About Us

 Children and adolescents are not always able to express themselves verbally and  for counseling to be effective different therapeutic approaches are necessary. See the pages for Play Therapy and Adolescent Therapy to learn more about each approach.  

 All children and adolescents face problems in their lives. Some develop coping strategies that are healthy on their own but others may develop unhealthy coping styles which lead to behavior issues.  Play is a child’s natural way of communicating and is their first language. Toys are used as words and play is the language. Play therapy allows children the opportunity to communicate to their counselor in their first and most comfortable language. With pre-teens and teens using words with a counselor can also be difficult. We offer SandTray therapy which allows the client to focus on a visual representation of their lives or other forms of artistic expression such as drawing, painting, writing song lyrics or poetry.  Play therapy for young children and expressive arts therapy for teens can help them:

• Become more responsible for behaviors and develop more successful strategies.
• Develop new and creative solutions to problems.
• Develop respect and acceptance of self and others.
• Learn to experience and express emotion.
• Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others.
• Learn new social skills and relational skills with family.
• Develop self-efficacy and thus a better assuredness about their abilities. (a4pt.org)

Rachel has a nature of compassion, care and concern for all her clients. She has dedicated her life to service for children. Prior to opening her counseling office, Rachel had a long successful career in public schools as a teacher and counselor. She was known for her patience and acceptance of all students. With her support, many students grew academically, socially and emotionally. In addition to work she loves to play. Her favorite ways to play include sailing and kayaking with her husband, camping and hiking in the woods and any kind of play with her grandchildren (including Pokemon Go). Nature is her go-to for relaxation. She loves to watch living things grow and tries to do her part to care for the earth. 

Rachel's education and training include:

*  Bachelor's of Arts in Education - Sam Houston State University

* Master's of Science in Counseling - University of Arkansas

* Licensed Professional Counseling Internship completed under supervision of Pamela Simmons, LPC-S

* Play Therapy coursework at University  of North Texas, Dallas  under the instruction and supervision of Dr. Jennifer Baggerly

* Sandtray training with Pam Dyson

* Certified Humanistic Sandtray Therapist under the instruction and supervision of Dr. Steve Armstrong

Rachel is a member of the following:

* Association for Play Therapy

* American Counseling Association

* Texas Counseling Association

* Dallas Metro Counseling Association

* Association for Humanistic Counseling