About Sheila Wessels

Sheila Wessels, MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S

Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor | Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor
Certified Child-Centered Play Therapist | Certified Professional School Counselor

Hi, I’m Sheila — a child-centered play therapist passionate about supporting children and families as they grow, heal, and connect.

I hold a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Texas State University (a CACREP-accredited program), and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Southwest Texas State University. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), as well as a Certified Child-Centered Play Therapist and Certified Professional School Counselor.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent years as an elementary school teacher and school counselor. That early work gave me a deep understanding of children’s developmental needs and emotional worlds — and inspired my continued commitment to helping kids feel safe, seen, and supported.

I’m an active member of the Association for Play Therapy (APT), the Texas Association for Play Therapy (TAPT), and the Hill Country Chapter of Play Therapy (HCCPT), which allows me to stay connected to current research and practices in the field.

In my practice, I specialize in child-centered play therapy, a developmentally appropriate and evidence-based approach where play is the primary language. I create a warm, welcoming space filled with carefully chosen toys and materials — tools that allow children to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in ways that feel natural to them. In this child-led process, kids are given the freedom to explore, create, and work through their emotions at their own pace, building trust and emotional strength along the way.

Just like talk therapy helps adults process feelings, play therapy helps children make sense of their world — including their fears, wishes, past experiences, and everyday struggles — without needing to put everything into words.

As a therapist, I also believe strongly in working collaboratively with parents and caregivers. While the playroom is the child’s space, I partner with families through regular check-ins, parent consultations, and support — offering insights and tools to help strengthen the parent-child relationship and reinforce progress made in sessions.

My hope is that every child I work with feels safe, capable, and empowered — and that families leave with deeper connection, understanding, and confidence in how to support their child’s emotional growth.

When I’m not in the office, you can find me running around Town Lake, hiking a local trail, or heading out on a road trip to the mountains or the beach with my family. I love movie nights, getting lost in a good book (with coffee in hand), and cheering on my daughters in everything they do. At home, I’m often joined by our golden doodle, Bella—who takes her role as “co-therapist” very seriously, especially when treats or belly rubs are involved. We also love a good family game night, especially if it involves Qwirkle or Rummikub (and a little friendly competition).