Play Therapy with Julie Thigpen

09/02/2025

The healing power of PLAY! 🌟

08/28/2025

Validation and comfort are needs, but as we are working to support our children and allow them to be 'seen,' we also need to remind them they are strong, capable and have a responsibility to self, (& others) to pick themselves up and focus on the next right thing. They need reminders of their own ability to solve problems and that they can ask for assistance if they need it.Provide support, and encouragement while helping them feel seen.🌟 Even with big feelings, we can do hard things! Resilience is earned not given!

The other morning, my 7-year old sulked on the floor after her sister refused to let her wear a certain shirt to school. After hearing both sides of the story and helping them problem solve, she continue to lay on the floor in complete dismay, lol. So i said, "Car leaves in 30 mins. I expect you to get dressed, brush your teeth, eat breakfast, and pack your backpack. Don't let your feelings get in the way of your responsibilities."

And then I walked away.

The next thing I know she's coming down the hallway in a good mood getting dressed and taking care of her business. I later circled back to the moment by saying, "Great job taking care of your responsibilities and setting yourself up for a good day. It's always OK to feel your feelings *and* we can't let our feelings hold us back from what we need to do. I'm proud of you."

This is now one of our family mantras.

Of course, kids need to feel how they feel.
Of course, all feelings are valid.
Of course, children need our support with overwhelming feelings.

But what's not talked about enough is how much children need help realizing they're capable of doing hard things while feeling difficult feelings.

Thoughts??

PS: Your specific child should always be considered. This guidance is for developmentally typical children 6+ and may need modification for children with special needs, trauma backgrounds, or developmental delays.

08/25/2025

In-person or on-line for 1.5 APT approved CEs 🤩

🧩🎲 Distinctive Play Workshop Wednesday

Neurodiversity-Affirming Play Therapy: Introducing AutPlay® Therapeutic Principles
Aug 27, 12 pm–2 pm CT • $55
This is an in-person workshop at 4646 Corona Drive, Suite 216 at our Corpus Christi location!

Join us for an interactive session with Paula Lyssy, LPC-S, LSSP, RPT™, Certified AutPlay® Therapy Provider. Learn practical AutPlay® techniques for school and clinical settings, deepen cultural responsiveness with autistic and other neurodivergent clients, and see how play therapy aligns with IDEA services. Ideal for counselors, social workers, family therapists, and play therapists who want creative, developmentally appropriate interventions.

CEs: 1.5 Contact or Non-Contact CEs (Skills and Methods/Neuro-Diversity) + 0.5 Consultation/Supervision
Early Bird Special: Use code EARLYBIRD at checkout to save $10. Expires Aug 21 at 11:59 pm CT.
APT Approved Provider: Julie Thigpen, APT Approved Provider #24-744 • Texas Licensed Professional Counselor

Seats are selling fast! Register now and come play, learn, and grow with us. ✨
👉 Register: https://www.distinctivecounseling.com/distinctive-learning-continuing-education-classes/p/distinctive-play-workshop-wednesday

08/20/2025

This article has been read by 20 million people. I know that many would choose not to hear what I say in the article, but your children need you to hear this message. — Victoria Prooday

08/13/2025

Four is one of my favorite ages! 😍

No one told me about four.

They warned me about the terrible twos, and cautioned three wouldn’t be much better.

But four?

I wasn’t ready for four.

No one told me that four is FIERCE.

Four is precocious.

Four is a special kind of sass.

Four is brutal honesty at the most inopportune times.

Four is emotional whiplash.

Four is “Mommy, watch this!” to the nth degree.

Four is endlessly complicated questions I can’t answer.

Four is furious . . . and infuriating.

Four is pushing boundaries.

Four is having the vocabulary to say what they want, but not the emotional capacity to understand the consequences.

Four takes “I can do it myself!” to a whole ‘nother level. A different stratosphere, really.

Four is throwing an epic tantrum on the playground, then not five minutes after we get home, beckoning me close: “Mommy, I need to whisper in your ear! . . .

I love you.”

Four is defeating.

Four brings me to my knees each and every day.

But no one told me that four is so FUN.

Four is watching their personalities fully emerge.

Four is endless imagination.

Four is untamed, still mostly free from conformity.

Four is being unabashedly themselves.

Four is deeper understanding than you ever would have known from a child.

Four is beaming pride in the simplest things.

Four is joy in the smallest things.

Four is tender.

Four is smart.

Four is brave.

Four brings out the very worst—and the very best—in me.

Four is a challenge—and a gift—every day.

No one told me about four.

Shared with permission from Shower Arguments with Emily Solberg

08/12/2025

Offering Contact AND Non-Contact APT & LPC CEs! Register today, in person space is limited!

🧩🎲 Distinctive Play Workshop Wednesday

Neurodiversity-Affirming Play Therapy: Introducing AutPlay® Therapeutic Principles
Aug 27, 12 pm–2 pm CT • $55
This is an in-person workshop at 4646 Corona Drive, Suite 216 at our Corpus Christi location!

Join us for an interactive session with Paula Lyssy, LPC-S, LSSP, RPT™, Certified AutPlay® Therapy Provider. Learn practical AutPlay® techniques for school and clinical settings, deepen cultural responsiveness with autistic and other neurodivergent clients, and see how play therapy aligns with IDEA services. Ideal for counselors, social workers, family therapists, and play therapists who want creative, developmentally appropriate interventions.

CEs: 1.5 Contact or Non-Contact CEs (Skills and Methods/Neuro-Diversity) + 0.5 Consultation/Supervision
Early Bird Special: Use code EARLYBIRD at checkout to save $10. Expires Aug 21 at 11:59 pm CT.
APT Approved Provider: Julie Thigpen, APT Approved Provider #24-744 • Texas Licensed Professional Counselor

Seats are selling fast! Register now and come play, learn, and grow with us. ✨
👉 Register: https://www.distinctivecounseling.com/distinctive-learning-continuing-education-classes/p/distinctive-play-workshop-wednesday

08/05/2025

💞

They won’t remember every snack you made, every mess you cleaned, or every time you whispered “it’s okay” when their world felt too big.

But their body will.
Their breath will.
Their sense of safety will.

Because it’s not just the tasks.
It’s the tone. The presence.
The quiet reassurance that love was there — even in the background.

This is what builds a nervous system that feels at home in the world.

And that’s never small work.

It all matters. ❤️

Follow for more

07/09/2025

Workshop Wednesday at Distinctive Counseling and Consulting, PLLC goes hybrid!Join us 7/23 12-2 either in-person or on-line.For more information and to register go tohttps://www.distinctivecounseling.com/distinctive-play-workshop-wednesday

🎶✨ Distinctive Play Workshop Wednesday is here with a powerful new training! ✨🎶

🧠💛 Rhythms, Regulation, and Relationships: Integrating Sensory Exploration through Play Therapy
Presented by Elizabeth Barrientes, MS, LPC-S, RPT, EMDR Trained

Join us as we explore how sensory play supports trauma-informed care in the playroom, builds regulation, and nurtures healing relationships with children and parents.

📅 Date: July 23, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm CST
📍 Location: Attend in person at Distinctive Counseling (4646 Corona Drive Suite #216 Corpus Christi, TX 78412) OR virtually via webinar link after registering

✨ What you’ll gain:
🌟 A deeper understanding of the stress response system in the brain
🌟 At least three sensory integration techniques to support regulation
🌟 Insight into creating rhythms of safety within therapeutic relationships

💡 Investment:
$55 after 7/21 | Early Bird and DCC Staff: $45
✅ Earn 1.5 Non-Contact CEs (Skills & Methods) and .5 Consultation/Supervision

🔗 Register today: https://www.distinctivecounseling.com/distinctive-play-workshop-wednesday

Let’s keep learning, growing, and playing to transform the lives of those we serve. 🌱💛✨

04/17/2025

Let's get creative!
🎨🎭🕺🪇🖍

April 23rd 12-2
our Workshop Wednesday,
Julie Thigpen will share
Expressive Arts in Play Therapy. 🎨🎭🕺🪇🖍

🌟Attendees receive 1.5 CE for APT & LPC

🧐 Read the program description, objectives, and more here: https://www.distinctivecounseling.com/distinctive-play-workshop-wednesday

💡Discover and register for additional upcoming learning opportunities at Distinctive: https://www.distinctivecounseling.com/distinctive-learning

04/11/2025

Such an important Therapeutic skill when working with kids!

THERAPEUTIC LIMIT SETTING
Saturday, April 26, 9am-2pm

Limited space available. Register today!
Part Three of Child-Centered Play Therapy: A Deep Dive into the work of Garry Landreth

🤿 Click below to learn more ⬇️

https://www.distinctivecounseling.com/deep-dive-into-the-work-of-garry-landreth

04/04/2025

Great idea!

09/18/2024

Everyone deserves a celebration for their accomplishment big ans small!
🥳🙌🎉🫶

Love this! 🧡

Thanks to Help A Teacher