My 10 Favorite Recent Private Practice Purchases

As a child and family therapist in private practice, I regularly stock up on new tools, games, and toys to help ground, teach, relax, and support my clients. Some purchases are clinical tools, some are things that help individuals focus or relax, and some are just things that make sessions fun. Here are the 10 latest things I’ve added to my private practice office that have been so helpful.

1. Slime, Slime, and More Slime

a picture of a pink Elmers Gue slime against a colorful background

My favorite brand is Elmer’s Gue, a premade slime that’s easy to find in supermarkets, Michaels, or Walmart. These slimes (and I’ve had them all!) are not too sticky, have a variety of scents, colors, and textures, and last a long time. Slime can be a great sensory tool for building rapport and teaching mindfulness.  

2. This Absolutely Amazing Sensory Fidget

Rainbow colored beeds stacked in a cube shape

I was happy to come across this colorful, magnetic fidget toy at a training last year, and it’s one of my FAVORITES! My clients gravitate to it as well. A good fidget can be really helpful to help someone stay regulated or focus on the conversation. 

While not cheap, I can’t recommend it enough. So satisfying.

3. Weighted Stuffed Animals You Can Put in the Freezer

a picture of a stuffed dog

Warmies are high-quality, super soft, weighted stuffed animals with a light lavender scent. They’re designed to be put in the microwave to make them warm and cozy, or put in the freezer for a cooling effect. Cold (and weighted toys or blankets) can be useful to help calm or ground people, and can be particularly soothing on hot summer days. 

Plus, they’re helpful tools in teaching kids belly breathing!

4. The Spicy Chips Loved by Kids and Teens: Takis

A picutre of Takis Fuego chips, a purple bag with yellow lettering

Snacks have officially made their way into my office.

Takis can be an effective grounding tool because they provide intense sensory input through their spicy flavor, crunch, smell, and texture. For some people experiencing dissociation or high anxiety, this sensory experience can help bring attention back to the present.

Takis can also be helpful for people struggling with self-harm by offering an alternative way to experience an intense physical sensation without causing injury.

5. A Super-Fun Social-Emotional Game for Kids

A picture of the game Squash It! with squishy animals and game cards. Easy to add to any private practice office

SQUASH IT! is one of my newest social-emotional games for working with kids (grades K-5). It’s a game involving cute squishy animals that kids LOVE. Kids pair the animals with various strengths to address problems, worries, and social/peer difficulties.

6. A New Book for My Private Practice Library

The cover of the book Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents

The book Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents by Lindsey C. Gibson, Psy.D. This resource resonates with many adults as it explores the lasting impacts of emotionally immature parents, helping readers better understand these family dynamics and relationship patterns.

7. This Picture Book on Body Safety

The cover of the book Teach Your Dragon Body Safety, showing a cartoon child standing next to a cartoon dragon

Teach Your Dragon Body Safety by Steve Herman is a helpful book when working with younger kids on body boundaries, appropriate touch, and consent. It introduces these topics in a way that’s age-appropriate and easy for kids to understand. I like using books like this because they create a starting point for important conversations and give kids language they can use.

8. Yes, Another Fidget

A picture of a red and pink tangle fidget toy

It’s hard to find Nee-Dohs right now, so I switched things up to add another Tangle to my fidget toy basket. In a wide variety of colors and textures, this is another great sensory toy. Bonus: they’re quiet and super durable.

9. Some New Essential Oils

A picture of the Eden Gardens sampler set: a box of 6 small essential oil bottles, a great private practice tool

I also picked up some new essential oils from Eden Gardens. While I know scents aren’t for everyone, I like having them available as a tool for people of all ages. Essential oils can be helpful for teaching and practicing relaxation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises. Some clients will go on to incorporate essential oils like these into their sleep routines or coping kits.

The clove, eucalyptus, and beach cottage scents are all really popular at my office!

10. New Art Supplies

A picture of a box of pastel Crayola Super Tips markers

No private practice therapy office feels complete without a few arts and crafts supplies on hand. I’m a big fan of these Crayola markers, and just restocked with this pretty pastel pack. A lot of kids and teens like drawing or coloring during sessions. I might incorporate some art therapy interventions or make them available for relaxation and focus tools.

I also picked up some more pipe cleaners, which are popular with my younger clients.

An interconnected design in blue, the logo of Megan Vogels Counseling

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like Continuing Education in Private Practice or 10 of My Favorite Books for Parents. You can find more resources and recommendations by visiting my blog.

Megan Vogels, MA, LPC, NCC, is a private practice therapist, clinical supervisor, and adjunct faculty member in the University of Denver’s Counseling Psychology Program.