Dr. Deborah S. Lyons

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

512-459-1272

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Play Therapy

Children quite naturally express themselves through play. In play therapy, they use carefully selected toys within the therapist’s playroom to safely and symbolically express the things they have difficulty saying with words – their fears, worries, confusion, and wishes – in order to feel better. Insight and language aren’t required in play therapy. As a treatment approach it is highly beneficial for young children (ages three and beyond). Treatment requires the presence of a therapist formally trained in play therapy that understands and can interpret the symbolic elements of play.

Play therapy helps children to:

  • Heal from stressful or traumatic experiences
  • Communicate problems and concerns to others
  • Play out issues pertaining to the future
  • Deal with separation, divorce or other family changes
  • Develop more secure relationships
  • Bridge delays in social-emotional functioning
  • Cope with chronic illness
  • Express grief

 

Through play therapy the child learns healthier ways of interacting with others and of coping with difficult situations. Problematic behaviors give rise to more adaptive ones. Children leave the play therapy experience better able to devote their energies to maintaining self-control, coping with life changes, and demonstrate increased levels of self-confidence and self-esteem.

Any child with a problem that needs intervention or modification (behavioral, psychological, interpersonal, and medical) would make a good candidate for play therapy.

The type of play therapy that I do includes child-centered play therapy, sand tray therapy, and filial therapy.

In traditional Child-Centered Play Therapy, the trained play therapist meets with parents or caregivers first and then works on his/her own with the child for a number of weeks or months. The child’s play sessions are private and the child forms an attachment relationship with the play therapist. The play therapist intervenes through talk and play to address behavioral/emotional concerns during the sessions. During the course of treatment, I meet with parents regularly to give them feedback and discuss the child’s progress.

Sand Tray Therapy is a wonderful treatment modality for children, because it takes place in the child’s own natural language of symbols and opens the way for self-expression of feelings and conflicts that were inaccessible by talk alone. By incorporating a familiar medium, sand, the child instantly achieves a sense of comfort and security. Children are free to select from miniature human figures, fantasy and folklore figures, animals, buildings, vehicles, objects from nature, and other toys to create something in the sand that is representative of the child’s world. Both the child and the therapist come to better understand the emotional struggles so that they can be resolved.

Filial therapy is a closely related form of child-centered play therapy that that utilizes the parent-child (or primary caregiver) relationship to facilitate healing. The parent, who is present in child therapy sessions, has been coached by the play therapist to use new techniques in dealing with their child. Filial therapy helps parents develop a more consistent parenting style and self-confidence as parents, as well as ways to deal with frustrations in the family and with daily life.

Because filial play therapy is a developmentally attuned way of communicating and understanding one’s child, it can be used with nearly all child problems. It has also had great success in helping parents and children to form closer, happier, and more trusting relationships. Studies have shown that play therapy can have better results when parents are involved in the process.

I imagine at this point you’re wondering what therapy involves, and what you’d be getting into. And even if you’ve been to therapy before, you’ve not been in a session with me. So let me take some time to explain the treatment process to you.
It all begins with an email or a phone call from you. When people make that first connection, it’s hard to wait, they’re eager to get started. And I know that, so I will personally respond to your call, usually within the same day. When I call you, I’m going to ask you some questions to find out if we’re the right fit for each other. I’ll also tell you a little bit about my process, and we’ll schedule our first appointment together. The first appointment I refer to as the “intake interview.” I’ll also direct you to areas on my website that contain my forms, and I’ll have you complete an intake packet and bring it with you to our intake interview. If you have previous evaluations, or other documents that you think will help me to understand you and your needs better, I encourage you to bring copies of those to the first appointment as well.
Once we have the intake interview, people are very eager to begin therapy, and the intake interview is the first part of the process of starting therapy together. Usually people are very nervous when they come to the first appointment, that’s normal. I would be nervous if I were meeting a stranger for the first time. People sometimes have an image of a therapist as somebody who just sits back and doesn’t respond much and listens a lot, and I want you to know that is not me. I am very, very eager to want to get to know you and to understand your problems and to figure out what we can do together to help you.
During the intake interview I’m going to ask you questions about yourself. I want to know more about your background; I want to know about your educational history, your work history. I’ll ask you questions about your medical history, your family history, and I want to know particularly information about the history of the problem that brings you in to see me. We’ll work together to identify goals for your therapy, and then I will offer you some recommendations about how I think I can help you to reach those goals.
When the patient is a child, the initial intake interview involves parents or guardians. That appointment is about 90 minutes, and it allows me time to find out about mental history and background about your child. Following that we’ll schedule an appointment for me to spend time one-on-one with your child in my playroom. And that gives me an opportunity to observe your child clinically, get some ideas about what might be going on, but importantly it allows your child a chance to feel comfortable with me, and comfortable in the room. Now sometimes when I’m working with children, I also find it helpful to see the child and his or her parents in the playroom. And I’ll let you know if I think that that’s going to be an important part of our intake process together.
When I’m working with an adolescent the process is a little different. When I’m working with an adolescent, the first appointment is me and the adolescent together. And that allows me to get some information about the adolescent’s perspective on the problem, and it allows the adolescent a chance to feel like this is something that he or she owns, it belongs to them and they’re more invested in therapy. After that interview is concluded then I’ll schedule the full-length interview with parents or guardians to get the rest of the background information. Any time I’m working with your child or your adolescent, I invite you to spend time in my waiting room where you can make yourself comfortable and feel at home.
Once we finish the intake interviews, then we’ll have identified the problems, we’ll have come up with a plan for how to address them, and then we’re ready to start the therapy interventions, so we’re now at the point of starting therapy together. Some of the frequently asked questions I get at this point are; might I need medication as part of my therapy? And if you do, I know some very qualified physicians that I’ll recommend you give a call, and they will help us together in working on your treatment. Another question I’m frequently asked at the beginning of therapy is, how long am I going to need to see you, and how frequently do we need to get together? And really that depends on the severity of your problem and the nature of your problem. Usually people come to see me once a week, and those appointments are about 45 to 50 minutes in length. I find it very, very helpful to meet with parents on a regular basis, and that allows me a chance to get updates from you on things that are happening outside of the therapy, I can give you updates on your child or adolescent’s progress in therapy, and it’s a chance for us to coordinate the treatment together.
What makes me different from a lot of the other practitioners is that you’ll get very personal service from me in my practice. There’s no middleman, there’s no secretaries or receptionists, there’s no body else you have to tell the story to. It’s just you and me on this journey together, and at the end of the journey it’s my fondest hope that you’ll be in a better place.

  • Dr. Lyons was an effective and compassionate therapist for my needs. She provided me with valuable insights and ongoing support to encourage my personal growth.  She communicates effectively in ASL and has a deep understanding of Deaf Culture and the challenges that Deaf clients face in society.

    S.J. - Deaf Therapy Patient

  • At the time of my son's first visit with Dr. Lyons, he had few friends, was lacking basic conversational skills and had low self esteem.  Dr. Lyons not only taught him the social skills to be successful in middle school and high school,  but she gave him the skills and self confidence to be successful in life.   It was hard work, but the benefits have been priceless.

    R.W. - Adolescent Therapy Patient

  • I visited Dr. Lyons for several years through middle school into high school, and saw noticeable improvements in my physical health. I have not had chest pains or migraines in years!

    M.O.  - Adolescent Therapy Patient

  • During a time when my identity was wrapped solely around the needs of others, Deborah Lyons provided me tools to develop an stronger, confident and self-loving person. On the heels of an international move, she helped me navigate the complexity of my divorce and custody battle. Her expertise and emotional support provided me with an understanding of how events in my life led to an unhealthy and frustrating situation. By learning to trust my intuition I gained a sense of autonomy and empowerment I didn't realize existed before meeting her. My current success is a direct and measurable result of therapy sessions with her.

    S.N. - Adult Therapy Patient

  • I asked my daughter what her favorite thing about going to see Dr Lyons was.  Her answer was that she got to play board games after school with her. The game collection is amazing and helped my daughter relax when she was first starting with Dr. Lyons.

    E.R. - Child Therapy Patient

  • There is no one more significant in the village that helped us raise our four children (two boys and two girls) than Dr. Lyons. Beginning with grief counseling when our youngest was in the third grade through four varied adolescent experiences with all their twists and turns, she worked wonders through her professional blend of knowledge, patience, creativity, and nurture. She taught us that individual challenges are always family matters. And now that our kids are grown and moving on, we all believe that our family is deeply indebted to Dr. Lyons for the helping hand she repeatedly provided each and every time we needed it.

    D.G. and N.G. - Family Therapy Patients

  • After searching the United States for a psychologist to evaluate our deaf daughter, we travelled to Austin for Dr. Lyons to test her.  Our daughter, in addition to being deaf has multiple disabilities, she is a real challenge.  Dr. Lyons met that challenge, she was caring and creative in her testing. She was on the floor with our daughter because that's what it took to get the task done!  Dr. Lyons has always been there as a support for our family.

    C.E. - Deaf Child Psychological Evaluation

  • Debbie helped our family through a frightening, sad time with her thoughtful, supportive approach to the collaborative process and amazing ability to translate our sometimes very negative comments into useful dialogue.  Post-divorce, my children and I are doing very well and Debbie continues to be excited to hear about our welfare.  She is a gem!

    HM (Happy Mom) - Collaborative Divorce Case

  • My son saw Dr. Lyons for almost 3 years between the 4th and 6th grades.  He benefitted tremendously from her counsel during this time.  Dr. Lyons was easy to work with and was spot on in her assessment of my son and where he was struggling.  At the end of each session, we debriefed on, not only on how that week's session had gone, but also on how the strategies she and my son were working on were translating into his world outside of her office.  I appreciated that she was holistic in her approach and really wanted to work with his school to ensure the techniques and strategies were utilized in that environment, as well.  She often helped me to understand how to talk to the school to seek out the right kind of assistance from them.  I would and have recommended her to others who are looking for Clinical Psychologists for their child.

    K.G. - Child Therapy Patient

  • I sought the assistance of Dr. Lyons as a college student who was struggling with the demands of a rigorous curriculum. Dr. Lyons did a thorough assessment of my attention difficulties and I was able to get a diagnosis and report that not only informed the way I navigated my studies but also could have enabled me to receive the appropriate support from my University if I chose to seek it. Throughout the process, Dr. Lyons validated my concerns about the learning process and helped me to better understand myself as a learner.  My experience with her was invaluable and I believe strongly that the self-awareness that Dr. Lyons helps foster is a powerful tool for any student.  Dr. Lyons is a compassionate and dedicated professional who truly has made a difference in my life.

    Gratefully,
    R.S. - Adult Therapy Patient

  • I'm extremely pleased with the correct diagnosis (not ADHD) and treatment my child received under Dr Lyons care.  She is now a college student and able to enjoy life without all the extra challenges she faced before treatment.

    S.O. - Adolescent Therapy Patient

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I sought the assistance of Dr. Lyons as a college student who was struggling with the demands of a rigorous curriculum. Dr. Lyons did a thorough assessment of my attention difficulties and I was able to get a diagnosis and report that not only informed the way I navigated my studies but also could have enabled me to receive the appropriate support from my University if I chose to seek it. Throughout the process, Dr. Lyons validated my concerns about the learning process and helped me to better understand myself as a learner.  My experience with her was invaluable and I believe strongly that the self-awareness that Dr. Lyons helps foster is a powerful tool for any student.  Dr. Lyons is a compassionate and dedicated professional who truly has made a difference in my life.
Gratefully,

R.S. - Adult Therapy Patient March 1, 2016

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There is no one more significant in the village that helped us raise our four children (two boys and two girls) than Dr. Lyons. Beginning with grief counseling when our youngest was in the third grade through four varied adolescent experiences with all their twists and turns, she worked wonders through her professional blend of knowledge, patience, creativity, and nurture. She taught us that individual challenges are always family matters. And now that our kids are grown and moving on, we all believe that our family is deeply indebted to Dr. Lyons for the helping hand she repeatedly provided each and every time we needed it.

D.G. and N.G. - Family Therapy Patients March 1, 2016

default image

I asked my daughter what her favorite thing about going to see Dr Lyons was.  Her answer was that she got to play board games after school with her. The game collection is amazing and helped my daughter relax when she was first starting with Dr. Lyons.

E.R. - Child Therapy Patient March 1, 2016

default image

I'm extremely pleased with the correct diagnosis (not ADHD) and treatment my child received under Dr Lyons care.  She is now a college student and able to enjoy life without all the extra challenges she faced before treatment.

S.O. - Adolescent Therapy Patient March 1, 2016

default image

Dr. Lyons was an effective and compassionate therapist for my needs. She provided me with valuable insights and ongoing support to encourage my personal growth.  She communicates effectively in ASL and has a deep understanding of Deaf Culture and the challenges that Deaf clients face in society.

 

S.J. - Deaf Therapy Patient  March 1, 2016

default image

Debbie helped our family through a frightening, sad time with her thoughtful, supportive approach to the collaborative process and amazing ability to translate our sometimes very negative comments into useful dialogue.  Post-divorce, my children and I are doing very well and Debbie continues to be excited to hear about our welfare.  She is a gem!

HM (Happy Mom) - Collaborative Divorce Case March 1, 2016

default image

After searching the United States for a psychologist to evaluate our deaf daughter, we travelled to Austin for Dr. Lyons to test her.  Our daughter, in addition to being deaf has multiple disabilities, she is a real challenge.  Dr. Lyons met that challenge, she was caring and creative in her testing. She was on the floor with our daughter because that's what it took to get the task done!  Dr. Lyons has always been there as a support for our family.

C.E. - Deaf Child Psychological Evaluation March 1, 2016

default image

My son saw Dr. Lyons for almost 3 years between the 4th and 6th grades.  He benefitted tremendously from her counsel during this time.  Dr. Lyons was easy to work with and was spot on in her assessment of my son and where he was struggling.  At the end of each session, we debriefed on, not only on how that week's session had gone, but also on how the strategies she and my son were working on were translating into his world outside of her office.  I appreciated that she was holistic in her approach and really wanted to work with his school to ensure the techniques and strategies were utilized in that environment, as well.  She often helped me to understand how to talk to the school to seek out the right kind of assistance from them.  I would and have recommended her to others who are looking for Clinical Psychologists for their child.

K.G. - Child Therapy Patient March 1, 2016

default image

During a time when my identity was wrapped solely around the needs of others, Deborah Lyons provided me tools to develop an stronger, confident and self-loving person. On the heels of an international move, she helped me navigate the complexity of my divorce and custody battle. Her expertise and emotional support provided me with an understanding of how events in my life led to an unhealthy and frustrating situation. By learning to trust my intuition I gained a sense of autonomy and empowerment I didn't realize existed before meeting her. My current success is a direct and measurable result of therapy sessions with her.

S.N. - Adult Therapy Patient March 1, 2016

default image

At the time of my son's first visit with Dr. Lyons, he had few friends, was lacking basic conversational skills and had low self esteem.  Dr. Lyons not only taught him the social skills to be successful in middle school and high school,  but she gave him the skills and self confidence to be successful in life.   It was hard work, but the benefits have been priceless.

R.W. - Adolescent Therapy Patient March 1, 2016

default image

I visited Dr. Lyons for several years through middle school into high school, and saw noticeable improvements in my physical health. I have not had chest pains or migraines in years!

M.O. - Adolescent Therapy Patient March 28, 2016

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About Deborah S. Lyons

headshot

I knew as early as the 7th grade that I wanted to be a psychologist. I pursued this passion with an undergraduate cum laude degree in psychology from Loyola University in Chicago, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in clinical psychology from Auburn University where my training addressed both adult and child populations. My post-graduate training allowed me to further hone my interests in doing family therapy.

I stumbled into my second passion, working with deaf and hard of hearing people, in 1981 and have continued to provide mental health services to these groups in a variety of settings across the U.S. I am fluent in American Sign Language and strongly believe that patients receive the best care when they can communicate directly with their doctor. In addition to the work I do in my practice with deaf people, I also serve as a consultant and team member to the Cochlear Implant Program at the Dell Children’s Medical Center.

My other areas of professional interest include the field of Collaborative Divorce and the New Ways for Families program, both of which offer compassionate and successful ways of helping children and families.

I hold dual licenses in the state of Texas, as both a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. I have over 30 years experience in the mental health field and for 20 of those years have maintained a private practice in Austin, Texas.

I work with children, teens, adults and families, and provide a warm, empathic and supportive environment in which clients can reach their goals and go on to lead more satisfying and rewarding lives. My work with children and adolescents is recognized for its inclusive approach, and I team closely with parents, schools and other professionals to maximize the treatment’s success.

I am a big-city, mid-western girl who found her way from Chicago to small-town Alabama, to the mountains of Napa Valley, before settling in the rolling hills of Austin in 1999. I balance my passion for my work by going off the grid to read, practice yoga and meditation, play with my dogs, and hike in one of America’s National Parks. You’ll find me rooting for the Chicago Cubs during baseball season, but it’s all about college football in the Fall, when I’ll be spending many a Saturday watching Auburn games with friends.

Deborah's Blog

About

Dr. Deborah S. Lyons is a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed specialist in school psychology located in Austin, Texas.

4310 Medical Parkway Suite 103
Austin, Texas 78756
512-459-1272

Dr. Deborah S. Lyons is also a Board Certified Telehealth Professional, and has Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) under PSYPACT.

License Information for Telehealth Patients
Deborah S. Lyons, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TX License #24557; Expiration 7/31/2020) and a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (TX License #30166; Expiration 7/31/2020).  For information on how to verify  license, please go to  www.tsbep.texas.gov.  For information on how to file a complaint, please go to the following page: https://www.tsbep.texas.gov/how-to-file-a-complaint-enforcement.

Recommended Resources

Collaborative Divorce Texas
High Conflict Institute
Texas Psychological Association
American Psychological Association
National Register of Health Service Psychologists
Opencare
Telebehavioral Health Institute
Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards

Certified Professional - Evergreen Certifications
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Top 10 Psychology Clinics in Austin
Deborah S. Lyons, Ph.D. has been recognized as one of the top Austin Psychology practices.

This Collaborative Divorce Professional is Credentialed by Collaborative Divorce Texas

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