“Everyone is welcome in the playroom!”

Sydney Pimentel-Rushing

Sydney Pimentel-Rushing

M.Ed, Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR Trained

TX 97744

My name is Sydney Pimentel-Rushing and I am a licensed professional counselor, and registered play therapist in training, who is under the supervision of Erin Johnston LPC-S #72520. My professional background began as a teacher’s aide at Stephen F. Austin’s Early Childhood Lab in the infant room. This is truly where my passion for being with kids and for being a mom began. From there, I was an elementary teacher for three years and a professional school counselor for two years. My time spent in Texas public schools now allows me to support parents in navigating IEP’s, ARD’s, child development and behavioral challenges. Often times students need their emotional needs met prior to being able to thrive in school.

Prior to working in private practice, I ran psychoeducational groups for a virtual IOP program. This allowed me to serve a diverse population of clients who may have been struggling with depression, anxiety, court violations, and bipolar disorder. I also have years of experience working with neurodivergent children, specifically those on the autistic spectrum, through ABA therapy and special education support.

I currently specialize in child centered play therapy and firmly believe in the healing power of play. Play can help bridge the gap between the abstract, a.k.a children’s emotional struggles, and the here and now, a.k.a. how children naturally experience the world. My job is to provide a purposefully structured therapeutic environment that creates a sense of complete safety. It is only then that the child can feel free enough to begin to let their subconscious surface into the play.

Other evidenced-based therapeutic theories I draw from include EMDR, solution focused therapy, and dialectal behavioral therapy I believe counseling is not a “one-size-fits-all” practice, and am happy to incorporate art, journaling, role-playing, and various other therapeutic exercises with my clients.

I specialize in working with the following populations…

• Children seeking play therapy ages 3-10 years old (may be struggling with behavioral issues, self-esteem or attachment issues)

• Teenagers (may be struggling with engaging in risky behavior)

• Young adults who are struggling to transition into adulthood (may be struggling to find independence)

I believe that small changes have the most impact on our lives and that everyone is capable of growth. Impactful therapy begins with a solid therapeutic relationship between therapist and client. I hope to support you in your life journey, and earn your support as I work towards full licensing. I hope to convey to all that I see you, I hear you, I care about you, and that you matter!

• BCBS TX

• United Health Care

• Aetna

• Cigna

• $112 Self-Pay Rate