Talk & Play Counseling

TALK & PLAY COUNSELING nancy RENEE' smith, MS Texas: Licensed Professional Counselor Lic. #93509 Washington: Licensed Mental Health Counselor Lic. #61632108 National Certified Counselor #1729370 Texas Education Agency: Certified EC-12th Counselor Texas Education Agency: Certified Teacher I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State. Additionally, I hold the credentials of a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified School Counselor, and Certified Educator. Since 1999, I have had the privilege of supporting children, adolescents (ages 4–19), and their families as they navigate life’s challenges. Everyone experiences times when they feel overwhelmed—struggling to maintain balance or simply make it through the day. These difficulties can affect emotional well-being, behavior, and overall outlook. Children and teens may find it especially hard to identify or manage their emotions, while adults, carrying many responsibilities, may unintentionally pass stress on to those they care about most. Counseling can offer relief from stress, increase emotional awareness, and provide practical tools for coping, helping individuals grow into the best versions of themselves. I take an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from Solution-Focused (SF) Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Play Therapy. Sessions with younger children are primarily play-based, creating a safe and supportive environment for emotional expression and processing. For children ages 8 and older, I often combine activity-based interventions with talk therapy, which allows for both engagement and meaningful reflection. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach—each person is unique and deserves care tailored to their individual needs. Life is filled with ups and downs, and at times those moments can feel overwhelming. If you or your child are experiencing anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, or overwhelmed, reaching out for support can be a powerful first step. Working with a compassionate, impartial, and nonjudgmental counselor can provide guidance, understanding, and encouragement as you navigate challenges and begin the journey toward healing and growth.