Natalie Heinz Counseling PLLC

02/07/2026

Meredith Messina has been such a great mentor that has supported my growth as a play therapist. Check out all that she has to offer - https://www.meredithmessina.com

02/07/2026

I primarily practice from a child-centered play therapy lens. Did you know that there are LOTS of different play therapy modalities, theories, and approaches? A play therapist could be using all kinds of different modalities, so the work could look different depending on how the therapist practices. Some other modalities and theories that a play therapist may use include Adlerian play therapy, cognitive-behavioral play therapy, developmental play therapy, filial play therapy, gestalt play therapy, jungian play therapy, and theraplay. Each of these are different ways to understand and practice play therapy. Finding the right approach for your child may be able to support them in the way that works best for them.



📷: Always Flourishing Photography

02/06/2026

My favorite puppet is a turtle! It can hide or protect itself in its shell. I love the options for how many feelings that can express.

02/06/2026

One miniature that represents me is ... a pink fairy princess.

Illinois Association for Play Therapy

02/05/2026

My favorite toy in the play room is my sand tray! There are so many ways to explore and express yourself through the sand.

Illinois Association for Play Therapy



📷: Always Flourishing Photography

02/05/2026

I love play therapy because kids are able to learn and grow and heal in such an authentic way by meeting them in their world. I love the way the experiential experience works at a deeper level of the brain to integrate learning more fully.

02/05/2026

It's Play Therapy Week! Follow along as I play catch up and share more about play therapy each day! First, let me introduce myself! I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois. I work primarily in person in Peoria. I am a Registered Play Therapist™. I mainly work with kids 12 and under experiencing anxiety, aggression, depression, or a range of other difficulties. Most of the clients I see are Autistic, ADHD, and/or PDA. Check out more about what it means to be a Registered Play Therapist™ in my blog linked below!

02/04/2026

Happy International Play Therapy Week!!
Life has been busy this week, so I have not gotten a chance to share more, but there is no time like the present!

If you have questions about play therapy and why a counselor uses this modality, the Association for Play Therapy has an entire Parents Corner of resources!

Introducing Andrew is another great video for why play therapy is a great choice for kids! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reJpo-GaopM&list=PLkcL9Y5Tc7Iy-QNzgNDlr0fwV_bGPoW2u

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

01/22/2026

Summer is the time to PLAY! Check out some local summer camps to find some great local ways to play everyday of the summer!

🚨 IN-DISTRICT REGISTRATION IS OPEN! 🚨

Summer Camp sign-ups are happening TODAY for In-District families! Don’t wait—spots fill fast and summer fun starts with a plan ☀️
🔗https://ow.ly/7GFO50Y07iE

👉 Out-of-District registration opens Monday, January 26

Not sure if you’re In or Out of District?
📞 Call the Noble Center Front Desk and we’ll help you out: 309.682.1200

Plan now. Play all summer! 🏕️🎉

01/20/2026

There is never a better time than the present to add more fun and play to your life! Play isn't just a great way to connect to your kids, it also allows parents to also enjoy themselves. Try adding in five minutes of something that feels fun and see how you feel!

01/20/2026

📣 Don't miss out... pre-register NOW to save $10!

For tweens looking for friends + fun! Think 🎲 Board games 🎮 Nintendo Switch games 🤝 Icebreakers to get to know each other 🕹Unstructured play + hangout time. Led by occupational therapist, Drew Leathers, these social times are an amazing opportunity to meet a fabulous group of kids for some fun, games + new friends!

✨ WHEN?
Wednesdays from February 4 - March 25 from 6 - 7:15 PM

✨ WHERE?
Way to Grow Pediatric Therapy + Enrichment Center - 4450 N. Prospect - Heritage Square - Peoria Heights, IL

✨ REGISTRATION COST?
$20 per social time. We only have 6 spots available each week, so sign up online to reserve your spots now!

❗️Pre-register for all 8 weeks by JANUARY 30 for $10 off!

https://www.waytogrowpediatrics.com/enrichment

01/10/2026

Your mental health matters 💚
Cartwheel provides FREE counseling services, and we’re hosting a FREE informational webinar on January 16th at 6 PM! Come learn how Cartwheel can support you and your student(s).
📲 Mark your calendar and join us!
https://cartwheelcare.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TGMHRPJgSuquXEZeZVsXkw #/registration?utm_source=Hubspot&utm_medium=promo-toolkit&utm_campaign=familywebinarjan&utm_content=mpocemail1