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.