Untying Knots Counseling

02/03/2026

Parents and caregivers are an integral part of the play therapy process within the bounds of confidentiality of the client. The play therapy parenting podcast is an excellent source of information on a variety of topics related to play and parenting. Check out the podcast to see what you might be interested in learning more about.

Dr. Brenna Hicks, The Kid Counselor®, teaches fundamental parenting skills and theory from a play therapy perspective.

02/03/2026

is a time to reflect on the benefits of play therapy and spread awareness about evidence-based practices for children of all ages. Head over to the Association of Play Therapy to learn more about how play can help your child.

www.untyingknotscounseling.com

What is Play Therapy? from the Association for Play Therapy>

02/02/2026

Whether we are in for 6 more weeks of winter or an early spring, it does not matter in Texas! We live in our own weather world. Of course, this day always reminds me of the classic 90's movie with the Bill Murray who portrayed the pessimistic, grumpy reporter in the film. Stuck in an eternal existential crisis trying so hard to get out he forgot to focus on what mattered most until he was forced to. Sounds like life. Maybe we have been hurt and do not trust easily. We miss out on connection, relationships, slowing down, helping others, focusing on what we can control rather than what we can't. In the end, he got what he deserved (happy ever after)! Sorry for the spoilers.

www.untyingknotscounseling.com

02/02/2026

Celebrating the world of play (therapy)!

02/02/2026

Today is the last day to register to vote for the primary elections on March 3rd, 2026.

https://www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/

Learn how to register to vote in Texas with easy-to-follow steps. Get all the details you need to ensure you're ready for the next election.

02/01/2026

It's time to celebrate "International Play Therapy Week!" Play is a universal experience among children of all ages, and while there are cultural differences across the world related to play amongst children, it is their main form of communication. As we seek to honor differences across humanity, we can also identify what brings us together.

Cultural differences in play reflect a society’s values and social norms. In individualistic cultures, play often emphasizes creativity, competition, and self-expression, while collectivist cultures focus more on cooperation and social roles. Some societies favor adult-organized and structured play, whereas others encourage spontaneous, child-directed play. Play may be competitive or cooperative, age-segregated or mixed-age, and shaped by gender expectations.

Available resources and environments also influence whether play involves manufactured toys or natural materials. Overall, attitudes toward play vary, with some cultures viewing it as essential for development and others prioritizing work or formal learning; but make no mistake, play is an essential part of brain development.

www.untyingknotscounseling.com

02/01/2026

Free resource alert at the Children's Advocacy Center for Kaufman County!

Make space for yourself this February!

01/31/2026

To learn more about sand tray therapy and how it might help you or your child, check out the following article.

www.untyingknotscounseling.com

Sand tray therapy, or sandplay therapy, uses sand trays to assess, diagnose, and treat a variety of mental illnesses.

01/31/2026

According to Facebook, today is 'National Inspire Your Heart with Art' day. We frequently incorporate expressive arts into our counseling sessions for children and teens, or even adults looking for their inner child! Using your creative and artistic "right brain" helps people with processing painful and traumatic experiences, as well as building healthy coping skills.

One form of expressive arts is sand tray therapy, which can range from spending a large part of session playing with just the sand-like being at the beach. Children frequently play in the sand and other mediums for grounding and sensory regulation. Other experiences in the sand tray include directive and non-directive sand tray building, which involves using various figurines to create a scene in the sand.

Depending on the age and abilities of the person will determine the ability to process the sand tray or engage the analytical, verbal "left brain." EMDR can also be incorporated into sand tray and other expressive arts interventions. With art, the possibilities are endless!
www.untyingknotscounseling.com

01/28/2026

Nearly every minute, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. Every nine minutes, that someone is a child. Visit RAINN.org for more information.

01/27/2026

Here is your Monday Mindfulness. Take a deep breath, imagine being here, and what do you notice?

If you could take a second to forget about how cold it was today, it sure was pretty every way you turned!❄️

01/26/2026

Check out the link for a variety of FREE mental health webinars for Texas residents and providers hosted by the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA). The first class starts Wednesday, 1/28!

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/amy-sanders-3127898789

Amy Sanders, NTBHA