At East Dallas Counseling, we treat a variety of anxiety, depressive, mood and adjustment disorders. These can include generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, specific phobias, anxiety secondary to medical issues, chronic illness, functional constipation or stool retention concerns, anger management, self-esteem, ADHD, grief, or concerns related to life or transition stressors such as school changes, divorce, or interpersonal conflict. Additionally, specific concerns related to adults might include addiction, work-life balance, and LGBT- related issues.
Preschool & Young Elementary
Play therapy is a developmentally sensitive approach to counseling with young children. We believe play is a child’s natural form of communication, so utilizing the playroom for therapy is a natural fit to optimize your child’s therapeutic progress. It is more than simply offering toys to your child, and our staff is trained in the theory and clinical skills specific to play therapy. Play is inherently therapeutic, but as therapists we bring together those benefits along with counseling theory to effect change. We assess each child’s individual needs and adjust our therapeutic techniques to be of the most assistance to your child. This can include blending cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, skill-building, and other evidence-based strategies. Individual play therapy is appropriate for ages 3 and up. If interested in services for a younger child, please call our office to discuss filial therapy options.
Older elementary & Pre-teens
As children grow developmentally, their presentation in therapy can change. They have improved verbal capacities and broader forms of emotional expression. However, this age group still often needs a therapy that blends both activities and verbal dialogue. This age group can choose between the playroom or a more activity-based room as their comfort and attention span allows. We assess each child’s individual needs and adjust our therapeutic techniques to be of the most assistance to your child. This can include blending cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, skill-building, and other evidence-based strategies
Adolescents & Adults
We offer services for teens, parents, and adults. These sessions take place in a more traditional setting, but retain access to other activities and expressive art materials. We understand that we all process our emotions differently and talking is not the only way to build rapport or express ourselves. We also offer parent consultation independently or in tandem with individual services for your child or adolescent. Our staff believes strongly in empowering the parents and caregivers in a child’s system to impact more effective change.
THERAPISTS
Kristin Bemis
Kristin Bemis is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Approved Supervisor & Registered Play Therapist who specializes in providing play therapy for children and pre-teens with emotional and behavioral difficulties. She received her Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas, and previously, her Bachelor's in Psychology from Texas A&M University. Kristin provides parent consultation in her work with families and believes strongly in empowering the parents & caregivers in a child’s system. Having previously provided therapeutic services at Children's Medical Center Dallas for over 10 years, Kristin has extensive experience treating children and adolescents with medical needs. Additionally, she served on the Texas Association for Play Therapy executive board of directors and is active in presenting at the local, state, national, and international levels. Kristin has published several scholarly works on related fields as well.
Lesley Lingnell
Lesley Lingnell is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Approved Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist and Certified AutPlay Therapist. Lingnell holds a Master's degree in Counseling and a Master's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Texas. Her Bachelor's in Psychology and Child Development was awarded from The Ohio State University. Lingnell's career spans over 25 years of passionately advocating for the developmental and therapeutic needs of children and families. She created the Play Therapy program at Children's Medical Center focusing on the mental health needs of patients, siblings, and the family as a whole. Lingnell co-founded and is currently President of the Board for Camp Sol Inc., a nonprofit organization providing support for families that have experienced the death of a child. Recently, Lingnell worked for the Missouri School for the Deaf as a Parent Advisor. She has presented on play therapy, parent child relationship training, and the impact of grief in children and families on the national and international levels.
Ashley Igo
Ashley Igo is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist, and is Board Certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors. Ashley earned her Master's in Counseling from Southern Methodist University, and previously, her Bachelor's in Psychology from SMU. Her education includes specialized training in Play Therapy, Family Play Therapy, Activity Therapy, Group Therapy, and Child Parent Relationship Training (CPRT).
Ashley was the clinical intern for the SMU Center for Family Counseling, where she worked with children, adolescents, teens, parents, and adults with a range of issues. She has also served as a Therapeutic coach for adults with Autism at the nonPareil Institute in Plano, and as a weekly volunteer at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in the Child Life department.
In addition to her career in Counseling, Ashley is the Director of the Lauren Scruggs Kennedy Foundation - an organization that provides girls and women across the country with beautiful silicone coverings for prostheses.
WINNIE
Winnie is a 7 year-old terrier mix and serves clients along side Ashley Igo, M.S, LPC, RPT. Winnie was rescued from the Dallas shelter at 2 years old and is Ashley’s personal pet. She has obtained skills and therapy dog training at What a Great Dog in Richardson, TX and is a Canine Good Citizen through the American Kennel Club. Additionally, Ashley has trained through the Association for Play Therapy in the areas of Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Play Therapy.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy that strategically incorporates the person-animal interaction into the therapy process. Goal-directed interventions are utilized in the treatment process to coincide with treatment plan goals.
Potential Benefits of AAT:
• Increased Self-Regulation • Increased Problem-Solving Skills
• Reduction of Anxiety and/or Depression • Ability to Assist in Grief/Loss Issues
• Increased Self-Confidence • Increased Ability to Recognize Emotions
• Improvement in Communication • Positive Relationship Development
• Development of Social-Emotional Thinking Skills • Improvement in Cooperation and Motivation
• Building Rapport and Trust
• Increase in Attention & Impulse Control
COMMUNITY EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Kristin Bemis enjoys speaking to parents and students on a variety of topics related to child development, play therapy, medical illness/trauma, childhood anxiety, mindfulness and parenting strategies. See below for upcoming and past presentation topics. Please contact the office to discuss booking Kristin at your next seminar, meeting, or conference.
Past Presentations
Partners in Play: Harnessing the Powers of Play. Lamplighter School, Dallas, TX (2021)
Mindful parenting: Building emotional resilience in us & our kids
Northway Christian Day School, Dallas TX (2023)
The Hockaday School, Dallas, TX (2020)
St. John’s Episcopal School of Dallas, Dallas, TX (2018)
Mastermind Studios (2017)
They Didn't Come with a Manual: Parenting Tips & Strategies to Increase Your Skills & Maintain Your Sanity
Northway Christian Day School, Dallas TX (2022)
Private lecture, Dallas, TX (2019)
Therapeutic Limit-Setting & Other Childcare Considerations
. St. Bartholomew’s, Dallas, TX (2019)
Mindful Parenting of a New Middle Schooler
Highland Park MIS Mom’s Group, Dallas, TX (2018)
Positive Parenting Strategies
Highland Park United Methodist Day School, Dallas TX (2017)
Highland Park Presbyterian Day School, Dallas TX (2016)
St. John’s Episcopal School of Dallas, Dallas TX (2016)
Development Considerations & Stressors for Children in Medical Settings
Presented via distance learning for Charles Darwin University, Australia (2017, 2016)
Stressors and Anxiety: How to Help Your Child Cope, co-presenter
Spina Bifida Association of North Texas Education Day, Plano TX (2016)
Activity Therapy in the Hospital Setting
Southern Methodist University, Counseling Program, Plano TX (2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009)
Importance of Play
St. Anne’s Society of Christ the King Church, Dallas, TX (2014)
Playful Healing: Play Therapy for Treating Pediatric Medical Stress, co-presenter
Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Houston TX (2014)
Group Play Therapy with Children with Disabilities: Lessons Learned, co-presenter
Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Houston TX (2014)
Disruptions in Attachment: Filial Therapy Treatment Strategies in Early Childhood
Dallas Psychological Association’s Fall Workshop, Dallas TX (2013)
Play Therapy with Children in the Medical Setting
Texas Association for Play therapy Annual Conference, Austin TX (2013)
North Texas Chapter of the Texas Association for Play Therapy, Dallas TX (2011)
Play therapy: In Theory and In Practice
Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas TX (2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007)
Introduction to Play Therapy
Presented via distance learning to Baylor University, Child Life Program, Waco TX (2012)
UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology, Dallas TX (2012, 2010)
UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Fellowship Program in Psychiatry, Dallas TX (2012)
Collin County Community College, Frisco TX (2012, 2010)
Integrating Theory & Practice: How Do I Make All This Work in the Playroom?, co-presenter
Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Sacramento CA (2011)
Utilizing Play Therapy in Eating Disorder Treatment
Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Louisville KY (2010)
Pediatric OCD Treatment: Combining CBT and Play Therapy
Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas TX (2010)
Creative Interventions Following Traumatic Medical Events, co-presenter
Texas Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, San Antonio TX (2009)
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Working with Medically Ill Children, co-presenter
Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Dallas TX (2008)
Play Therapy for Children with Medical Needs
Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas TX (2007)
New Clients
If you are interested in scheduling an intake session or a consultation, please call 214-295-4885 for an appointment. During our brief initial phone call, we will schedule your first appointment and provide you with login information for our Client Portal where you can complete new client paperwork before your arrival. Please note our office does not accept or process insurance.
The purpose of your first appointment is to review your concerns and determine goodness of fit for an ongoing therapeutic relationship. We will also review office policies and paperwork. At that time if we both agree that we’d like to initiate treatment, we will discuss schedules and determine a path for moving forward.
Contact
Our Office
7557 Rambler Road, Suite 1015
Dallas, TX 75231
214-295-4885
Location
Our office is on the tenth floor of the Rambler Park building off Rambler Road and Walnut Hill Avenue. We are conveniently located in Central Dallas with close proximity to the Preston Hollow, Highland Park, University Park, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, and North Dallas neighborhoods.
Parking
Parking is free and available in the large lot in front of the building.
Existing Clients
Please access the client portal for paperwork and billing needs.