University Park Counseling & Testing Center, PLLC

04/21/2026

We are excited about our next training coming up on May 8th! Registration link: www.universityparkcounseling.com/training

04/20/2026

We are so thankful to our Director of Clinical Services, Stephanie Patak, for leading this thoughtful and engaging training on Saturday!

04/19/2026

Some children are not “misbehaving”. They are overwhelmed.

When a child suddenly starts shouting, refusing, hitting, or shutting down, it can look like defiance. But often it is the brain under stress. In that moment, they are not choosing to be difficult. They are struggling to cope.

As stress rises, the thinking part of the brain switches off. That is why reasoning, consequences, or telling them to calm down does not work. The more overwhelmed they feel, the less able they are to listen, think, or control their behaviour.

What helps is not more pressure. It is less. Fewer demands. A calm adult. Simple words. Space. Safety.

Children borrow calm from us. And when we meet stress with calm, we give them a way back.

Free THE REGULATION LADDER: POSTER GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND CARERS

LIKE the photo and comment "REGULATION" and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

04/19/2026

We would be so honored if you nominated us!

https://info.dfwchild.com/wellness-survey-2026?fbclid=IwVERDUARRC-dleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeoyA938fykqJQlSYOMPmr0ZMek3L49XH4x4fsatZJXviEhwppn2zOScfMqgo_aem_lNakIrgPVqndp1SJ1vj54g

Now through May 3, ⬇️ nominate your family’s wellness professionals at dfwchild.com.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and for many families, that includes trusted healthcare professionals who help our kids thrive.

⚕️Chiropractors, counselors, physical therapists, speech therapists—if there’s a wellness specialist you trust and recommend, we’d love to hear about them so we can help other parents find great care too. 💕

🗳️ Nominations take only a couple minutes and can shine a spotlight on your favorite providers in the August/September issue of DFWChild and in our Mom Approved online directory.

🚫 Please note that nominations will not be accepted from co-workers, family members, marketing reps or industry colleagues. We are only looking for parents (Moms and Dads) and caregivers in DFW who can give unbiased opinions.

Get all the details and make your nominations at the link in the comments below.

Have any questions? Send us an email at editorial@dfwchild.com.

04/16/2026

Our latest blog shares 10 simple ways to reduce stress in under 10 minutes. Practical, realistic strategies you can fit into your day, even between meetings, school pickups, and everything else on your list.

Sometimes small shifts can make a meaningful difference.

Read more and find what works for you:
https://www.universityparkcounseling.com/post/reduce-stress-in-10-minutes

Quick strategies to help you feel calmer and more in control.

04/16/2026

Your calm changes the whole tone of the moment.
It softens the fear, lowers the noise, and gives your child a way back to safety.
When your presence feels steady, your child is more able to hear you, trust you, and settle.

And if that feels hard to do in real life, you are not alone.
That is exactly what we'll be talking inside Discipline Without Damage.

If you are tired of yelling, repeating yourself, and feeling like nothing works with your strong-willed child, this free class will help you learn how to stay calm, lead with confidence, and set limits without turning every moment into a power struggle.

📅Wednesday, April 22
🕘9am Pacific | 10am Mountain | 11am Central | 12pm Eastern
💻Live on Zoom

Comment DISCIPLINE to save your free spot 💛

04/13/2026

It’s that time of year again! Nominations are open for DFW Child Mom Approved Wellness Professionals!

We feel incredibly honored to impact the mental health and wellbeing of families and to be part of the DFW community. Recognition like this is especially meaningful because it reflects the experiences of the families we have the privilege to support. If you have had a positive experience with any of our clinicians, we would love for you to consider submitting a nomination (link: https://info.dfwchild.com/wellness-survey-2026).

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey.

04/12/2026

Trauma-Informed Insight Series:
The Difference Between Discipline and Punishment

Discipline and punishment are not the same—and the difference matters.

Punishment focuses on control.
Discipline focuses on growth.

Punishment asks: “What rule was broken?”
Discipline asks: “What skill is missing?”

One creates short-term compliance.
The other builds long-term change.

If we want better behavior, we can’t just react—we have to teach.

Because behavior is communication… and every response is a lesson.

04/02/2026

April is Autism Acceptance Month

This month is about more than awareness. It is about truly seeing, understanding, and valuing neurodiversity. Autism is a different way of experiencing the world, not something that needs to be “fixed.” Every individual brings unique strengths, perspectives, and ways of connecting, and those differences deserve to be supported and celebrated.

At University Park Counseling & Testing Center, PLLC, we are committed to
• Providing neurodiversity-affirming care
• Supporting all individuals with compassion and understanding
• Building on strengths while supporting areas of need
• Creating a space where clients feel safe to be themselves

Acceptance looks like listening, learning, and meeting people where they are.

This month (and every month) we stand for acceptance, inclusion, and support.

03/31/2026

Calling all mental health professionals who have ever left a session wondering, “Is this client really making progress?” You are not alone. Join Stephanie Patak in this informative training, helping you identify progress and navigate those stuck moments with clarity. Registration link is in the comments.

03/27/2026

We’ve got a great training coming up on April 18! Registration link: www.universityparkcounseling.com/training

03/23/2026

Had a great training today from Dr. Balch! Thank you, Monette, from Fusion Academy for providing coffee and pastries!