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.
Roxanne de la Garza, LPC Associate, LMFT Associate
Supervised by Glen Hilton, LPC-S, LMFT-S
Hello! I founded Clear Skies Counseling for Kids to meet the growing need of children struggling with behavioral issues, self-esteem challenges, anxiety, depression, and adverse childhood experiences. 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. Most of my clients simply know me as Miss Roxy.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 worked in an after-school program where I built meaningful relationships with children through play, structure, and connection. I also 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 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 my ongoing training 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. This approach aligns with the principles of person-centered theory, which emphasizes the inherent capacity for growth and healing when individuals are provided with the right therapeutic conditions.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 nonverbally, bypassing the limitations of language. 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.Child-centered play therapy progresses through predictable stages, although the pace and nature of each phase are unique to the child: 1. Initiation/Warm-up – The child explores the therapy space and begins to build trust with the therapist. 2. Resistance/Aggressive – Emotional material surfaces; children may test boundaries or express big emotions. 3. Working/Regressive – Themes become clearer; children begin to explore and resolve inner conflicts. 4. Termination/Mastery – Emotional issues lessen in intensity, and the child demonstrates increased self-regulation, problem-solving, and self-esteem.The theoretical foundation of child-centered play therapy is rooted in 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 RogersBy 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 session | 45 min | $95 |
| Parent consultation/updates | 60 min | free |
| Group programs | 60 min | $325 |
| Insurance/sliding scale options | 45 min | see below |
Clear Skies Counseling for Kids does not accept insurance at this time. At a future date, we will be accepting insurance through our partner, Healing Conversations. Please reach out to Healing Conversations to schedule a consultation and check future availability.Counseling services are available on an income based sliding-scale. Please reach out to our partner, HGI Counseling to receive services on a sliding scale.
Partners
HGI Counseling, a non-profit organization that offers low cost services to individuals and families in the Greater Houston area. I see most of my sliding scale clients through HGI and I strongly support their mission to make mental health services accessible. Please contact HGI Counseling to request affordable care and if you'd like to receive my services at a sliding scale rate, please request to be put on my waitlist.
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. At a future date, I will be accepting insurance through this partner. 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!
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