. As a family therapist, I have experienced that working with parents as individuals and as a couple, the family dynamic and stress improves greatly. Relationships, Play therapy, Parent support!
I work as a partner with my clients to gain or restore a healthy balance individually and within the context of their relationships. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and young adults to navigate difficult transitions, family dynamics (divorce, and difficult life experiences). I absolutely love working with parents experiencing chaos and stress at home to create the family and partnerships they desire. As a family therapist, I have experienced that working with parents as individuals and as a couple, the family dynamic and stress improves greatly. Relationships, Play therapy, Parent support!
(214) 390-2667 View (214) 390-2667
Photo of Lori Michele Kennedy, MS, LPC, RPT, Owner, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lori Michele Kennedy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT, Owner
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75093
Kids, Teens and Women's work - My specialties include: parenting and play therapy with the shy or spirited little ones.
DFW Child Magazine MOM Approved! Expressions Family Counseling is a place for everyone to experience the difference wellness focused therapy can make! I combine traditional talk therapy with creativity and expressive arts, play therapy and experiential activities. My clients love the variety of ways to work on their strengths and struggles. Helping clients express through other mediums inspires self-exploration and insight on a deeper level, alleviating the need for the "perfect words" and taking the pressure off of overthinking and anxiety. I love helping clients find the perfect way to harness strengths in order to thrive.
Kids, Teens and Women's work - My specialties include: parenting and play therapy with the shy or spirited little ones.
DFW Child Magazine MOM Approved! Expressions Family Counseling is a place for everyone to experience the difference wellness focused therapy can make! I combine traditional talk therapy with creativity and expressive arts, play therapy and experiential activities. My clients love the variety of ways to work on their strengths and struggles. Helping clients express through other mediums inspires self-exploration and insight on a deeper level, alleviating the need for the "perfect words" and taking the pressure off of overthinking and anxiety. I love helping clients find the perfect way to harness strengths in order to thrive.
(972) 362-1399 View (972) 362-1399
Photo of Helena Reece, MA, LPC-A
Helena Reece
LPC-Associate, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
Navigating life, especially in high-pressure environments, can feel overwhelming. As a former athlete, current military spouse, and working mom, I recognize that giving up is not an option when so much is at stake. I specialize in play therapy, individuals, couples, and family counseling. I am especially passionate in working with families, supporting military personnel and athletes.
Navigating life, especially in high-pressure environments, can feel overwhelming. As a former athlete, current military spouse, and working mom, I recognize that giving up is not an option when so much is at stake. I specialize in play therapy, individuals, couples, and family counseling. I am especially passionate in working with families, supporting military personnel and athletes.
(469) 746-3575 View (469) 746-3575
Photo of Jodi Payson, MS, LPC, RPT, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jodi Payson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75024
Jodi is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist.
Practice is accepting new clients at this time. Counseling begins with having the courage to take the first step toward change. Jodi's initial focus is to provide a safe, trusting environment to explore avenues of growth and development. Using a combination of techniques and activities, she strives to meet the individual needs of her clients. Jodi's experiences within the counseling field have allowed her to work in a variety of settings helping clients of diverse backgrounds, ages, and presenting concerns. Jodi earned a B.A. in Psychology from The University of Oklahoma and her M.S. in Counseling at Southern Methodist University.
Jodi is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist.
Practice is accepting new clients at this time. Counseling begins with having the courage to take the first step toward change. Jodi's initial focus is to provide a safe, trusting environment to explore avenues of growth and development. Using a combination of techniques and activities, she strives to meet the individual needs of her clients. Jodi's experiences within the counseling field have allowed her to work in a variety of settings helping clients of diverse backgrounds, ages, and presenting concerns. Jodi earned a B.A. in Psychology from The University of Oklahoma and her M.S. in Counseling at Southern Methodist University.
(972) 845-5554 View (972) 845-5554
Photo of Jillissa Cooper, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jillissa Cooper
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
Counseling has been Jillissa's passion for years. She specializes in, but is not limited to, issues including: marriage and family, relationship dynamics, boundary issues, adolescent and children's issues, and woman's issues such as eating disorders, depression, anger, anxiety, divorce care, singleness, grief, bitterness, identity and significance issues and mood disorders. She also works with clients struggling with anxiety disorders including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Adjustment Disorders. Jillissa's philosophy of counseling is the integration of Christianity and psychology, and her counseling methods include: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Psychoeducation, and Child Play Therapy.
Counseling has been Jillissa's passion for years. She specializes in, but is not limited to, issues including: marriage and family, relationship dynamics, boundary issues, adolescent and children's issues, and woman's issues such as eating disorders, depression, anger, anxiety, divorce care, singleness, grief, bitterness, identity and significance issues and mood disorders. She also works with clients struggling with anxiety disorders including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Adjustment Disorders. Jillissa's philosophy of counseling is the integration of Christianity and psychology, and her counseling methods include: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Psychoeducation, and Child Play Therapy.
(972) 767-9518 View (972) 767-9518
Photo of Jordan Rodgers, MS
Jordan Rodgers
LPC-Associate, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75075
Caregivers, you may be wondering why play? Play is children's primary and natural language, and the toys they use are their words.
While I work with all age groups, I have extensive experience in play therapy with children (ages 3-around 10/11) and working with teens. Play therapy is often misunderstood. Play seems FUN, and while it can be fun, it can also be utilized as a way for children to express themselves and process the world around them. If you find that your child may be struggling with processing a traumatic experience, anxiety, behavioral issues, self-regulation, screen time obsession, self-esteem, attachment issues, or family dynamic changes, play therapy can be an incredibly helpful tool.
Caregivers, you may be wondering why play? Play is children's primary and natural language, and the toys they use are their words.
While I work with all age groups, I have extensive experience in play therapy with children (ages 3-around 10/11) and working with teens. Play therapy is often misunderstood. Play seems FUN, and while it can be fun, it can also be utilized as a way for children to express themselves and process the world around them. If you find that your child may be struggling with processing a traumatic experience, anxiety, behavioral issues, self-regulation, screen time obsession, self-esteem, attachment issues, or family dynamic changes, play therapy can be an incredibly helpful tool.
(469) 936-7540 View (469) 936-7540
Photo of Jennifer Milligan, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Milligan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
I am trained in Play Therapy and have been coined the Tween/ Teen Whisperer.
Hi! Whether this is your first attempt or your last effort to find help, I am happy you’re here. Having worked in the school setting the last 10 years, I know that times are really tough for our kids. As parents, we may not know how to handle the things our kids go through, or even understand. I want to help by providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth to process their emotions and teach them healthy coping skills to get them through life’s difficult times.
I am trained in Play Therapy and have been coined the Tween/ Teen Whisperer.
Hi! Whether this is your first attempt or your last effort to find help, I am happy you’re here. Having worked in the school setting the last 10 years, I know that times are really tough for our kids. As parents, we may not know how to handle the things our kids go through, or even understand. I want to help by providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth to process their emotions and teach them healthy coping skills to get them through life’s difficult times.
(214) 609-1647 View (214) 609-1647
Photo of Ryanne Niki Shewchuk, MS, LPC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ryanne Niki Shewchuk
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75024
My job is to partner with you and your child to reduce conflict, strengthen family relationships, and help kiddos process big feelings through play therapy, EMDR (trauma) therapy, sand play, and other interventions.
Do you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or at a loss about how to help your child or teen? Perhaps your child’s school has suggested you reach out to a counselor, and you’re not sure where to start, but know that you need some support. If so, I applaud you for taking steps in the right direction to seek professional help for your child. I can help guide you and help you find a way to re-connect with yourself and/or your child. Connection is the key in relationship building. I work best with families and children who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and difficulty coping.
My job is to partner with you and your child to reduce conflict, strengthen family relationships, and help kiddos process big feelings through play therapy, EMDR (trauma) therapy, sand play, and other interventions.
Do you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or at a loss about how to help your child or teen? Perhaps your child’s school has suggested you reach out to a counselor, and you’re not sure where to start, but know that you need some support. If so, I applaud you for taking steps in the right direction to seek professional help for your child. I can help guide you and help you find a way to re-connect with yourself and/or your child. Connection is the key in relationship building. I work best with families and children who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and difficulty coping.
(214) 617-9277 View (214) 617-9277
Photo of Bryna Talamantez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bryna Talamantez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75024
Seeing your kid struggle is one of the toughest things to do as a parent or caregiver. Our children cannot always express their thoughts and feelings through words, and this can lead to frustration and confusion for both parent and child. Children express their thoughts and feelings through play and their toys are their words. When we allow children to play alongside therapeutic interventions, children can tell us so much about what is going on in their lives. Whether your child is experiencing grief, sadness, anxiety, anger, or school problems, they deserve some extra help!
Seeing your kid struggle is one of the toughest things to do as a parent or caregiver. Our children cannot always express their thoughts and feelings through words, and this can lead to frustration and confusion for both parent and child. Children express their thoughts and feelings through play and their toys are their words. When we allow children to play alongside therapeutic interventions, children can tell us so much about what is going on in their lives. Whether your child is experiencing grief, sadness, anxiety, anger, or school problems, they deserve some extra help!
(972) 564-8528 View (972) 564-8528
Photo of Jacqueline Diane Fulmer, LPC-A
Jacqueline Diane Fulmer
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75074
I utilize a unique approach to counseling using various techniques including Mindfulness therapy, Cognitive processing therapy, Play therapy, breathing practices and yoga to help my clients better cope with life’s challenges, build resiliency, and create a positive mindset.
I believe connection is why we are here. My goal is to provide a safe environment that is devoted to improving the emotional, mental, physical, and educational well-being of individuals and their families. Within this safe space, I hope to empower, educate, and support my clients to find connection through healing. I believe in meeting my clients where they are and approaching therapy from a humanistic and holistic view. Our minds and bodies are designed to heal. It is my goal to prioritize that healing so as a whole we can start tending to our emotions, befriending them, and learning that we can truly overcome any challenge.
I utilize a unique approach to counseling using various techniques including Mindfulness therapy, Cognitive processing therapy, Play therapy, breathing practices and yoga to help my clients better cope with life’s challenges, build resiliency, and create a positive mindset.
I believe connection is why we are here. My goal is to provide a safe environment that is devoted to improving the emotional, mental, physical, and educational well-being of individuals and their families. Within this safe space, I hope to empower, educate, and support my clients to find connection through healing. I believe in meeting my clients where they are and approaching therapy from a humanistic and holistic view. Our minds and bodies are designed to heal. It is my goal to prioritize that healing so as a whole we can start tending to our emotions, befriending them, and learning that we can truly overcome any challenge.
(469) 908-2826 View (469) 908-2826
Photo of Alyssa West, MS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alyssa West
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
I have specialized training utilizing activity therapy, EMDR, expressive arts, attachment-based therapy, and play therapy/adolescent counseling.
I recognize how overwhelming the process towards healing can be whether for yourself or a loved one. Together, I can help you through the process, as we work on fostering self-esteem, a greater sense of self, and the healthy coping skills needed to navigate life’s challenges. I believe that counseling is a collaborative process where we work on healing and allowing the whole self to thrive in whatever way is best tailored towards your individual needs.
I have specialized training utilizing activity therapy, EMDR, expressive arts, attachment-based therapy, and play therapy/adolescent counseling.
I recognize how overwhelming the process towards healing can be whether for yourself or a loved one. Together, I can help you through the process, as we work on fostering self-esteem, a greater sense of self, and the healthy coping skills needed to navigate life’s challenges. I believe that counseling is a collaborative process where we work on healing and allowing the whole self to thrive in whatever way is best tailored towards your individual needs.
(214) 496-5278 View (214) 496-5278
Photo of Madee Hayes, MA
Madee Hayes
LPC Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75093
I am formally trained in Play Therapy.
Your child has been bullied, feels overwhelmed easily, and has had difficulty making friends. Your teen may be showing signs of anxiety or depression and are having difficulty feeling confident and capable in their world. You as an adult may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed and you just need help making sense of it all.
I am formally trained in Play Therapy.
Your child has been bullied, feels overwhelmed easily, and has had difficulty making friends. Your teen may be showing signs of anxiety or depression and are having difficulty feeling confident and capable in their world. You as an adult may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed and you just need help making sense of it all.
(214) 239-4987 View (214) 239-4987
Photo of Heidi Ellis, PhD, Pre-Licensed Professional
Heidi Ellis
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75025
Ellis provides play, individual, couples, and family psychotherapy.
Dr. Heidi Ellis, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral fellow who is passionate about working with children, adolescents, adults, and families as they navigate their mental health journeys. As a culturally minded therapist, Dr. Ellis values and respects all identities and strives to create a safe and inclusive space where every individual feels understood and supported.
Ellis provides play, individual, couples, and family psychotherapy.
Dr. Heidi Ellis, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral fellow who is passionate about working with children, adolescents, adults, and families as they navigate their mental health journeys. As a culturally minded therapist, Dr. Ellis values and respects all identities and strives to create a safe and inclusive space where every individual feels understood and supported.
(972) 853-9401 View (972) 853-9401
Photo of Shlomit Oliel, MS, NCC, LPCA
Shlomit Oliel
LPC Associate, MS, NCC, LPCA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75024  (Online Only)
I utilize a humanistic approach to empowering my clients with self-knowledge, coping skills, and self-acceptance through play therapy (kids), talk therapy, expressive arts, dreamwork, and mindfulness techniques.
I am an LPC Associate committed to helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life transitions and emotional and behavioral challenges through acceptance, kindness, and empowerment. I am passionate about multicultural competencies and providing a safe and non-judgmental place for a diverse clientele. I specialized in anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, acculturation issues, LGTBQI+, and perinatal care. I recognize my clients' efforts to commit weekly to their mental health. Therapy can be challenging and emotionally draining; thus, I encourage my client to do self-care and be compassionate during this process.
I utilize a humanistic approach to empowering my clients with self-knowledge, coping skills, and self-acceptance through play therapy (kids), talk therapy, expressive arts, dreamwork, and mindfulness techniques.
I am an LPC Associate committed to helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life transitions and emotional and behavioral challenges through acceptance, kindness, and empowerment. I am passionate about multicultural competencies and providing a safe and non-judgmental place for a diverse clientele. I specialized in anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, acculturation issues, LGTBQI+, and perinatal care. I recognize my clients' efforts to commit weekly to their mental health. Therapy can be challenging and emotionally draining; thus, I encourage my client to do self-care and be compassionate during this process.
(214) 974-3469 View (214) 974-3469
Photo of Nicky Richardson, MS, NCC, LPC, RPT™, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicky Richardson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, RPT™
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75075
I have experience with various treatment modalities such as Play Therapy, Attachment-based therapies, Mindfulness, Sandtray, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
I believe every person has a unique way of looking at the world, and sometimes we all need a little help finding a common language to connect with others. We all strive for something, and my goal as a counselor is to help you figure out what is working for you and replace what no longer serves you. Although I can provide resources and a new perspective, I believe you are the expert on your own story. I tailor my treatment style to your individual needs and aim to populate your coping skills "toolbox" with the tools that work best for you as we work toward your goals.
I have experience with various treatment modalities such as Play Therapy, Attachment-based therapies, Mindfulness, Sandtray, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
I believe every person has a unique way of looking at the world, and sometimes we all need a little help finding a common language to connect with others. We all strive for something, and my goal as a counselor is to help you figure out what is working for you and replace what no longer serves you. Although I can provide resources and a new perspective, I believe you are the expert on your own story. I tailor my treatment style to your individual needs and aim to populate your coping skills "toolbox" with the tools that work best for you as we work toward your goals.
(469) 414-9538 View (469) 414-9538
Photo of Megan M Krizan, MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Megan M Krizan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
As an LPC-Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor, I work with children, adolescents, teens, adults and families, using play, activity, and talk therapy.
We all wish life’s journey could be an easy one, but the reality is the path is not always smooth. Life can be filled with uncertainty, conflict, and hard choices. No matter what your age, there are times when life can leave you feeling lost. The good news is that this journey does not have to be faced alone. With a focus on compassion, connection, and what is developmentally appropriate, I can provide support and guidance through these challenges. Whether you are an adult, child, teen, parent, or whole family, I am able to help. I consider it a great privilege to be allowed to walk with people on their life's journey.
As an LPC-Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor, I work with children, adolescents, teens, adults and families, using play, activity, and talk therapy.
We all wish life’s journey could be an easy one, but the reality is the path is not always smooth. Life can be filled with uncertainty, conflict, and hard choices. No matter what your age, there are times when life can leave you feeling lost. The good news is that this journey does not have to be faced alone. With a focus on compassion, connection, and what is developmentally appropriate, I can provide support and guidance through these challenges. Whether you are an adult, child, teen, parent, or whole family, I am able to help. I consider it a great privilege to be allowed to walk with people on their life's journey.
(214) 934-0543 View (214) 934-0543
Photo of Renae Torres, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Renae Torres
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75074
I use a multitude of therapies such as trauma-informed approaches, CBT, client-centered therapy, and play therapy to ensure I am meeting the needs of my clients.
My ideal clients are anyone who needs support in finding a solution to their life circumstances. I state this broadly for a reason. On one end, I work with children with behavioral concerns to gain coping skills and provide psychoeducational to parents. On the other end, I provide therapy for children and teens with autism and individuals represented by the LGBT+ community. I also provide support to adults who are open to being curious about their current predicaments and provide guidance and support until they reach their goals. I offer many mediums during sessions such as sand trays, collages, painting, board games, and more!
I use a multitude of therapies such as trauma-informed approaches, CBT, client-centered therapy, and play therapy to ensure I am meeting the needs of my clients.
My ideal clients are anyone who needs support in finding a solution to their life circumstances. I state this broadly for a reason. On one end, I work with children with behavioral concerns to gain coping skills and provide psychoeducational to parents. On the other end, I provide therapy for children and teens with autism and individuals represented by the LGBT+ community. I also provide support to adults who are open to being curious about their current predicaments and provide guidance and support until they reach their goals. I offer many mediums during sessions such as sand trays, collages, painting, board games, and more!
(469) 402-0484 View (469) 402-0484
Photo of Kasey Key, MS , LPC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kasey Key
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS , LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75023
Through my rigorous education at SMU and extensive training as a Registered Play Therapist, I was able to hone decades of experience into expertise.
Have you ever experienced a situation where everything seems okay, then, a switch flips and you're left wondering how things went from calm to chaos so quickly? You may feel lost, asking yourself, "Why does this keep happening?" You are not alone. I offer specialized experience working with children, parents, families, and individuals to help improve their functioning by enhancing emotional vocabulary, recognizing and expressing emotions appropriately, and building a foundation of respect. Clients are offered empathetic support, free of judgment or blame, to explore and organize their experiences and gain awareness and insight.
Through my rigorous education at SMU and extensive training as a Registered Play Therapist, I was able to hone decades of experience into expertise.
Have you ever experienced a situation where everything seems okay, then, a switch flips and you're left wondering how things went from calm to chaos so quickly? You may feel lost, asking yourself, "Why does this keep happening?" You are not alone. I offer specialized experience working with children, parents, families, and individuals to help improve their functioning by enhancing emotional vocabulary, recognizing and expressing emotions appropriately, and building a foundation of respect. Clients are offered empathetic support, free of judgment or blame, to explore and organize their experiences and gain awareness and insight.
(214) 393-5980 View (214) 393-5980
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Play Therapy

Who is play therapy for?

Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.

Why do people need play therapy?

Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.

What happens in play therapy?

A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.

What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?

Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.

How long does play therapy last?

Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.