Family Therapists in Hays, KS

Helping children, adolescents, and parents understand emotions, build stronger connections, and find real solutions, so your family can thrive.

You know your child is struggling, and you want to support them, but figuring out the how feels overwhelming. You’ve tried different approaches, read the parenting advice, and done everything you can think of, yet you’re still feeling stuck.


The truth is, emotional challenges aren’t something kids just "grow out of." Their behavior is communication, and they need a safe space to process their emotions and build the skills to navigate life’s challenges.

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual.

I know because I’ve been there myself.


I’ve felt the frustration of not knowing how to respond to big emotions, the guilt of wondering if I was handling things the right way, and the exhaustion of trying to hold everything together. We’ve questioned if I was doing enough, if I was saying the right things, if I was truly meeting my child’s needs.


But through education of neuroscience I learned something powerful—behavior is communication, and connection is the foundation of healing. Kids don’t need perfect parents; they need parents who are willing to understand, grow, and support them in the ways that matter most.


That’s why we do this work. Because we know how it feels to want the best for your child but not always know how to get there. And we also know that with the right support, guidance, and tools, parenting can feel less overwhelming, and your child can truly thrive.

family therapists in hays kansas

Parenting is full of moments that make you question yourself, but what if you could start trusting yourself?. ď»ż

Believing your child’s behavior is just "bad" or defiant.
When emotions run high, it’s easy to feel frustrated. But the truth is, behavior is communication. Your child isn’t trying to make things difficult—they’re trying to express something they don’t yet have the words for.

Thinking your child should just “grow out of it.”
Emotional regulation isn’t something kids automatically develop on their own. Just like learning to read, they need guidance and support to understand their emotions and reactions.

Feeling like you should be able to handle everything on your own. Parenting isn’t meant to be a solo journey. You’re not failing if you need help—you’re doing what’s best for your child by seeking support.

Assuming therapy is only for “big” problems. Therapy isn’t just for crisis moments. It’s a proactive step toward helping your child develop confidence, resilience, and healthy emotional skills that will benefit them for life.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. 

We  believe that every child deserves to feel seen, understood, and supported—and that no parent should have to navigate this journey alone.

At New Connections Mental Health, we operate on a simple but powerful truth: behavior is communication, connection is the foundation of healing, and emotional regulation is a skill that can be learned.


Your child isn’t broken. They don’t need to "just toughen up" or "grow out of it." What they need is a safe space to process their emotions, build confidence, and develop the tools to navigate life’s challenges. And as a parent, you deserve the guidance and support to help them thrive.


If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, take a deep breath. You’re in the right place, and help is here. Let’s work together to create the change you and your child deserve.

Welcome- I’m Michelle Holdeman founder of New Connections Mental Health group practice

I built this practice because I believe in the power of play, connection, and education to transform families. Therapy isn’t about fixing problems—it’s about fostering resilience, strengthening relationships, and creating a future where your child feels secure, confident, and capable.


I specialize in working with children ages 3-17 dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and trauma. I have experience working in schools, mental health hospitals, community mental health, and foster care settings. I graduated with my Masters in Social in 2006 and completed my clinical independent license and Registered Play Therapist (™) credential in 2023.


I am trained in CPRT (Child Parent Relationship Training), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)  a psychotherapy treatment that is designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation.

Meet the team

Here you can learn a little more about us.

  • Krysten Watkins, LMSW - specializing in children ages 3-12

    Licensed Master Social Worker


    Krysten provides therapy to children ages 3-12. Krysten is currently working on obtaining her registered play therapy certification. 


    Krystens' focus on child-centered play therapy emphasizes the importance of play in therapeutic interventions with children. This approach recognizes that play is a natural medium through which children express themselves, process emotions, and work through challenges. This approach can be particularly beneficial for children processing trauma, building self-esteem, and developing healthier coping mechanisms.


    Krysten has been in the social work field for 20 years. She earned her bachelor's in social work from Washburn University and then her master's in social work from the University of Kansas. 


    She has worked with many different populations in the social work field, including mothers and infants, children, psychiatric adults, and the geriatric population. 

  • Stephanie Cross LMSW - specializing with teens and adults

    Stephanie is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Stephanie works with teens and adults.


    Stephanie utilizes a creative blend of talk therapy, play, art, and sand tray therapies to help tweens and teens process emotions, increase self regulation and build resilience. 

     

    Stephanie is trained in TST (a comprehensive model for treating traumatic stress), IFS (internal family systems; an evidence-based therapy, helping people heal by accessing and healing their protective and wounded inner parts). Stephanie helps individuals dealing with PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and autism. 


    Stephanie has been in the field for over 15 years, and received her Master's degree in social work from Fort Hays State University.

  • Ashley Harrison LCPC - specializing with children ages 2-12

    Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who provides play therapy services to children ages 2-12. She is currently working on obtaining her register play therapy certification. She focuses on child-centered play therapy, an approach that helps children “talk” through their natural medium – play. This method is particularly useful for helping children communicate complex emotions and process a wide range of traumas and/or social and emotional behavior difficulties.


    Ashley has been a mental health professional for eight years, and she has worked extensively in school districts, providing therapy and mental health support for students. She has a Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX.

Parenting a child with big feelings doesn’t make you a bad parent, it makes you a brave one.

Whether you're navigating tantrums, teen shutdowns, or anything in between, we're here to help your family reconnect, reset, and thrive.