Terry Kottman is a renowned counselor, author, educator, and the visionary creator of Adlerian Play Therapy, a groundbreaking approach that thoughtfully integrates Alfred Adler’s Individual Psychology with the transformative power of play therapy. Widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the field of play therapy, Terry’s work has shaped generations of clinicians and transformed the way therapists understand and connect with children and families.

Terry earned her doctorate in Counselor Education from the University of North Texas, where she specialized in working with children and families. It was during her internship there that she developed Adlerian Play Therapy, an approach that emphasizes understanding children within the context of their relationships, family systems, beliefs, and goals of behavior while using the playroom as a powerful projective and therapeutic space for growth and healing.

Before pursuing her doctorate, Terry worked as a special education teacher supporting children with learning disabilities and children diagnosed as emotionally disturbed/behavior disordered. Her background as both an educator and counselor helped shape the deeply practical, encouraging, relational, and creative style for which she is now known worldwide. She also holds two master’s degrees: one in Special Education from the University of Texas at Dallas and one in Elementary Teaching from Colorado College.

Terry is the founder of The Encouragement Zone, a training and counseling center dedicated to learning, growth, connection, and encouragement. Through trainings, supervision, workshops, writing, and mentorship, she has inspired countless therapists to approach their work with greater confidence, creativity, authenticity, and joy. She frequently shares her expertise through professional workshops, publications, and contributions to mental health platforms.

She is the author of numerous influential books, including Play Therapy: Basics and Beyond and Partners in Play: An Adlerian Approach to Play Therapy, co-authored with Kristin Meany-Walen. Her writings continue to serve as foundational resources for clinicians around the world.

Terry’s extraordinary contributions to counseling and play therapy have been recognized through multiple prestigious honors, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Association for Play Therapy and the North American Society for Adlerian Psychology. Yet beyond the awards and accomplishments, Terry is perhaps best known for the warmth, humor, encouragement, and genuine humanity she brings to every interaction — qualities that continue to leave a lasting impact on both clinicians and clients alike.