Allie Shub, LMSW

Supervised by Earley Barnes-Ullrich, LCSW-S, RPT-S™

Hello! I’m Allie, a Licenced Master Social Worker. I have a passion for working with children and I cherish opportunities that foster their development, independence, and courage. Throughout my life, I have dedicated myself to providing services and offering assistance to children in diverse settings and environments, helping children cultivate social emotional learning, positive relationships, and problem solving skills through creative and expressive arts and with the therapeutic powers of play.

From after-school support through Extend-A-Care YMCA, to one-on-one counseling and group therapy with Cap City Kids, I have had the privilege of working closely with children as they face a number of different challenges. Through collaborative efforts and compassionate mentorship, I have witnessed remarkable growth in their self-assurance and confidence. I truly believe in creating an inviting space for children to explore who they are, so they can heal through the mode of expression that they connect with the most, play.

With extensive play therapy instruction at UT’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work and as a play therapy scholar and recipient of Leben’s Play Therapy Scholars Program, I have learned that play is one of the few languages all children inherently understand, it is the one they use to process their emotions and experiences in order to make sense of themselves, their lives, and their world. Be it life adjustments, neurodiversity, loss, grief, aggression, parental separation, or otherwise, all children face unique challenges. My goal is to create a warm, inviting environment where children can develop their own unique coping skills, and increase their acceptance of, and responsibility for, themselves.

Please feel free to reach out! I look forward to speaking with you soon. 

 

Hannah Belusko, LPC-Associate

Supervised by Rosalie Piedra, LPC-S, RPT-S

Hello! My name is Hannah, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and Child and Family Therapist at Heart of Texas Play Therapy. My approach to therapy is built upon a foundation of experience and a deep commitment to fostering healing and growth in children and families.

My practice style is rooted in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), a nationally recognized evidence-based intervention. I believe that the creation of a strong, therapeutic relationship is essential to individual growth. I aim to facilitate a safe, therapeutic environment where your child feels comfortable to express themselves freely, explore their emotions, build their self-esteem, and ultimately, heal through play. I am currently an LPC-Associate, working under supervision to obtain my LPC and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) license.

More about me: When people ask me how long I have worked with kids, I always answer “Pretty much my entire life!”. It was during my first job in high school as a summer camp counselor for elementary school students where I discovered my passion for working with children. After high school, I moved from my hometown of Norman, OK, to attend Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. This is where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology, beginning my journey of extensive education and professional development focused on mental health and children of all ages. To complement my studies, I sought opportunities to apply my knowledge in real-world settings. Among these opportunities was the chance to work at a foster home for children and adolescents, learning how the power of trust can profoundly impact a child's sense of safety and well-being.

After receiving my B.A. in Psychology, I began working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), providing 1:1 therapy to children on the Autism spectrum. This experience proved to be foundational to my professional growth. My six years as an RBT solidified my passion for helping children, ultimately leading me to pursue a career as a play therapist!

Building on this strong foundation, I pursued further education and training, earning my M.A. in Professional Counseling from Texas State University in December 2024. During my graduate studies, I sought diverse opportunities to expand my clinical skills. One such opportunity was an internship at a Children’s Advocacy Center, where I provided individual counseling, including play therapy and sand tray therapy, to children and adolescents who had experienced trauma. The skills I acquired there have greatly enhanced my proficiency in creating a warm, safe, and trusting therapeutic environment for children.

Throughout my undergraduate and graduate career, I have gained a variety of experiences working with children, adolescents, families, and adults in individual and group settings, including a valued position working as a Recovery Mentor at a residential treatment center for men with mental health and substance use disorders.

I’d love to connect with you and your family!