Our Philosophy
At The Talking Place, we work with children and adolescents through play and activity therapies to help them manage emotional struggles and to excel personally, emotionally, and academically. Additionally, we provide testing and evaluation services in efforts to better meet the needs of children and isolate any learning differences that may be contributing to increased emotional and/or behavioral challenges both at home and in the classroom setting. We work to equip and empower parents with insight into their child’s/adolescent’s functioning and provide therapeutic parenting support to strengthen the parent-child relationship and to help children thrive in the home setting. We also work with adults in individual therapy to help them overcome life’s hardships.
Because of the impact relationships have on our overall sense of wellbeing, we believe healing may only take place through the context of a safe and unconditional relationship. As such, we strive to build meaningful relationships with our clients in which healing can occur. Ultimately, we consider it an honor and a privilege to walk alongside you and your family in your journey towards growth and healing.
Drs. Howerton and Ener met and became close friends while earning their doctoral degrees in counseling at the University of North Texas (UNT). While in the doctoral program, Dr. Howerton served as the Clinical Assistant Director at the Child and Family Resource Clinic (one of UNT’s two counseling clinics) while Dr. Ener served as the Assessment Assistant Director. They worked closely together on a daily basis and knew that it was their dream to one day open their very own counseling practice aimed at helping children and families.
Our Story
While working at the CFRC, Dr. Howerton had an 8-year-old client whom both she and Dr. Ener worked with in play therapy over several years. This precious little girl lost her father unexpectedly in a tragic accident and worked through her grief process every week in the playroom. One day, while talking with this client’s mother, Dr. Howerton mentioned contemplating names for her soon to be private practice. The little girl’s mother quickly chimed in and stated, “You should name it the Talking Place!” She went on to explain how every Wednesday, this sweet girl would ask her mom as she was picked up from school, “Mom, do we get to go to the talking place today?” And there it was, the Talking Place was born. What a perfect representation of the space we hope to provide to all of our clients; a space where it is safe to talk and play out their feelings, a space that feels like home.
Meet the Team
Dr. Brittany Howerton
Owner, Clinical Director
LPC-S, RPT-S
Dr. Brittany Howerton earned her doctoral degree in counseling with a specialization in play therapy from the University of North Texas. Dr. Howerton's research and clinical expertise focus is on children exhibiting aggressive and disruptive behaviors. Dr. Howerton has provided play therapy services to children demonstrating behavioral concerns in a number of clinical settings including elementary schools, hospitals, and outpatient clinics.
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Dr. Liz Ener
Owner, Assessment Director
LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC
Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Ener holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling, with a specialty in play therapy and diagnostic testing/evaluation, from the world’s top-ranked play therapy program, University of North Texas (UNT). She has worked with children and parents across a number of settings including elementary schools and preschool programs, university clinics, and hospital and nonprofit agency settings.
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Baylee Frank
Baylee Frank, a Licensed Professional Counselor (licensed as Baylee Frank Logsdon) and a Registered Play Therapist, earned her Master’s in Counseling with a specialization in play therapy from Southern Methodist University in August 2023. She works with children and adolescents facing challenges such as anxiety and trauma, offering play and activity therapy, parenting support, and family therapy to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and promote emotional and behavioral growth.
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Clinical Manager
LPC, RPT, NCC
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Renee Rouse is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate under the supervision of Dr. Brittany Howerton, LPC-S, RPT-S. She earned her Master’s degree from Southern Methodist University and works with children, adolescents, individual adults, couples, and families. Renee helps clients navigate concerns such as anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, family conflict, relationship stress, life transitions, and challenges related to self-image, identity, and emotional well-being.
Renee Rouse
Counselor
LPC-Associate, NCC
ADDISON WILLIAMS
Counselor
LPC-Associate, NCC
Addison Williams is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, under the Supervision of Dr. Brittany Howerton, LPC-S, RPT-S, and Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Ener, LPC-S,
RPT-S. She earned her Master's in Counseling from Southern Methodist University with a focus on counseling children and adolescents. Addison provides therapeutic support to young clients navigating a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral concerns.
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Bentley
Canine Counselor
in Training
Bentley, a Miniature Bernedoodle (half Bernese Mountain Dog and half Poodle), is a therapy dog in training and may be seen in the office with Dr. Howerton and/or Dr. Ener. Bentley is sweet, gentle, and eager to connect with others, and he is learning to provide a calm, supportive presence in the therapeutic setting. As he continues training, Bentley is developing the skills to help children and teens feel more comfortable as they navigate worries, big feelings, family changes, and other life stressors.
Dr. Brittany Howerton
Owner, Clinical Director
Dr. Brittany Howerton earned her doctoral degree in counseling with a specialization in play therapy from the University of North Texas. Dr. Howerton's research and clinical expertise focus is on children exhibiting aggressive and disruptive behaviors. Dr. Howerton has provided play therapy services to children demonstrating behavioral concerns in a number of clinical settings including elementary schools, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. Dr. Howerton enjoys collaborating and partnering with parents, teachers, and other advocates in a child’s life in efforts of providing the most holistic care possible. In addition to play therapy services, Dr. Howerton provides evidence-based individual, group, and family based interventions tailored to acutely depressed and anxious adolescents and adults. Dr. Wilson also teaches graduate level counseling courses part time at the University of North Texas. Outside of the Talking Place, Dr. Howerton enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and puppy, Bentley. It is true that life’s sweetest gift is the gift of family, Dr. Howerton looks forward to helping yours!
Specialities
- Play Therapy
- Diagnostic Assessment/Evaluation
- Aggression
- Trauma
- ADD/ADHD Concerns
- Development
- Parenting
- Academic Concerns
- Attachment disorders/disruptions
- Anxiety/Depression
Education
Focus: Play Therapy, Diagnostic Testing/Evaluation
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from West Virginia University, 2012
Focus: Community Counseling
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Texas A&M University, 2010
Major: Psychology; Minor: Neuroscience
Licenses and Certifications
Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, #S3190
Certified Child-Centered Play Therapist Trainer & Supervisor
Certified Child-Parent Relationship Therapist Trainer & Supervisor
Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor,
Registered Play Therapy-Supervisor
Dr. Liz Ener
Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Ener holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling, with a specialty in play therapy and diagnostic testing/evaluation, from the world’s top-ranked play therapy program, University of North Texas (UNT). She has worked with children and parents across a number of settings including elementary schools and preschool programs, university clinics, and hospital and nonprofit agency settings. Previously, Dr. Ener served as a Clinical Therapist in the Rees-Jones Center for Foster Care Excellence at Children’s Hospital Plano and as the Assistant Director for Assessment Services at UNT’s Child and Family Resource Clinic. Dr. Ener also teaches part-time in the Counseling program at Southern Methodist University. When not helping children and families at The Talking Place, Dr. Ener enjoys spending time with friends and family and loves baking, tea, and movies.
Specialities
- Play Therapy
- Diagnostic Assessment/Evaluation
- ADD/ADHD Concerns
- Development
- Parenting
- School Concerns
- Attachment
- Anxiety/Depression
- Grief/Death/Loss
- Trauma
Education
University of North Texas, 2015
Focus: Play Therapy, Diagnostic Testing, Grief/Loss
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
Texas State University, 2010
Focus: Play Therapy
Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences
Baylor University, 2008
Major: Child and Family Studies
Licenses and Certifications
Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, #S2839
Certified Child-Centered Play Therapist Supervisor
Certified Child-Parent Relationship Therapist Supervisor
Certified Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
Owner, Assessment Director
Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor,
Registered Play Therapy-Supervisor,
Nationally Certified Counselor
Renee Rouse
Counselor
Renee Rouse earned her Master’s degree from Southern Methodist University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate under the supervision of Dr. Brittany Howerton, LPC-S, RPT-S. She provides counseling services for children, adolescents, individual adults, couples, and families, and works with clients navigating anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, family conflict, relationship stress, life transitions, and challenges related to self-image and identity. Renee’s approach is grounded in the belief that meaningful growth and healing occur within the context of relationships. She values the role of connection, communication, and belonging in emotional well-being and works collaboratively with clients to deepen insight, foster healthier patterns, and strengthen relationships within the family system. Her work is guided by a desire to help clients better understand themselves and one another while developing the tools needed to move through life’s challenges with greater confidence, clarity, and resilience. Renee creates a warm, supportive, and respectful therapeutic environment where clients feel seen, encouraged, and empowered to pursue meaningful, lasting change.
Specialities
- Children & Adolescents
- Couples & Family Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- Anxiety
- Emotional Regulation
- Behavioral Concerns
- Life Transitions
- Relationship Concerns
- Self-Image/Identity Development
- Pre-Marital Support and Marriage Enrichment through Prepare and Enrich
Education
Focus: Marriage, Families, & Couples
Bachelor of Arts in Health & Safety, Certificate in Pre-Health Professions
University of Texas at Austin, 2021
Licenses and certifications
Nationally Certified Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate,
Nationally Certified Counselor
Baylee Frank
Clinical Manager
Baylee Frank is a Licensed Professional Counselor (licensed under Baylee Frank Logsdon) in the state of Texas and a Registered Play Therapist. Baylee completed her Master's in Science in Counseling in August 2023, with a specialty in play therapy, from Southern Methodist University. She provides services to children and adolescents experiencing a range of difficulties, including anxiety and trauma. Baylee is passionate about creating a safe, consistent, and nonjudgmental environment to help children feel accepted and free. Baylee believes in the power of strengthening the bond between caregivers and children by enhancing understanding and communication. Baylee enjoys building a meaningful counseling relationship with children and their caregivers in order to create lasting, positive change. Baylee trusts that play therapy has the ability to help children move toward self-enhancing ways of being; and she is excited to display empathy, patience, and unconditional positive regard to her clients.
Specialities
- Play Therapy
- Anxiety/Depression
- Disruptive Behaviors
- School Concerns
- Trauma
- Grief/Death/Loss
Education
Southern Methodist University, August 2023
Focus: Play Therapy
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Pepperdine University, 2020
Minor: Hispanic Studies
LIcenses and certifications
Registered Play Therapist, T7250
Nationally Certified Counselor, #1727731
Certified Child-Centered Play Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor,
Registered Play Therapist,
Nationally Certified Counselor
Bentley
Therapy Dog in Training
- Please let Bentley approach you first.
- Use calm voices and slow movements around him.
- Ask before petting him.
- Please do not offer food or treats.
- If your child is nervous around dogs, just let us know — Bentley redirects easily.
For more information on Animal Assisted Therapy, go here.
Specialities
- Anxiety/Depression
- School Concerns
- Trauma
- Grief/Death/Loss
Addison Williams
Counselor
Addison Williams is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate working under the supervision of Dr. Brittany Howerton, LPC-S, RPT-S, and Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Ener, LPC-S, RPT-S. She earned her Master’s degree from Southern Methodist University in December 2025 with a focus on counseling children and adolescents. Addison provides therapeutic support to young clients navigating a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral concerns. She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where children and adolescents can explore their emotions, build resilience, and thrive. Drawing from child-centered play therapy, expressive arts, and trauma- informed practices, Addison helps children and adolescents process their experiences in developmentally appropriate and meaningful ways. Addison also works collaboratively with families, believing in the healing power of connection to foster stronger communication, and deeper, meaningful bonds. She promotes stronger family dynamics and growth by integrating empathy, education, and purposeful engagement. Addison is committed to nurturing growth, self-expression, and emotional well-being for children and adolescents.
Specialities
- Play Therapy
- Disruptive Behaviors
- Anxiety/Depression
- School Concerns
- Trauma
- Expressive Arts
- Grief/Death/Loss
Education
Souther Methodist University, December 2025
Focus: Play Therapy
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Minor in Child Development
Texas Christian University, 2022
Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, Nationally Certified Counselor
LIcenses and certifications
Nationally Certified Counselor, #1742290
How to Get Started
An Overview of our Intake Process
step one
Our intake process begins with you and/or your family’s needs. Call us at 469.640.0846 or complete our online contact form for a free phone consultation.
step Two
We will return your call to listen to your concerns and assess your needs. If it is determined during our phone consultation that we are not able to meet your needs, referrals will be provided.
step Three
Following our phone consultation, if it is determined we can meet your needs, we will schedule an intake appointment, in which you will meet with one of our providers to discuss your concerns in greater detail. During the intake we can answer questions you might have and will review necessary paperwork/documentation.
step Four
At the end of your intake appointment, your provider will provide treatment recommendations. If you feel comfortable with the provided recommendations, follow-up appointments will be scheduled.
