Counseling Kids, Caregivers, and Groups
Specializations
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Young children ages 3-7 who seem sensitive or aggressive
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Caregivers of people with disabilities and mental health challenges
About Joy
You’re probably curious about who you'll meet. Notice how your gut responds to this info and get support that is a great fit for you. Long story short, here are some things I identify with: Texan, daughter, wife, sister, aunt, friend, straight, cat-mom, voracious reader, movie buff, artist/crafter, Texas State grad, Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, National Certified Counselor, expert in child development, lifelong learner, perfectionist, more than the sum of my parts...
My career began like many therapists-internships, volunteering and non-profit work. All this came after I found the power of professional counseling to help me overcome some of my own struggles. I’m glad to pay it forward by supervising counseling students, offering low-cost groups, supporting healers, advocating for social justice and volunteering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I've enjoyed serving as President on the board of the Hill Country Chapter of the Texas Association for Play Therapy, presenting at various mental health conferences and in 2024 became a published author.
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I believe in somewhat counter cultural ideas like: rest over productivity, connection before correction, patience over knowing, unfolding over achieving, collaborating rather than dominating, listening before speaking.
My work aligns with my values: compassion, acceptance, freedom and creativity. I’ve been honored to walk alongside families facing grief, loss, divorce, sexual assault, family violence, child abuse, neglect, nightmares, depression, anxiety and more. In therapy we can explore your values. If you're still interested now, click the contact button to set up the first phone call.
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Resources
Association For Play Therapy - Parents’ Corner
World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals
Therapy for Therapists Collective
Austin Group Psychotherapy Society
Texas State Institute for Play Therapy
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
Crisis Support
If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency,
get help right away.
Visit the nearest Emergency Room or call 911
3 Ways to Contact the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline:
Text HOME to 741741
Call 988
Live chat online: Click Here
Book Recommendations
It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand
by Megan Devine
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind
by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski PhD and Amelia Nagoski DMA
Solution-Focused Play Therapy by Elizabeth Kjellstrand Hartwig
Play Therapy by Virginia Axline
A Therapist's Guide to Child Development: The Extraordinarily Normal Years by Dee C. Ray