Mari Pillaca

Masters Level Student Intern, Supervised by Laura Elpers Pierce, LMFT-S, RPT

Dallas, Texas Therapist Specializing in Play Therapy, Child Therapy, Adolescent and Young Adult Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, Bi- Lingual (Spanish-English)

My approach to counseling is based on the belief that people have within themselves the capacity for change, whether a child, adolescent, or adult. I believe that a therapeutic relationship, built on trust and acceptance allows clients an opportunity to work through their own difficulties to achieve healing with a level of peace and contentment. My primary therapeutic approach is Adlerian, which places a strong emphasis on the significance of relationships, social interactions, and community involvement while fostering individual growth.

As a child of immigrants to the United States, I am the first college graduate in my family. For five years, I have worked as an elementary educator, collaborating closely with students and families to provide support for them. I hold a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies (specializing in elementary education) from The University of Texas at Arlington. I am a masters level intern in the counseling program at Southern Methodist University (SMU). My expected completion date is December 2023. I have completed specialized coursework in play therapy, activity therapy, child-parent relationship therapy, and school counseling. I am the current President of Chi Sigma Iota – Sigma Mu, SMU’s counseling honor society organization.

I have a wonderful two-year-old daughter who brings immense joy to my life. We love exploring the zoo, museums, parks, and attending family-oriented events together.

Additionally, I am fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing me to serve clients from diverse backgrounds providing  bi-lingual counseling, consejería bilingüe.

My rate is $65 for a 50-minute session.. Click here to request an appointment.

A quote that resonates with me:

Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul. -- Friedrich Froebel