At East Dallas Counseling, we treat a variety of anxiety, depressive, mood and adjustment disorders. These can include generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, specific phobias, anxiety secondary to medical issues, chronic illness, functional constipation or stool retention concerns, anger management, self-esteem, ADHD, grief, or concerns related to life or transition stressors such as school changes, divorce, or interpersonal conflict. Additionally, specific concerns related to adults might include addiction, work-life balance, and LGBT- related issues.
Preschool & Young Elementary
Play therapy is a developmentally sensitive approach to counseling with young children. We believe play is a child’s natural form of communication, so utilizing the playroom for therapy is a natural fit to optimize your child’s therapeutic progress. It is more than simply offering toys to your child, and our staff is trained in the theory and clinical skills specific to play therapy. Play is inherently therapeutic, but as therapists we bring together those benefits along with counseling theory to effect change. We assess each child’s individual needs and adjust our therapeutic techniques to be of the most assistance to your child. This can include blending cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, skill-building, and other evidence-based strategies. Individual play therapy is appropriate for ages 3 and up. If interested in services for a younger child, please call our office to discuss filial therapy options.
Older elementary & Pre-teens
As children grow developmentally, their presentation in therapy can change. They have improved verbal capacities and broader forms of emotional expression. However, this age group still often needs a therapy that blends both activities and verbal dialogue. This age group can choose between the playroom or a more activity-based room as their comfort and attention span allows. We assess each child’s individual needs and adjust our therapeutic techniques to be of the most assistance to your child. This can include blending cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, skill-building, and other evidence-based strategies
Adolescents & Adults
We offer services for teens, parents, and adults. These sessions take place in a more traditional setting, but retain access to other activities and expressive art materials. We understand that we all process our emotions differently and talking is not the only way to build rapport or express ourselves. We also offer parent consultation independently or in tandem with individual services for your child or adolescent. Our staff believes strongly in empowering the parents and caregivers in a child’s system to impact more effective change.
THERAPISTS
COMMUNITY EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Kristin Bemis enjoys speaking to parents and students on a variety of topics related to child development, play therapy, medical illness/trauma, childhood anxiety, mindfulness and parenting strategies. See below for upcoming and past presentation topics. Please contact the office to discuss booking Kristin at your next seminar, meeting, or conference.
Past Presentations
Partners in Play: Harnessing the Powers of Play. Lamplighter School, Dallas, TX (2021)
Mindful parenting: Building emotional resilience in us & our kids
Northway Christian Day School, Dallas TX (2023)
The Hockaday School, Dallas, TX (2020)
St. John’s Episcopal School of Dallas, Dallas, TX (2018)
Mastermind Studios (2017)
They Didn't Come with a Manual: Parenting Tips & Strategies to Increase Your Skills & Maintain Your Sanity
Northway Christian Day School, Dallas TX (2022)
Private lecture, Dallas, TX (2019)
Therapeutic Limit-Setting & Other Childcare Considerations
. St. Bartholomew’s, Dallas, TX (2019)
Mindful Parenting of a New Middle Schooler
Highland Park MIS Mom’s Group, Dallas, TX (2018)
Positive Parenting Strategies
Highland Park United Methodist Day School, Dallas TX (2017)
Highland Park Presbyterian Day School, Dallas TX (2016)
St. John’s Episcopal School of Dallas, Dallas TX (2016)
Development Considerations & Stressors for Children in Medical Settings
Presented via distance learning for Charles Darwin University, Australia (2017, 2016)
Stressors and Anxiety: How to Help Your Child Cope, co-presenter
Spina Bifida Association of North Texas Education Day, Plano TX (2016)
Activity Therapy in the Hospital Setting
Southern Methodist University, Counseling Program, Plano TX (2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009)
Importance of Play
St. Anne’s Society of Christ the King Church, Dallas, TX (2014)
Playful Healing: Play Therapy for Treating Pediatric Medical Stress, co-presenter
Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Houston TX (2014)
Group Play Therapy with Children with Disabilities: Lessons Learned, co-presenter
Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Houston TX (2014)
Disruptions in Attachment: Filial Therapy Treatment Strategies in Early Childhood
Dallas Psychological Association’s Fall Workshop, Dallas TX (2013)
Play Therapy with Children in the Medical Setting
Texas Association for Play therapy Annual Conference, Austin TX (2013)
North Texas Chapter of the Texas Association for Play Therapy, Dallas TX (2011)
Play therapy: In Theory and In Practice
Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas TX (2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007)
Introduction to Play Therapy
Presented via distance learning to Baylor University, Child Life Program, Waco TX (2012)
UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology, Dallas TX (2012, 2010)
UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Fellowship Program in Psychiatry, Dallas TX (2012)
Collin County Community College, Frisco TX (2012, 2010)
Integrating Theory & Practice: How Do I Make All This Work in the Playroom?, co-presenter
Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Sacramento CA (2011)
Utilizing Play Therapy in Eating Disorder Treatment
Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Louisville KY (2010)
Pediatric OCD Treatment: Combining CBT and Play Therapy
Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas TX (2010)
Creative Interventions Following Traumatic Medical Events, co-presenter
Texas Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, San Antonio TX (2009)
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Working with Medically Ill Children, co-presenter
Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Dallas TX (2008)
Play Therapy for Children with Medical Needs
Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas TX (2007)
New Clients
If you are interested in scheduling an intake session or a consultation, please call 214-295-4885 for an appointment. During our brief initial phone call, we will schedule your first appointment and provide you with login information for our Client Portal where you can complete new client paperwork before your arrival. Please note our office does not accept or process insurance.
The purpose of your first appointment is to review your concerns and determine goodness of fit for an ongoing therapeutic relationship. We will also review office policies and paperwork. At that time if we both agree that we’d like to initiate treatment, we will discuss schedules and determine a path for moving forward.
Contact
Our Office
7557 Rambler Road, Suite 1015
Dallas, TX 75231
214-295-4885
Location
Our office is on the tenth floor of the Rambler Park building off Rambler Road and Walnut Hill Avenue. We are conveniently located in Central Dallas with close proximity to the Preston Hollow, Highland Park, University Park, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, and North Dallas neighborhoods.
Parking
Parking is free and available in the large lot in front of the building.
Existing Clients
Please access the client portal for paperwork and billing needs.