Clear Skies

Counseling for kids

Compassionate care that is focused on the needs of children.
Evidence-based therapeutic approach.
Fun & creative environment for kids.
Clear & helpful communication with adults.

sandbox

Roxanne de la Garza, LPC Associate, LMFT Associate

Supervised by Glen Hilton, LPC-S, LMFT-S
& by Hayley Stulmaker, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S

Hello! I'm Roxy and I'm a therapist here in Houston, Texas. I decided to become a child therapist during my time working in an after-school program at a local community center. The connections I formed there shaped my career and opened my eyes to the innate wisdom of children. I also noticed a growing number of kids struggling with behavioral issues, self-esteem challenges, anxiety, depression, and adverse childhood experiences. I knew that I wanted to be a part of the solution.I currently hold dual licensure as an LPC Associate and an LMFT Associate in the state of Texas and am actively pursuing my certification as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). I graduated with my Masters in Counseling and Development from Lamar University and my Bachelors of Science in Biology from the University of Houston.After acquiring my licensure, I started working as a therapist with kids in the public school system. I saw first hand the unique way in which children process their experiences and communicate their emotional needs. This led me to seek more specialized training where I learned (and continue to learn) about the transformative work of child-centered play therapy. I immersed myself in this approach to strengthen my understanding of child development and to hone my skills as a child therapist. The health and happiness of kids and their families is at the core of my commitment to this work.Before becoming a therapist, I volunteered for several years at a school for individuals with autism, which profoundly shaped my perspective on neurodiversity and the importance of individualized care. Today, I continue that spirit of service by volunteering and partnering with non-profits across Houston to provide therapeutic support, psychoeducation, and community outreach to children and families from all walks of life.

What does therapy for children look like?

The approach offered at Clear Skies Counseling is rooted in child-centered play therapy. CCPT is a form of non-directive therapy, that offers significant benefits by empowering children to explore their thoughts and emotions at their own pace. Backed by decades of empirical research, CCPT is recognized as an evidence-based intervention, particularly effective in helping children with emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges.In a non-directive setting, therapists create a safe and accepting environment filled with a variety of toys and creative expression materials—such as art supplies, puppets, and sand trays—that act as symbolic tools for communication. These materials allow children to express complex feelings and internal conflicts, either verbally or nonverbally. Unlike directive therapy, where the therapist sets the agenda with specific goals or interventions, non-directive therapy respects the child’s natural process and encourages them to take the lead in their healing journey.A key strength of child-centered play therapy lies in its support for autonomy, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. By allowing children to make choices and solve problems through play, they begin to develop their own coping strategies rather than being told what to think or how to behave. This fosters a sense of ownership over their emotional experiences and builds internal resilience. When children discover personal ways to manage anxiety, sadness, or frustration through play, they build confidence in their ability to navigate challenges. Ultimately, the therapist nurtures a child’s sense of self-worth and helps them internalize effective self-regulation skills that are sustainable and deeply rooted in their unique personality and needs.The theoretical foundation of child-centered play therapy evolved from Carl Rogers’ person-centered approach, which holds that people thrive when offered unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence. These core conditions are equally vital in working with children. As Rogers famously stated:        “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
        — Carl Rogers
By embodying these principles, therapists facilitate an environment where children feel safe enough to express their authentic selves and gradually move toward healing and self-discovery.

Cost

Standard therapy session45 min$95
Parent consultation/updates60 min$45
Group programs (8 children)60 min$325

Clear Skies Counseling for Kids does not accept insurance at this time. We are able to provide super bills for out of network coverage.
Counseling services are available on an income based sliding-scale.

Partners

  • HGI Counseling, a non-profit organization that offers low cost services to individuals and families in the Greater Houston area. I offer services through HGI and I strongly support their mission to make mental health services accessible. Please contact HGI Counseling to request affordable care.

  • Wesley Community Center, a local non-profit in the Northside of Houston that is very dear to my heart. They provide a wide range of services to individuals and families, including childcare services for infants, toddlers and young children. I started my work with Wesley as a teacher in the after-school program and I now partner with the youth program to provide group psychoeducational services. Please contact me if you're interested in group programs for your organization.

  • Healing Conversations, a private practice created by Jacqueline Smith, a celebrated therapist in the mental health field. Healing Conversations provides a wide range of counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. They serve a diverse clientele and accept most major insurances. Please reach out to Healing Conversations to find out more information.

  • Wings for Learning, a Houston non-profit founded by educators to meet the growing needs of students struggling in traditional classroom settings. They have extensive experience supporting children and teens who have learning differences, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, speech and language challenges, and executive functioning difficulties. If your child needs additional support in academics, please reach out to Wings for Learning.

Contact

Please fill out the form below to schedule your free consultation. The parent consultation is for adults only and can be in person or virtual. Please indicate days/times that work for your schedule.

Thank you!

Please allow 2 business days for a response.