Distinctive Counseling and Consulting, PLLC

01/09/2026

Dr. Powell's relational EMDR thoughts got us thinking, what do you find valuable about the therapeutic relationship? 🤓🤔

My relational EMDR thoughts:

Effective trauma treatment addresses physiology and connection. EMDR creates change. Relationship makes it durable.

01/06/2026

Today we are celebrating Jennifer Lowery, MS, LPC, CSC for a beautiful and impactful presentation with over 75 staff at the Corpus Christi Independent School District on Child-Centered Play Therapy Practices in the Classroom. 🌱

Jennifer brought theory to life in a way that centered connection, emotional regulation, and confidence building for children in real classroom spaces. This work matters. When educators are equipped with developmentally responsive and relational tools, children experience school as a place of safety, growth, and possibility.

We are proud of the heart, preparation, and intentionality Jennifer brings to every space she enters. The ripple effects of today’s learning will extend far beyond one presentation and into classrooms, relationships, and children’s lives.

Well done, Jennifer. We are grateful for you. 💛

01/05/2026

✨ 2026 is already looking so bright! Help us welcome back Sandy Muñoz, MS, LPC, EMDR Trained, Sandtray Certified Therapist! ✨

Some journeys feel especially full circle, and this is one of them. Sandy began her path with us as a student, then went on to serve our community through the Child Advocacy Center. Today, she returns to Distinctive as a fully licensed clinician, EMDR trained, and Sandtray certified.

She is currently deepening her work becoming EMDR Certified with Dr. Powell and has finalized the process of working toward her Registered Play Therapy designation currently waiting for final paperwork through the Association for Play Therapy. Her growth reflects dedication, heart, and a continued commitment to healing children, families, and individuals through trauma informed care.

Sandy is now accepting new telehealth private pay clients and clients with Driscoll health insurance. She can treat both children and adults. She will be on more insurance panels in the near future! Reach out today to schedule www.distinctivecounseling.com/appointment-request

We are so glad to welcome Sandy back home and cannot wait for the impact she will continue to make. 💛

01/05/2026

Relational EMDR Thoughts with Dr. Powell 🤓

This is why relationship is the intervention. The brain reorganizes in the presence of safety and connection.

01/01/2026

Together, we move forward.

Happy New Year to you and the entire Distinctive community.

12/30/2025

Updated Administration Holiday Hours!

12/30/2025

There is something grounding about tending to the spaces where healing happens. 💛

This week, our team came together for our annual office clean up and playroom refreshes. Shelves were reorganized, toys were thoughtfully rotated, and therapy rooms were refreshed with intention and care. We’ve got a couple more new updates coming soon to the spaces but couldn’t wait to share the progress we made 🙌🏼

We also made sure to spoil our team with a beautiful charcuterie board because good work deserves good snacks. Connection and community matter here, for our clients and for each other.

And a special celebration moment. Our lovely Jennifer Lowery officially upgraded to her own office space at Distinctive now that shes fully licensed. This is a well earned milestone and such a joy to celebrate her continued growth and presence on our team.

Grateful for a team that shows up with heart, humor, and deep commitment to the work we do together.

12/23/2025

12/21/2025

✨ 5 Years of Distinctive Impact ✨
Our 5th Annual Holiday Party was The Nightmare Before Christmas themed… but in true Distinctive fashion, it turned out to be nothing short of a dream. 🖤✨🎄

📊 2025 at a glance:
13,312 sessions
971 clients served across three Texas locations
926 free sessions for post-kinship and adoptive families
228 low or no-cost sessions provided by student interns

We expanded our team, hosted 11 learning opportunities, earned renewed Heart Galleries funding, and celebrated incredible professional milestones including new LPCs, EMDR certifications, Registered Play Therapists, and our fully licensed team is 100% EMDR-trained making us the premier location for trauma focused care.

🏆 2025 Distinctive Awards
Supervisor of the Year: V. Fawn Colbourn, MS, LPC-S
Counselor of the Year: Clara Jobe, MS, LPC, LCDC, EMDR Trained
Employee of the Year: Serena Grant, BA

🌱 Distinctive Growth Awards
Merideth Owens, MS, LPC, EMDR Certified, RPT
Mirakal McGill, MS, LPC, EMDR Certified
Holly Humphrey, MS, LPC, EMDR Trained

🎉 5 Years of Service Awards
Heather Garcia, MS, LPC, EMDR Trained
Paul Martinez, MS, LPC, LCDC, EMDR Certified

The data tells a powerful story, but the true impact lives in the care, connection, and growth this team brings to one another and our community. Thank you for not just talking the talk, but walking the walk. Being alongside you in this work is one of the greatest honors of my life. - Dr. Powell

Here’s to five years and the meaningful work still ahead. 💙✨

12/16/2025

✨ Proud Moment for Distinctive Counseling & Consulting ✨

We are thrilled to celebrate 3 of our incredible Distinctive counselors who will be presenting at the Texas APT Conference 2026!

Their work reflects the heart of Distinctive. Grounded in trauma-informed care, play therapy excellence, and a deep commitment to growth-fostering practice with children and families. Sharing their knowledge on a statewide stage is a powerful example of leadership, scholarship, and clinical impact in action.

👏 Please join us in congratulating:
• Julie Miller Thigpen
• Merideth Owens
• Elizabeth Barrientes

We are so proud to see our team contributing to the profession, building community, and shaping the future of play therapy in Texas. Onward and upward!