Erin Carlson, MS, LPC-Associate

05/06/2025

Supporting a Child with Insecure Attachment 🧠💛

Insecure attachment doesn’t mean your child is broken—it means their nervous system has learned to protect them in the only ways it knows how.

Whether your child pulls away, clings tightly, or melts down without warning, know this: your consistent presence is the medicine.

Every time you name their feelings, respond with care, and show up again after a hard moment—you’re helping them rewrite the story of what love can feel like.

🌱 Want more strategies like this? Save this post + share with someone who needs the reminder.

04/18/2025

Introducing: Play Therapist Erin, now in action figure form!
(Complete with tiny Play-Doh, feelings books, and the ever-important comfy sneakers.)

As an LPC Associate and play therapist, play is my favorite language. I work with kids ages 3–10 navigating big feelings tied to ADHD, anxiety, depression, attachment trauma, and behavioral challenges. Basically, if there are big feelings and tiny humans, I’m in my zone.

I also work closely with parents to decode tricky behaviors, build connection, and turn “What do I do?!” into “I’ve got this.”

Therapy with me might look like building towers, naming feelings, or having deep conversations with stuffed animals. It’s playful—but it’s powerful.

Fun fact: I once had a client say, “You’re like a Pokémon with calming powers.” I’ll take it.

02/05/2025

MY WHY 🧸🚂🎨

I chose to specialize in play therapy after witnessing firsthand how challenging big emotions and dysregulation can be for both children and their families. Parenting is hard! Through my journey, I realized how powerful understanding and empathy are in fostering emotional growth and connection.

My passion lies in helping families move from frustration to understanding—recognizing that increased empathy and connection lead to regulation and healing. I use play therapy to create a supportive space where children can express themselves, while also empowering parents with the knowledge and tools to strengthen their bond with their child.

The best part is... it really works! I love what I do and I love seeing the joy it brings to families 😊

08/13/2024

04/06/2024

Had a great time at the Texas Association for Play Therapy Conference 🤓 Play is my favorite language!

02/07/2024

Beyond excited to finally announce that I have joined the incredible team at Connect to Thrive, LLC in Plano, under the supervision of Katie Dunham, MS, LPC-S # 75527. Read more below or visit my page at https://www.thriveplano.com/team/erin-carlson . Looking forward to reconnecting with clients and meeting new ones!

As a play therapist, I seek to understand your child's world, offering a nurturing and safe space where they can express themselves freely. Through a combination of talk, play, and expressive techniques, we will work collaboratively to navigate challenges, build coping skills, and promote emotional well-being. As a parent myself, I fully believe in partnering with both parents or guardians to create a solid team of support for the child.

With adult clients, my goal is to understand your unique perspective, experiences, and emotions, providing an open and supportive environment. Together, we will explore your goals, concerns, and challenges to promote self-awareness and personal growth. The therapeutic relationship is crucial, and my role is to facilitate a journey where you feel heard, accepted, and empowered to make choices that align with your values. I take a holistic approach with my clients, addressing the needs of the mind, body, and soul throughout treatment.

11/23/2023

Sending love to ALL 🧡

Holidays can be a difficult time for many.

Remember to practice lots of self care. Reach out to others, do things you enjoy, speak kindly to yourself.

10/07/2023

ADHD is real and often looks different for different people. Below are some common symptoms someone with ADHD might experience.

Play therapy is one tool among many to help children struggling with ADHD.

09/21/2023

I wish I had done this sooner! ⬇️⬇️

Sometimes as parents we get caught up in expecting our child to do as we say or else!

It doesn’t help that society has this expectation that a quiet, obedient child = a good kid AND a good parent.

That’s simply not true.

If you find yourself having to yell, threaten, punish, argue, etc with your child to get them to do what you say, chances are you’re exhausted.

I know you’re probably just trying to raise a “good kid” and keep them from getting into trouble, or failing classes, etc but unfortunately you’re also damaging your parent-child relationship in the process.

Well guess what?? You can adjust your approach. Not every child is built the same. What works for one child may not work for another.

Your “strong-willed”, “defiant”, “stubborn” kiddo may just need a little more freedom.

Try giving them limits and expectations with a deadline AND freedom to complete them when and how they want.

For example:
“You must do your homework before bedtime. You can choose to do it right after school or play video games first. You can choose to do it at the desk or on your bed. You can choose to listen to music or not. You can choose to do it while you hang upside down. As long as it’s done before bedtime.”

You might be surprised what your child is capable of accomplishing on their own when you take a step back and allow them some independence.

We often fear the what-ifs. What if they don’t get it done? What if the music is distracting? But just give them a chance. When an issue arises you can address it.

09/13/2023

✨ Welcome friends! ✨

There are many new faces here so I thought it might be a good time to re-introduce myself.

👋 My name is Erin Carlson and I am a counseling intern at Frisco Counseling & Wellness in Frisco, Texas. I am in my last semester of the Master's program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling, specializing in play therapy. 🏰

I'm the mom of a 15 (almost 16 😳) year old boy. Like many others, I struggled to manage my own stress and overwhelm as the parent of a child with behavioral problems. I felt alone, lost, hopeless, and exhausted.

💕 Navigating these challenges is what gave me the final push to go back to school and become a counselor so I could help others.

🌈 I’m happy to share that my son and I are doing 100x better than ever!

⭐️ What I want struggling parents to know is that with support, tools, and lots of practice, things do get better!!! Don’t give up on yourself or your child.

🧘🏻‍♀️ I share lots of posts from evidence-based practices, my own experiences, and other helpful tips. But it’s important to remember that everyone’s circumstances are different. So take what you need and leave what you don’t. 🙂

✨ Thank you for being here! ✨

09/07/2023

Good sleep is so important! 😴

When we’re rested we are generally happier and better able to handle the challenges of the day. ☀️

Does your child have a calming bedtime routine? 🐻

Do YOU?! 🤔 As parents we forget that our rest is just as important as our child’s. Create a calming bedtime routine for yourself too.

🩷 Try a warm bath, hot tea, and relaxing music.

08/31/2023

A simple shift in perspective completely changed the way I approached my child’s tantrums.

I truly believe that children do well when they can. So if my child is not doing well behaviorally, emotionally, academically, I investigate…

🔹What need isn’t being met?
🔹What skills do they need help with to meet this need?
🔹How can I meet them where they’re at to improve their skills?

Involve them in the problem-solving conversation using age appropriate language! This will help them sooo much in the future to be able to manage challenging situations on their own.

You got this! 💪