Explore more about play therapy, and trauma-informed therapy for children, teens & adults in Austin, TX.
Areas I Help With
Anxiety, Depression & Big Emotions
Behavioral & Emotional Challenges
School Concerns
Divorce, Blended & Family Transitions
Trauma & Stress
Teen Anxiety & Emotional Health
Contact Ria to learn more about how play therapy, expressive arts, or trauma-informed talk therapy can address these in a session.
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma can cast a long shadow. You may feel withdrawn, easy to anger or just a general feeling of being “stressed out”. These symptoms could be a response to past trauma and also reflection of your present.
Trauma-informed care practices emphasizes understanding individuals' lived experiences to avoid re-traumatization and support healing and resilience.
Ria is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) both modalities that can help you understand the impact of trauma and prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment.
Special Education Consulting
Phone consultations for parents with children who benefit from extra support during the school day, including guidance for exceptional learners, such as students with IEPs or 504 plans. With over two decades of experience, Ria can provide helpful feedback to assist you and your family with advocating for your child.
Play and Expressive Arts
Children’s challenging behaviors, feelings of anxiety, depression are often shaped by trauma, not as a way to be defiant, but as expressions of distress or attempts to cope with something painful they may not have words to explain.
Therapeutic Play and Expressive Arts are therapeutic approaches that use play and the arts to help children express emotions, develop problem-solving skills and work through frustrations or challenges. Play Therapy helps children communicate and process feelings like sadness, confusion, and grief in a safe space.
Learn here or check out the Association for Play Therapy.
Divorced and Blended Families
Major changes to our family system, like divorce, are destablizing. Ria is passionate about supporting children, teens, and families as they navigate the unique challenges of blended families. Adjusting to divorce and remarriage or growing up in a stepfamily can bring stress, conflict, or feelings of not belonging. Together, we’ll work to find an understanding of the influences that shape us. Feel safe, seen, and supported—no matter the structure of your family.