This December 2nd, Tree of Life Counseling & Consulting celebrates World Special Education Day. Joy Norwood, Licensed Professional Counselor and educator, has extensive experience working within both school systems and private counseling settings to best enable children with disabilities and their families to flourish. We spoke with her to learn more about her journey to becoming a special education counselor and what inspires her in her day to day.
And to schedule a consultation with Joy, call us at 337-706-2806 today or book online now.
Joy, can you tell me about why you initially became a counselor, and why you opted to focus on pediatric and adolescent mental health?Â
I’ve always felt a strong desire to be someone that people feel they can turn to when they’re struggling. Growing up, I witnessed how much of an impact just having someone to listen and support could make—whether it was for friends, family, or even myself. That sense of connection and care inspired me to pursue counseling as a way to be that for others.
As for focusing on pediatric and adolescent mental health, it’s a population that holds a special place in my heart. Young people are at such a formative stage in life, where their experiences have lasting impacts on how they see themselves and the world. I feel privileged to help them navigate these challenges, especially when they’re learning how to express their emotions in a healthy way or build confidence in who they are. There’s so much potential for growth at that age, and it’s rewarding to witness those transformations firsthand. Sometimes the changes are so minute you miss it, but when we are able to reflect on the changes in how they perceive themselves and their decision making, it is actually a huge difference!
What about working with children differentiates the therapeutic experience from that of an adult?
Working with children is a truly dynamic experience. One of the key differences is how children express themselves. Unlike adults, who can ideally articulate their thoughts and feelings with words, children often communicate through play, creativity, or even their behavior. This makes the therapeutic process more interactive and imaginative. I get to step into their world—whether through storytelling, drawing, or play therapy—which makes each session not only engaging but also deeply personal and insightful.
Another distinction is the sense of possibility. With children, there’s an openness to change and growth. They’re still shaping their understanding of themselves and the world, which means there’s a lot of opportunity to intervene early and help them develop healthy coping strategies, emotional intelligence, and self-confidence. It’s like planting seeds that you know will grow into something meaningful and strong well into their adult years.
Working with kids also often involves collaborating with families, which adds another layer to the process. Helping parents understand and support their child’s journey is incredibly fulfilling. It’s rewarding to see how shifts within a family system can ripple out to create a healthier, more supportive environment for the child.
This week is also World Special Education Day - a day that commemorates the signing of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. Can you tell us about what led you to specializing in assisting those with disabilities?
My journey to working with children who struggle with emotion regulation and behavior concerns is deeply personal and has been shaped by both professional experiences and connection with clients. Throughout my career as a school counselor, I encountered children who were clearly overwhelmed by their emotions but lacked the tools or the language to express them. Working with those children shifted my understanding of behavior. I came to understand that it’s not just about changing behavior—it’s about helping them feel heard, valued, and capable, which is what every child deserves.
Supporting a child or loved one who struggles with emotion regulation or behavioral concerns can be both rewarding and challenging. Here are some key ways I would advise parents and family members to provide the best support:
Learn to Validate Their Feelings–Validation doesn’t mean agreeing with the behavior, it means acknowledging the emotions driving it
Set Clear Expectations–Clear expectations can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of security, which can make it easier for them to regulate their emotions.
Teach Coping Skills Through Modeling–Model healthy ways to cope with stress and frustration together, such as deep breathing, taking breaks, or expressing feelings constructively.
Foster Open Communication–Create an environment where children feel safe talking about their emotions. Encourage them to express what they’re feeling, even if they’re not sure how to put it into words.
Take Care of Yourself–Make sure you’re carving out time for self-care and seeking your own support when needed.
Partner with Professionals–If your child is receiving therapy, work closely with their therapist to understand the strategies being used and how to reinforce them at home.
What resources are available for individuals and family members in the Acadiana community for those individuals with disabilities?
You state that you provide different therapy services to clients- including child-centered play therapy and sand tray therapy. Can you tell us more about each of these therapy practices and who they best cater to?
You state that you provide different therapy services to clients- including child-centered play therapy and sand tray therapy. Can you tell us more about each of these therapy practices and who they best cater to?
Both child-centered play therapy and sand tray therapy hold a special place in my practice because they tap into the natural ways children express themselves, process emotions, and make sense of the world.
Child-centered Play therapy is exactly as it sounds—it puts the child at the center of the process. Play is the language of children; it’s how they communicate their thoughts and feelings, especially when they might not have the words to articulate them yet. In this type of therapy, the playroom becomes a safe, supportive space where the child can explore and express their emotions freely. My role is to provide acceptance, understanding, and gentle guidance as they work through challenges in their own way. It’s especially effective for children dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief, or behavioral concerns, as it allows them to take the lead while feeling deeply seen and supported.
Sand Tray Therapy is another incredibly powerful tool, not just for kids but for adolescents and even adults. It involves using a tray filled with sand and miniature figures, objects, or symbols. Clients create scenes in the sand, which can represent their internal world—thoughts, feelings, and experiences that might be hard to verbalize. There’s something grounding and calming about working with sand, and the process often brings to light insights or emotions that might otherwise stay hidden. This technique can be especially helpful for people processing trauma, big transitions, or emotional conflicts.
What I love about both methods is their ability to bypass the barriers that traditional talk therapy sometimes encounters, especially with younger clients. They create a space for self-expression, problem-solving, and healing in a way that feels natural and empowering. It’s a privilege to witness how these approaches help clients of all ages find their voice, build resilience, and grow.
Is there any content you would recommend to individuals looking to learn more about disabilities or special education?
Stella Young: I'm Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much - A thought-provoking look at societal expectations of people with a disability.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Dibs in Search of Self by Virginia M. Axline
The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
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