Guiding Children’s Healing and Growth
Through Play Therapy and Connection
Hi, I’m Laura.
I’m a child and adolescent therapist in Houston, TX. I provide play therapy, teen counseling, and parent collaboration to help kids feel calmer, more confident, and better supported at home and school.
For more than 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, teens, and families in schools, residential treatment, and private practice. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado and my Master’s in Social Work from New York University. These experiences shaped not only my clinical skills, but also my passion for creating meaningful change in the lives of children and families.
My time working in schools gave me a strong foundation in understanding the many factors that influence a child’s development and well-being. This work strengthened my commitment to a holistic approach—supporting not just the child, but also the systems around them to foster lasting growth.
My Mission
My mission is to walk alongside children and teens with care and compassion, creating a safe space where they can process their feelings, build resilience, and grow into their best selves. I believe therapy should be practical and meaningful — helping kids not just cope, but truly thrive.
My Approach
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No two children are alike, which means therapy shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. My style is strengths-based and child-centered, always beginning with connection.
Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) – My approach is far more than “just play” — it’s an evidence-based therapy that meets children exactly where they are. Through toys, art, and creative expression, I help children process experiences, cope with big feelings, and build new emotional and social skills. Each session is designed to empower kids to grow stronger, more confident, and equipped with the tools they need to thrive.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – With adolescents, I often integrate CBT, helping them notice how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect. Together, we build practical tools to manage anxiety, challenge unhelpful thinking, and develop healthier coping strategies they can carry into everyday life.
Creativity + Mindfulness – Expressive arts, games, relaxation strategies, and focused breathing all provide kids with accessible tools for self-expression and calm. I also incorporate walk-and-talk sessions or nature-based play, offering kids the chance to move, explore, and reflect in ways that feel less formal and often more natural than sitting in a chair. These approaches help children connect mind and body, and often open space for conversations that flow more easily.
I also believe therapy works best when parents are part of the process. I provide regular check-ins, share strategies that can be used at home, and, when appropriate, collaborate with schools on 504 Plans, IEPs, and behavioral supports. My goal is to make sure progress inside the therapy room carries into everyday life.
My Experience
Throughout my career, I’ve supported children and teens through challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, grief, behavioral struggles, academic stress, and big transitions. Parents often tell me they see their child becoming calmer, more confident, and better able to express themselves. One of my greatest joys is witnessing that transformation: watching kids begin to recognize their strengths and carry them forward with resilience.
My work is guided by joy, compassion, and unconditional positive regard. As both a therapist and a parent, I understand how deeply you want to see your child thrive. My role is to walk alongside your family with compassion, skill, and intention—helping your child move forward with resilience, confidence, and hope.
“Healing happens when children, families, and therapists work together with intention and care”