Hey, I’m Dr. Ahou Line
Co-founder of Thread Counseling Group | Author | Speaker
I am a mental health therapist, former graduate professor, author, and speaker. I am the co-founder of Thread Counseling Group, a counseling private practice located in Dallas, Texas.
In addition to counseling, I have authored several peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters educating counselors and counselors in training on working with parents, supporting Middle Eastern children and families, and in training preservice educators to consider counseling skills in their work as teachers. I also was selected through Psychology Today to author a blog titled “Nobody Knows What They are Doing” where I share perspectives on navigating parenting as a former “child-expert” who was humbled by parenthood.
As a speaker, I have had the opportunity to present about mental health at many local, state, national, and international conferences as well as schools, parent events, and corporate settings. I enjoy speaking to many audiences including parents, teachers, and other mental health counselors and love sharing my knowledge and experience about mental health, parent engagement, teacher support, and working with diverse populations.
About me:
Mental Health Counseling
I serve clients of all ages and specialize in working with parents. I strive to create a warm, comfortable, and safe environment for each client and work to understand individuals holistically. My goal as a therapist is to act as a partner as you create your own goals for counseling and progress through their journey towards meaningful change. When working with children, I value the relationship with both the child and the parents and work collaboratively with parents to help make necessary changes within the family. When working with adults, I strive to create a safe environment where individuals can express themselves without judgment. I truly believe that “people change when they feel free not to change”. Additionally, I am bilingual, speaking both English and Farsi.
Speaking About Mental Health
My career began as a middle school teacher, so I often joke that nothing can scare me. As a mental health counselor and counselor educator, I enjoy speaking to various audiences about mental health topics. With over 45 presentations and countless graduate and undergraduate courses under my belt, speaking and teaching have become an important part of my career.
Supervision
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Certified Child-Centered Play Therapy- Supervisor. I provide both in-person and virtual supervision options for LPC- Associates and for those seeking their Child-Centered Play Therapy certification.
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Over 45 Presentations
Including local, state, national, and international
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Over 150 Clients Served
Including adults, children, and adolescents
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15 Courses Developed and Taught
265 graduate and undergraduate students
A meta-analysis of parent-inclusive child therapy interventions for decreasing symptomatology.
Peer- reviewed article published in Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice.
Publications
Intake procedures for child–parent relationship therapy: Moving toward an evidence-based process.
Peer- reviewed article published in The International Journal of Play Therapy
Cultural opportunities with Middle Eastern Populations.
Book chapter published in Multicultural Play Therapy Textbook
Cultural Opportunities for Working with Middle Eastern Children
Article published in Play Therapy Magazine’s March 2024 issue
Predictors of play therapists’ attitudes toward parent engagement.
Peer- reviewed article published in The International Journal of Play Therapy
Career construction with high school girls: An expressive arts group intervention
Peer-reviewed article published in Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling
What Others are Saying
"Not only does Ahou exhibit the qualities necessary to be an outstanding clinician herself, but she has a unique way of instilling the same drive and passion in her students and supervisees alike. It's virtually impossible to learn from her and not extract a deep interest in the subject matter."
Erin Malcom, University of North Texas PhD Student
"It is so clear how much Dr. Line cares about her craft and her students, and I frequently stop to feel grateful for her endless support and encouragement. Dr. Line’s positive regard makes me feel it is okay to make mistakes, learn, and grow in my own way.”"
Former Graduate Student
"Ahou is an incredible therapist and human. She has the ability to create a tremendous sense of safety while support her clients as they navigate through life. It is a gift. I am forever grateful that our paths crossed. I am a better person and therapist because of her."
Kristina McCook, Co-Founder of Thread Counseling Group and Mental Health Therapist
Looking for a speaker?
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Presentations cover a wide range of topics as well as audiences. I enjoy presenting to:
Parents
Teachers
Students
Corporate Settings
Additionally, I am an approved provider through The Association for Play Therapy and provide Continuing Education for Play Therapists and Mental Health Professionals.
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With over 35 presentations, I have covered a large range of topics. Most notably, I have presented on and have additional expertise on the following topics:
Childhood Anxiety: How to Support Your Child
How to Advocate for Your Child in a School Setting
Parenting Littles: Ages 3-5
Parenting: The Elementary Years
Parenting Adolescents: Navigating the Teen Years
Middle Eastern Children and Families
Bullying
The Impact of Technology on the Developing Brain
Zoom Fatigue in the Workplace
Healthy Relationships in Adolescence
Teaching Teachers the Art of Play Therapy
Teacher Mental Health and Burn Out
How to Effectively Work with Parents
Navigating Your New Identity as a Parent
What is Play Therapy? An Introduction for Teachers
Embracing Diversity: How to Talk to Kids about Race
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I have presented in many different settings including schools, conferences, and corporate settings. Here are just a few of my favorites:
Southern Methodist University
Episcopal School of Dallas
Lakewood PTA
Bradfield Elementary PTA
Good Shepherd Episcopal School
St. Philip's Preschool
Trive Capital
Center for Play Therapy: Multicultural Webinar Series
UNC Charlotte Multicultural Play Therapy Conference: Charlotte, NC
Association for Play Therapy International Conference: Palm Springs
Association for Play Therapy International Conference: Atlanta
American Counseling Association Conference: Atlanta
University of North Texas
Primrose White Rock Lake
Primrose Richardson
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I have several speaking engagements over the next few months:
April 25, 2025
Effectively Partnering with Schools and Teachers in Play Therapy
APT Approved CE Event
June 13, 2025
Best Practices for Parent Consultations: Developing Confidence in Your Parent Meetings
Virginia Association for Play Therapy Conference
In the Press
Playful Beginnings: A Podcast About All Things Play Therapy
Engaging Parents in Play Therapy: An Interview with Dr. Ahou Line
Moving With Children: Dallas Family Therapist Offers Tips on Making Relocation Less Stressful For Kids
National Board for Certified Counselors Spotlight
Using Play Therapy to Address Behavior Concerns in Children
National Board for Certified Counselors Spotlight
Considerations When Counseling Immigrants and Refugees
Research Spotlight with Dr. Ahou Vaziri Line (Dissertation Edition)
Counseling and Dispute Resolution Alumni: Ahou Line
National Board for Certified Counselors
Press Release for Dr. Nicholas A. Vacc Scholarship
Mom-Approved Counselor
Commencement Speech