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Alicia Kientz, MA, LPC, in Richardson, TX

I help children, teens and adults overcome trauma and ADHD through proven methods and personalized strategies.

Alicia Kientz, LPC, a Trauma & Play Therapist at Hope Speaks in Richardson TX

Alicia Kientz is a compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor at Hope Speaks in Richardson, TX. She specializes in trauma, anxiety, and life transitions, offering a unique blend of expressive arts and Gestalt therapy for clients of all ages, from young children to adults.

My Therapeutic Approach & Specialties

I believe in the power of curiosity and compassion to create change. My approach is holistic, viewing you as a whole person—mind, body, and spirit. We will move at your pace because every step forward counts.

My key specialties include:

  • Trauma & Anxiety: Helping you process past experiences and manage overwhelming worries.
  • Expressive Arts Therapy: Using creativity to explore emotions beyond words.
  • Play Therapy: Providing a safe, natural way for children to express themselves and heal.
  • Life Transitions: Supporting you through change with courage and clarity.

Who I Help

I work with a diverse range of clients, including:

  • Children (3+): Using play therapy to address anxiety, trauma, and behavioral challenges.
  • Teens & Adolescents: Navigating identity, school stress, and emotional regulation.
  • Adults (up to 35): Processing trauma, managing anxiety, and building authentic relationships.

My Counseling Techniques & Training

I draw from evidence-based methods tailored to your unique needs:

  • Gestalt Therapy: Focuses on increasing your awareness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment. We explore how past experiences shape your current life, helping you feel more whole and connected to yourself.
  • Play Therapy: Allows children to express themselves using toys as their words and play as their language. This approach helps them process experiences and build skills in a safe, comfortable way.
  • Expressive Arts: Uses creativity—like art, music, or movement—to help you explore emotions and experiences that are hard to express verbally.
  • Parts Work (IFS-Informed): Gently explores different parts of yourself to promote inner harmony and self-compassion.

Why Choose to Work With Me?

Therapy is a collaborative journey. I provide a space where you can feel seen, heard, and empowered without judgment.

My own love for learning—I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Counseling—fuels my passion for offering you the most effective and compassionate care. When I’m not in the office, you might find me reading a thriller, paddleboarding, or enjoying a competitive game night with friends. These parts of my life remind me of the importance of balance, creativity, and connection—values I bring into our work together.

Your Questions About Starting Therapy

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you’ve already taken the first step by being here. In our sessions, we’ll explore the changes you’re seeking at a pace that feels safe and kind for you. My role is to walk alongside you with curiosity and compassion as you reflect, process, and create meaningful change. You are the expert on your life; I’m here to support and guide you.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Ready to begin your journey? Here’s how to get started:

  1. Schedule Your First Session: Contact our team to book your initial appointment. We’ll securely send you intake forms to complete online before your session.
  2. Begin Your Journey: You’ll enter a calming, supportive space where we’ll start our collaborative work focused entirely on your goals.

Services I provide

Session Length

50 Minutes per session

Investment

Varies with insurance

iNSURANCE Coverage

Aetna

Location

Richardson & virtually across TX.

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Hope Speaks: Your go-to mental health Provider

Mental Health Services I Provide

Frequently asked questions

How does play therapy help a child who won't talk about their feelings?

Play is a child's natural language. In play therapy, toys become their words and play becomes their conversation. A child might express anxiety by how a doll hides from a monster, or process family changes by how characters interact in a sand tray. I am trained to understand this language, allowing me to help them work through challenges without the pressure of direct conversation.

What makes Gestalt therapy different from other types of talk therapy?

While many therapies focus heavily on the 'why' of past events, Gestalt therapy focuses on the 'how' and 'what' of your present experience. We explore how emotions show up in your body right now and what happens in your relationships in the moment. This increased awareness empowers you to make different choices and live more authentically today, not just understand yesterday.

Can you really use art and creativity to treat serious issues like trauma?

Absolutely. Trauma and anxiety can live in parts of the brain that words can't easily access. Expressive arts—like drawing, movement, or sand tray work—bypass the thinking brain and allow for gentle processing of difficult experiences. It’s not about being an artist; it's about using creativity as a tool for exploration and release in a safe, supported way.

I’ve had therapy before that didn’t help. How is your approach different?

My approach is holistic and experiential. Instead of just talking about problems, we will actively explore how they show up in the room with us through role-play, creative expression, and focusing on body awareness. This experiential method often creates breakthroughs where traditional talk therapy can sometimes get stuck, especially for deep-seated patterns or trauma.

Take the first step with Hope Speaks

Your holistic health journey starts here. Schedule your appointment today!
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