Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Davis.
Hi Linda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In graduate school, I studied counseling at University of North Texas. When I discovered play therapy, I knew that was the path that I had been preparing for my entire life. I was fortunate enough to study under Dr. Garry Landreth, who is internationally known for his work with children. It was there that I studied the art of Child-Centered Play Therapy, which is an evidence-based approach to mental health treatment.
After graduate school, I worked with children and their families – initially in a First Offender Program, teaching classes and counseling children and their parents who were involved in the juvenile justice system, and then in a Day Treatment Program, helping to provide intensive, structured treatment for children with severe mental health and behavioral issues.
Next, I moved on to become a counselor for a school that served as the most restrictive environment for students in the special education program in Irving ISD. These children were considered to be a “danger to self and others” and needed more focused attention than the traditional school environment was able to give them. Then, I became a counselor in a traditional elementary school – teaching positive emotional skills in the classrooms and working individually with students as needed.
Throughout my career, I also worked with parents and other adults who were important in the lives of the children I counseled – helping them with whatever challenges they were facing.
After this, I enjoyed my time as a stay-at-home mom for a number of years. I am blessed with 2 amazing children and treasured the time that I am able to spend with them!
In the past year, I returned to the workforce – helping children, parents and individuals of all ages learn to thrive with emotional issues, mental health conditions, and other life challenges.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been smooth at times and rocky during others – with many winding, twisty turns along the way…and I wouldn’t have it any other way. As a therapist, I do not expect things to come easily. Then I would be out of a job!
I do remember one of my earliest clients – a 3 year old boy. Many people wonder how children as young as 3 years old can have mental health challenges, but I have seen a number of them. This particular one grew up in an emotionally unstable household – with two parents who loved him but did not have the tools necessary to create a calm environment for their children. One morning, this little boy was particularly out of sorts, which would bring him to act in an aggressive manner. He ran from my office and darted around the corner into the staff lounge. I followed him and opened the door to the lounge to find him filling up an empty coffee pot with boiling water. When I entered the room, he threw the pot of boiling water at my head. Thankfully, I ducked quickly enough to avoid injury – and witnessed it crashing into the door behind me. That was a close call!
Another time, I was working in the school serving as the most restrictive environment for special education students. One of our students had, as a younger child, ridden in the back seat when his mom and her boyfriend bombed the house of her parole officer. Needless to say, this child suffered emotionally from this incident. Years later, when he attended our school, he became angry and told another student that he planned to bomb our school the next day. We reported this to the police and arranged to have a police officer on site the next day – equipped with a metal detector. Although he did not carry out his plan that day, the authorities visited his house the next day with a search warrant and found bomb-making materials in his garage. We were grateful that we took his threat seriously!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Linda Bair Davis, M.Ed., PLLC?
I am honored to be working out of Stokan and Associates – led by Dr. Debra Stokan, who was named Best Psychiatrist in both the Memorial and Katy/Fulshear editions of Living Magazine’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
With my background of working with children and adults, as well as being a Certified Autism Specialist, I have experience working with a wide range of individuals, from those with or without a formal diagnosis, to those who are neurodivergent (such as autistic, those with anxiety, ADHD, sensory differences, and a number of other diagnoses).
As a Registered Play Therapist & Certified AutPlay Therapist, I believe in the power of play as a therapeutic tool when appropriate, allowing clients to express themselves, meet their needs and reach their goals in ways that are meaningful to them.
I offer support for individuals and families in every age and stage of life, focusing on emotional regulation, self control, coping strategies, managing anxiety, & social navigation. During our sessions, I strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and foster personal growth.
In addition, the depth and range of my work and life experiences have made me who I am as a therapist. Many of the children and families I have worked with had severe emotional challenges – and through this, I have learned various ways of assisting a wide range of individuals. There’s not a lot I haven’t seen or experienced! As a parent of neurodivergent children, I can relate to many of the struggles that parents endure – and have worked with my own children to meet their needs and goals in spite of their challenges. Furthermore, I have personally encountered a range of hurdles in my life – most recently through my battle with Lymphoma. These experiences have strengthened me and shown me how to not only survive significant challenges, but thrive and come out stronger from having endured them.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Dr. Garry Landreth taught me most of what I know about Play Therapy, and served as an invaluable mentor for me. Additionally, my family has been my greatest cheerleaders – specifically when returning to the workforce. They have done an incredible job of championing me towards my goal. I also have many amazing friends who have supported me, cheered me on, and been my shoulder to cry on throughout my life as a therapist. Furthermore, the staff at Stokan and Associates have come alongside me and made my transition easier than I could have imagined. It truly takes a village and I have the best one!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stokan.net/linda-davis
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stokanassociates
