About Riley

Riley is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Dr Wendy Bates of DTA and Kemberly Edwards LPC-S. Riley completed her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Texas in December 2022 and is currently continuing her education by pursuing a doctoral degree in counseling at UNT. Riley has experience working in community mental health with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in university counseling clinics, and in a domestic violence agency. Riley is a trained play therapist and enjoys working with clients of all ages. Her interests include working with neurodivergent folks, individuals in foster/adoptive families, and people with religious trauma.

Riley operates from a person-centered orientation which means she believes that the foundation for effective counseling is a safe, authentic relationship. Throughout our lives we all pick up messages that say, “I am only lovable if …”. These messages cause us to experience discomfort when we feel ourselves as we truly are does not line up with who we believe we must be in order to be accepted. With this perspective in mind, Riley will work with you to develop a relationship characterized by genuineness, warm acceptance, and understanding so that you will increase your understanding and acceptance of yourself and others, and your ability to cope with the stresses of life, among other positive changes.

When working with children, Riley utilizes Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). Play is children’s first language. It is how they communicate and make sense of the world before they have all the words to express their experiences. In the playroom, children will have the opportunity to direct their own play, allowing them to express that which is most pertinent to them, while Riley provides reflections throughout their play to help put words and understanding to the experiences they’re sharing. In such an environment, it has been shown that children are able to increase their self-confidence, self-control, and ability to communicate and cope with emotions more effectively. 

For fun, Riley loves spending time with her husband and two kids, playing with the family pets, rock climbing, and practicing yoga.

Riley is currently accepting clients in the Fort Worth office and via telehealth. To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with her, please email rbasil@dtacare.com.