Licensed Master Social Worker
Thora Ansell Kingsley is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) specializing in child and adolescent therapy for ages 4–17, with particular expertise in anxiety, ADHD, executive functioning, school refusal, and school-related challenges, serving families in Bellaire, TX and the greater Houston area in-person and via telehealth throughout Texas.
Focus Areas & Specialties
- Child and adolescent therapy for children ages 4-12 and teens ages 13-17
- Anxiety disorders in children and tweens
- ADHD and executive functioning support for children and tweens
- Behavioral concerns in children ages 4-8
- School refusal and other school-related challenges, including IEP and 504 process coaching and support
- Emotional regulation and social skills development
- Family therapy and parent coaching, including guidance for parents on how to talk to kids about puberty and sexual development
- Works well with kids who have a hard time putting their feelings into words, and with families looking for a practical, hands-on approach to therapy
Education & Training
- Master of Social Work (MSW), Clinical Practice, University of Houston
- Bachelor of Science, Teaching & Learning (Generalist, Early Childhood-6th Grade)
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Texas License #111398
- Texas educator certifications: TExES Core Subjects EC-6, Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR EC-12), English as a Second Language (ESL Supplemental)
- Clinical internship at The Menninger Clinic, with focused training in group therapy, brief interventions, and child and adolescent work
- Continuing education in trauma-sensitive schools, crisis prevention, brain-based regulation strategies, neurodiversity-informed behavioral evaluation, poverty and toxic stress, case conceptualization, personality disorders, childhood OCD behavioral treatment, generalized anxiety disorder, and eating disorders
Experience & Background
Thora’s path into therapy began in education: she taught in Houston-area schools, including International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, before becoming a school-based social worker. That dual background in teaching and clinical social work shapes her particular skill at breaking down what feels overwhelming for a child into something manageable. She has presented on social-emotional classroom management for preschool teachers at A Children’s Village at West University Baptist Church, delivered social-emotional intervention training for teachers at River Oaks Elementary School (HISD), and co-presented the live webinar “Tackling Test Anxiety: Helping Students Build Confidence & Calm” with The Enrichery and Bellaire Family Counseling.
Approach
Thora uses a play based, creative, and solution focused approach to working with clients. She incorporates elements from DBT, CBT, ACT, and Child-Centered Play Therapy. Her approach draws on hands-on activities, conversation, and skill-building depending on what a child or teen needs in the moment. She meets clients where they are rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, considering age, personality, strengths, and goals in shaping each session. Her education background gives her a particular strength in helping kids and families understand that struggling with something – school, friendships, big emotions – doesn’t mean a child isn’t capable; often it means they haven’t yet found the right tools. She describes herself as curious, energetic, and collaborative, comfortable being playful and silly when that serves the moment and slowing down for meaningful conversation when it doesn’t.
Areas Served
- In-person at Bellaire Family Counseling, 5909 W Loop S #490, Bellaire, TX 77401, serving Bellaire, Meyerland, West University, Westbury, River Oaks, Memorial, Piney Point, and the greater Houston area
- Telehealth available anywhere in the state of Texas
Practical Details
- Currently accepting new clients
- Language: English
- Session days: Monday-Thursday, Saturday