It’s time to stop struggling.

You didn't start your family thinking there would be this many difficulties. You dreamed of closeness, warmth, a chance to enrich your life. You didn't expect that those amazing baby days and cuddles would evolve into tantrums, fights, and refusals to put on shoes. Who knew your little one could get into so much trouble at preschool? The problems seem so simple; why aren't your go-to strategies working?!

Something has to change.

You don't have to go it alone. We started Houston Family Therapy Associates to support little kids and the people who love them. We know that every family has strengths and we know how to shine a light on them--and help you find a way to peace.

Maybe you need strategies you can use right away and the comfort of knowing you're not alone that you’ll find in our group parent classes. You may want to fine tune your approach in individual parent coaching. Your child might need the help that play therapy can provide, or maybe you wish there was a way for your whole family, including your little kids, to work together. We're here to help you find the right thing.

We're experts in play therapy. While adults talk through things, kids make sense (and progress) by playing. How can "just" playing work? We let children make their way with us beside them, accepting who they are and helping them express and understand their feelings--all through play and activities.

Meet the Team

Tori Volanski, LCSW

Every family, parent, and child has a unique set of strengths, but sometimes life can get messy. Things do not turn out exactly as we planned and daily tasks begin to feel overwhelming. Homework, trips to the grocery store, or even just getting teeth brushed can become a power struggle. Tasks get pushed aside for tomorrow because they feel impossible today. 

Parenting a child who is labeled as “bad” or “disruptive” can feel isolating. You know that your child has strengths beyond their struggles. You love and care for them unconditionally and you feel that you’ve tried everything under the sun. I’m here to let you know, you’re not alone - you’ve already made a step in the right direction by seeking out support for your child. 

Negative behaviors from our kiddos are often a sign that they need more support. Working together we can tune into the strengths your family already has and use those tools to make positive change happen in your life and your home. Not only is change possible but it is exactly what Play Therapy and Parent Coaching was designed to help families do. 

Providing children and parents with new tools for their “tool box” is what motivated me to become a therapist. I believe that with the right knowledge and skill development every family can see an increase in cohesion and a decrease in stress. 

I graduated with my bachelor’s and master’s in social work from The University of Texas at Austin. My heart has always been set on working with kiddos and the people who love them. I’ve counseled kids from K-12 who struggled with problems including anxiety, tantrums, depression, aggressive behaviors and difficulty forming social connections. I’m originally from Houston and thrilled to be back working in the community at Houston Family Therapy Associates. 

Kristin Dawson, LPC-A

Challenges are a typical part of childhood and family life. Kids work hard making progress on their developmental path and families work to support them. Sometimes it all seems to be on track and in sync, at other times the demands and pace of life feel overwhelming and everything seems to be unmanageable. Just getting the kids off to childcare or school can become exhausting for everyone - and the day has barely started. Stressors can pile up and the joyful, playful family you know is possible becomes lost in the uncertainty of things you cannot control.

When children struggle with big feelings they often let us know through their behavior. As they navigate their world and things become difficult it can be hard for them to communicate what they need. They might respond with acting out behavior which can be challenging to their caregivers.

At times like these kids need parents and other important grown ups to help them along their path. Unfortunately the course is not always clear. Each child sees the world in a unique way and parents and caregivers might not have the skills that work for their individual child. The effort to find the best strategy can be isolating and family members can become disconnected. The best part of my job as a therapist is helping families draw on their strengths and creativity to find the ways to help their children along the path toward positive change. As parents develop strategies for becoming more attuned to their children they are able to move forward toward growth and positive change.

From my first high school job as a camp counselor I have had a passion for working with children. Since earning my Masters in Counseling at the University of Houston I have worked with kids of all ages in a range of settings from university research to schools and intervention programs. Throughout my career I have worked toward becoming a play therapist as I believe it is the ideal way to meet kids where they are and help them feel empowered as they grow and develop. As an LPC-Associate I work under the supervision of Alice Payne, LPC-S, and Lynn McLean, LCSW, RPT-S.

Lynn McLean, LCSW-S, RPT-S

You know things could be better for your family. You know that life can be full of joy and peace, instead of stress about your kids’ lost homework assignments, their problems with friends, and arguments about their socks. It can feel like you’re the only family who’s struggling, like you’re the only parents who don’t have perfectly-behaved and well-adjusted children.

You’re just not sure how to fix things. I can help you know the next step you should take.

I became a therapist because I wanted my work to focus on the most important things in life: family relationships and who we are as children.

Kids I see

• are puzzles—they don’t fit neatly into any category we’re used to

• aren’t making friends or enjoying activities

• act in ways that are the exact opposite of what they’re trying to convey

• are figuring out how to adjust to trauma, abuse, parents’ relationship problems

Parents I coach

• dread the next email or phone call from school

• have tried everything, including all “helpful” ideas and suggestions

• want a limit-setting approach that works

• know in their heart that their family or child needs help

I listen to what you know about your child, gather as much information about them as I can, and recommend the services I believe will help. Children who struggle to regulate their behavior face frustration with peers, teachers, and family members.  I work with parents, teachers, and all members of the treatment team to understand each child as fully as possible.  If we're all pulling together, we can accomplish the best for each child!

 My master’s in social work is from the University of Houston. I started my career at Texas Children’s Hospital. Opening my own practice in 2004 gave me the opportunity to focus 100% on children and families and I chose to specialize in play therapy, becoming certified through the Association of Play Therapy as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor in 2015.

I work with children who have experienced trauma and abuse, who have been adopted, and who are suffering loss. I welcome and accept lesbian and gay parents, gender variant children, and other non-traditional family configurations, including families by choice and community. I offer play therapy training, supervision, and consultation to other professionals who serve children & families.

I’m a long-time Houstonian and love our city’s spirit of inclusion and community. It’s been a wonderful place to live, explore, and raise a family and business. I’m a straight-shooter who works really hard to practice what I teach. My amazing husband and now big kids are stars in my stories of real-life family trial and error!