Counseling & Play Therapy Center

03/04/2026

03/04/2026

We are HIRING! Are you a fully or provisionally licensed counselor or social worker looking for an outstanding opportunity? We are a thriving practice with offices in Buffalo, Sheridan, and Gillette. Enjoy flex scheduling, outstanding supervision and training, a full case load, focus on YOUR self-care and we are very family friendly! Excellent pay, 401K, insurance assistance, collegial environment at all offices. Please send your resume to rose@counselingandplay.com or call 307-217-2161 to find out more!

02/25/2026

Gentle Parenting: What It Is & What It Isn’t 💛

There’s a lot of misunderstanding around “gentle parenting,” so let’s clear it up.

Gentle parenting is not about letting children do whatever they want.

It’s not avoiding discipline, saying “yes” just to keep the peace, or allowing disrespectful behavior.

What it is about:

✔️ Teaching through connection, not control

✔️ Setting clear, respectful boundaries

✔️ Modeling emotional regulation

✔️ Listening with empathy

✔️ Guiding rather than punishing

✔️ Supporting the whole child — emotions and all

Gentle parenting still includes structure and discipline — it just approaches it with respect, consistency, and emotional awareness.

It’s not permissive. It’s intentional.

Connection and boundaries can exist together. In fact, they should. 💛

02/24/2026

✨ Meltdown vs. Tantrum — What’s the Difference? ✨

Not all big emotions are the same — and understanding the difference can completely change how we respond.

🔹 Tantrum:

Usually goal-driven. A child may want something, feel frustrated, or resist a limit. They’re still somewhat in control and aware of what’s happening around them. Tantrums often stop when the goal is met or when attention shifts.

🔹 Meltdown:

A response to overwhelm. This isn’t planned or chosen. It happens when a child’s nervous system is overloaded — by sensory input, fatigue, anxiety, or big emotions. In this state, the thinking brain goes offline. They’re not trying to “win” — they’re trying to cope.

💡 Why it matters:

When we know the difference, we respond differently.

✔️ Tantrum → Calm limits + skill building

✔️ Meltdown → Safety, regulation, and reduced demands

During a meltdown, reasoning doesn’t work. The brain isn’t ready. What helps most is a calm presence, lowered stimulation, and space to regulate.

❤️ The big message: Every behavior is communication.

When we shift from seeing “bad behavior” to seeing unmet needs and developing skills, we build trust, emotional safety, and long-term regulation.

Let’s respond with confidence and compassion.

02/24/2026

Just a little food for thought with the Olympics going on.

02/24/2026

02/20/2026

A big round of applause and congratulations to our very own Lisa Rice, PPC.

Lisa works in both our Sheridan and Buffalo offices and we are so lucky to have her!

02/19/2026

Happy Birthday to this Gem! May your day be as bright and amazing as you are!

Happy Birthday Paige Wagner!

02/18/2026

Introducing Madam President.

Stephanie Idalski, LPC, RST. President of Wyoming Association for Play
Therapy (WAPT).

Stephanie has worked tirelessly to help children in our State! As a full-time play therapist at Counseling & Play Therapy Center in Buffalo, she has been serving and healing children for over 10 years! Thank you for helping the children in Wyoming!

11/05/2025

When we feel "off," there is a reason. Children have "on and off" days and moments just like adults. Meet them with compassion.

09/02/2025

YES! It's a REAL EVENT! Just like adults who had a long or hard day at work, children function better when they get a transition after school. Maybe it's outside to play, free play, one-on-one with a loving adult. This transition will ease children into a smoother night time routine if you allow them to decompress after school.

08/29/2025

Give us a call to start your counseling journey today! 307-217-2161