Heart of Texas Play Therapy is dedicated to helping children and families find joy, connection, and healing through the power of play.
Founded in 2019 by Lisa DeGraff, LCSW, Heart of Texas Play Therapy is a leading provider of child and family therapy services in Austin, Texas. What began as a solo practice has blossomed into a thriving group practice, with a dedicated team of licensed therapists and support staff committed to helping children and families thrive.
At Heart of Texas Play Therapy, we believe in the power of play to unlock children's inner worlds and foster healing and growth. Our experienced therapists provide a safe and nurturing environment where children can express themselves freely, explore their emotions, and develop coping skills through play.
Our Services:
Heart of Texas Play Therapy provides a range of therapeutic services designed to meet the unique needs of children, adolescents, and families from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to providing culturally sensitive and inclusive care that honors each individual's identity and experiences. Our services include:
Child-centered play therapy: Utilizing play as a natural medium for expression, we help children explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience in a safe and supportive environment.
Family therapy: We work with families to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and navigate challenges while respecting their cultural values and dynamics.
Parent support and education: We offer guidance and support to parents, empowering them to understand their child's needs and foster healthy development while upholding our strong belief and practice of cultural sensitivity and humility.
Training and mentorship for new play therapists: We provide comprehensive training and mentorship to emerging therapists, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care to diverse populations.
Our Commitment to Inclusivity:
We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all clients, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, or disability. We believe that cultural humility is essential to providing effective and ethical therapy, and we are dedicated to ongoing learning and self-reflection to ensure we are meeting the diverse needs of our clients. We are committed to anti-discriminatory practice and creating an environment where all feel safe, respected, and valued.
More than just therapy, we're building a legacy.
Lisa's vision for Heart of Texas Play Therapy extends beyond traditional therapy services. Drawing on her years of experience working with families, and teaching play therapy methodology at the University of Texas School of Social Work, Lisa is passionate about training the next generation of play therapists.
Because of this, Heart of Texas Play Therapy has evolved into a unique learning and practice environment; where new therapists can gain valuable experience, receive expert mentorship, and cultivate their own therapeutic style within a supportive and established practice.
Heart of Texas Play Therapy now provides all incoming therapists with:
Comprehensive Training: Theoretical and practical knowledge and instruction of effective and evidence-based child and family therapeutic modalities and practices.
Dedicated Guidance: Mentorship and ongoing consultation to support professional growth.
Peer Support: A strong peer community to foster collaboration and shared learning.
Dedicated Play Spaces: Furnished playrooms outfitted in accordance with Child-Centered Play Therapy principles, an evidence-based therapeutic model that provides a safe and empowering space for children to explore their emotions through play.
With access to families who have entrusted us with their care, Heart of Texas Play Therapy provides a strong foundation for emerging therapists to launch their careers and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in Austin.