The Oaks Counseling and Play Therapy, PLLC

11/25/2025

We are thrilled to introduce Kendra Gutierrez as the newest member of our team. Kendra has experience as a school counselor and is now pursuing her clinical license. She has flexibility for immediate afternoon and evening appointments. Contact us today to set up your appointment.

11/25/2025

If your child seems hesitant, clingy, or afraid of making mistakes, you’re not alone. Many parents wonder why their child won’t take risks or trust their own abilities.

Here’s the real reason: Children can only step out into the world and emerge when they are strongly rooted. A sense of safety—emotional, relational, and felt—opens the door to curiosity, problem-solving, and growth.
When a child feels anchored to us, they ask more questions, recover from mistakes more easily, share their feelings more freely, and step into the world with greater confidence.

Safety isn’t spoiling. It’s the starting point of development. When we become their safe place through deep dependence, they grow, discovering the courage to become themselves.

If you want more insight-based parenting grounded in development,
you can find more at macnamara.ca.

11/22/2025

It's been a year and a half since we relocated and we continue to appreciate and express our sincere gratitude to our valued clients and their families, particularly during the Thanksgiving season.

11/06/2022

The Oaks Counseling is now booking afternoon/evening and every other Saturday appointments with our LPC Associate! LPC Associate, Effie Sneider has been in the field of education for many years, including working as a school counselor. She specializes in children and adolescents. She accepts private pay, at a reduced rate, and we can provide superbills for you to file with your insurance. Please message or call for more information.

11/06/2022

Beautifully stated!

There is no right or wrong, there’s just life with all of its unexpected turns and road-bumps. What matters is that we keep showing up for our children- no matter how big the struggle.

05/25/2022

04/09/2022

Very interesting article. I'm seeing more and more preschool age children in my practice who are struggling with behavioral issues in their preschool programs. Our public preschools are not typically developmentally appropriate. Preschool children learn best when engaged in play based activities.

In this first-ever controlled study of public pre-K, the control group did best.

02/08/2022

I'm a day behind, but it's National Play Therapy Week!

11/17/2021

I just had the pleasure of presenting on the topic of Play Therapy to Communities in Schools of South Central Texas. I appreciate the opportunity and the willingness of the participants to share their work with me. Here are some of them showcasing their dragon puppets.

11/11/2021

There is so much more to behaviour than most people think. Children don’t try to upset us, there is usually something behind it. They are communicating their need through behaviour. If we look behind the behaviour we can see a child who is doing the best they can

11/11/2021

Graphic credit:

10/20/2021

❤💙💛