Erin Carlson, MS, LPC

03/03/2026

Excited to share that I’ve officially completed my 3,000 clinical hours under supervision and am now fully licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the great state of Texas! 🥳

Next up: applying for my Registered Play Therapist credential. 😊

I’m so grateful to the incredible clients and families who have trusted me and partnered with me along the way. You inspire me every single day and it’s truly an honor to do this work with you. 💕

12/25/2025

The holidays can be joyful 𝙖𝙣𝙙 they can also be loud, busy, unpredictable, and overwhelming.
For kids, that combination often shows up as big feelings and meltdowns.

When we shift from asking, “How do I stop this behavior?”
to asking, “What does their nervous system need right now?”
everything changes.

Co-regulation doesn’t require perfection.
It asks for presence, softness, and repair, even when the season feels like a lot.

If the holidays feel hard for your child (and for you), it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
Their nervous system (and maybe yours) is responding to a very demanding world.

Save this guide for the moments when everyone’s capacity is stretched a little thin.

12/17/2025

Play therapy can feel mysterious from the outside… especially when your child comes out of session saying things like “We played!” or “We made a mess!”

This post uses Elphaba as a fun way to highlight the kinds of things I pay attention to during sessions and how I support kids as they work through big feelings.

Every child’s play looks different and every story has meaning. 💚✨

Who should I feature next? Glinda? Nessarose? Wednesday? Someone from Inside Out?

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!