Where is your office located?
My office is in Willow Park between Aledo and Weatherford. The 395 building is the back building of the WorkSpaces 360 buildings located near Ranch House Road and Interstate-20.
Suite 911 is at the end of the lefthand hall on the right. You are very close if you know where the Whataburger in Willow Park is!
395 Pitchfork Trail, Suite 911Willow Park, TX 76087
What are your hours?
I work weekdays and some evenings. Call me for a consultation to find a time that works for both of us.
How long are the sessions?
Sessions are 50 minutes long. That gives me a few minutes to pick up toys or run to the restroom before my next client (I am notorious for having a small bladder!).
How do I set up an initial appointment?
If you already know you want to work with me, you can set up an intake appointment directly from my website. If you are still deciding and would like to talk further, let’s have a free 15-minute consultation, and then I can schedule that appointment if you want.
You can make future appointments or cancellations by you online, or I can set them up on my end. I try to make it as flexible and easy as possible for busy families.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask that you make all cancellations 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. I understand that emergencies happen – please let me know ASAP if you cannot make an appointment. If you are a no-show for an appointment, I will charge you half a session fee for the first missed appointment and a full session fee for subsequent missed appointments.
How often do we meet?
Initially, it is best if we meet once a week, which is the best way to gain momentum and progress toward your goals. Depending on your needs and progress, we can reduce our meetings – to every two weeks or monthly. If you want to progress more quickly by meeting more than once a week, let me know, and we can make that happen, too.
Do you offer video sessions?
I do offer video sessions for individuals ages 12 and up. I would love to meet with you in person, but we can also make significant progress virtually. Play therapy is only possible in person. For those younger than 12, in-person sessions are our best and only option.
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. Play therapy uses play, children’s natural method of expression, to help them express their feelings more easily through toys instead of words.
Why is play therapy best for kids?
When kids are experiencing difficulties, they don’t usually talk it out – they act it out with difficult or concerning behaviors. For kids, words do not always come easily. Play can be an excellent means of communicating and working through their struggles. Play therapy has heavy backing from research and can:
REDUCE:
- disruptive and aggressive behaviors
- attention deficit
- anxiety
- grief
- relationship stress
IMPROVE:
- academics
- social skills
- attachment with others
- positive self-concept
Why are creative arts activities helpful?
Creative arts activities can give us a view of ourselves that we didn’t know existed. They can help us visualize things we already knew but didn’t have words for or something we do not yet understand. The act of creating with our hands cannot only be enlightening, but it can also be cathartic and calming.
Do you only work with kids and teens? With what age ranges do you work?
I work with individuals ages three and up. I have the most experience working with middle and high school kids, but I also love working with younger kids and adults.
Have you been to counseling yourself?
I have been to couples and individual counseling, which has changed my life. I have learned so many empowering things in my counseling sessions. I have also seen play therapy and counseling bless my children’s lives. I believe deeply in the healing power of counseling and child-centered play therapy!
Are you a Christian counselor?
I am a devoted follower of Christ and am fascinated by the intersections of psychology and Christianity. With this in mind, I welcome people from all faiths, including non-faith. I do not impose my views on my clients. How much or how little we discuss spiritual or religious topics is completely up to you.
Do you prescribe medications?
No. Only pediatricians, primary care doctors, or psychiatrists can prescribe medications.
What do you do for fun?
I am an avid mountain biker, and you can find me on a trail several days each week (weather permitting). I love camping, reading, paddle boarding, boating, and about anything outside! I also love having dance parties with friends or reading books to my kids!
What kind of bike do you ride?
I have an Orbea Oiz that I customized by adding fun patterns and colors. My old bike was a Santa Cruz 5010 in a gorgeous shade of purple. I hope to add a gravel or road bike to my collection someday.
What kind of music do you like?
Besides my family, I have two great loves – mountain biking and music by Ben Rector. He is by far my favorite, but I listen to a variety of music. I like singer-songwriters whose music makes me feel things deeply, whether that be joy or sorrow or anything in between.
Why did you decide to have FIVE kids?
I love kids, and I love being a mom. It is the hardest thing I do – parenting makes me laugh, fume, smile, cry, roll my eyes, pray, and sigh. Now that my little kids aren’t tiny anymore (only a few more months, and they will all be taller than me), it is rewarding to be involved in play therapy with little ones.
Who is your favorite child?
The ones who do their chores the first time I ask.
What do you like to eat?
After my youngest child was born, I realized I had gluten sensitivity. No more donuts or flour tortillas for me – now you will find me most enjoying nachos, gluten-free cookies, or pizza – with a side of fruit!
What apps make your life better?
I have used the UCLA Mindfulness app several times a week for years. I use meditation to help me fall asleep or relax. My favorite meditations are the Wellness Working with Difficulties and the Body Scan for Sleep. I also recently discovered Streaks, which I love to help me form and track new habits or goals; and Insight Timer, which has beautiful images and wonderful meditations.
