Earley Barnes-Ullrich, LCSW-S, RPT-S™, ADS, EMDR CIT, is a lifelong learner and play therapy expert. Earley is the owner of Hopeful Waters Wellness, PLLC and provides psychotherapy to individuals of all ages, families, and groups.  She provides clinical supervision, play therapy supervision/consultation and EMDR consultation. She is a TBRI® Practitioner, EMDR Certified Practitioner, HeartMath® Certified Practitioner, Certified Breathworks teacher, Certified Sound Healer, TF-CBT Certified, and Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) Certified Practitioner. She is also a Licensed Acudetox Specialist where she utilizes a 5-needle ear acupuncture protocol to help clients with trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, and pain management.

She has Theraplay Level 1 & 2 training, Synergetic Play Therapy Foundations, Adlerian Play Therapy Basic training, and a multitude of other training in play therapy. She loves incorporating bottom-up interventions, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Polyvagal Theory, Attachment Theory, sandtray therapy, play therapy, expressive arts, movement, sound, mindfulness, IFS informed therapy, ABFT informed therapy and DBT. She is a key reviewer and provider of play therapy trainings at the Steve Hicks School’s Office of Professional Development.

Earley has two courses in the late spring: April 11 – Play Therapy 101: Building Blocks for Beginners and May 9- Ethics of Self-Care for Play Therapists and Other Mental Health Professionals.

Learn more about Earley below: 

What renews your passion about social work?  Every time I witness an individual experience a breakthrough—whether it’s a child feeling truly seen in play therapy, a parent learning to co-regulate with their neurodivergent child, or an adult feeling a sense of safety in their own nervous system—it reignites my passion. Seeing the tangible impact of integrating polyvagal theory, attachment work, and holistic approaches reminds me that healing is possible.

Why does your focus in social work matter to the world? I focus on holistic mental wellness, recognizing that healing isn’t just about addressing symptoms, it’s about fostering connection, safety, and regulation within the nervous system. My work matters because it helps individuals and families navigate emotional challenges in ways that create long-term resilience. In a world where stress, trauma, and disconnection are prevalent, providing therapeutic spaces that honor the mind-body connection can lead to healthier families, stronger communities, and a more compassionate society. 

What is a specific issue in society that you feel can be solved through trained social work?  This is a tough question because I believe that social workers can help solve a multitude of issues! The mental health crisis among children and adolescents is a growing issue that trained social workers can help address. Many young people are struggling with anxiety, depression, sensory sensitivities, and trauma, yet traditional support systems often overlook the importance of nervous system regulation and attachment-based interventions. By incorporating approaches like play therapy, EMDR, movement, music, and other holistic interventions, trained social workers can provide children with tools to regulate their emotions, build resilience, and feel truly seen and understood. When we intervene early and support children holistically, we create a foundation for lifelong mental wellness and healthier communities.

When did you realize that you can make a difference in the world?  I’ve always felt a deep calling to make a difference in the world, rooted in my spiritual faith. When I started at UT as an undecided liberal arts major, I initially envisioned a future in law. However, everything shifted when I took an elective in the School of Social Work—Children of Abused and Disrupted Families. As part of the class, we read Dibs in Search of Self by Virginia Axline, a book that profoundly moved me. The power of play therapy to help children heal resonated deeply, sparking a passion I couldn’t ignore. That experience led me to change my major to social work, setting me on the path to helping individuals and families through connection, safety, and healing.

What is something about you, that is not on your professional CV, that would surprise your social work colleagues? My social work colleagues might be surprised to know that I love Qi Gong, camping, dolphins, and salsa!