Moving Forward Therapy, LLC

12/16/2025

🎄 When kids are overwhelmed with big emotions, their bodies need calm, connection and regulation. And the most powerful tool we have? Breathing.
Slowing the breath helps the whole body reset… but getting kids to sit down and “do a relaxation exercise” doesn’t always go to plan. The trick is to make it fun, playful and engaging so their nervous system comes along for the ride. 💛

✨ FREE Downloadable Posters!✨
Use the code CHRISTMAS on www.thetherapistparent.com for a 100% discount.

12/10/2025

🧒 Children’s mental health develops rapidly in the first few years of life, and identifying challenges early can make a lasting impact.

Reach out if you’d like to discuss if therapy is right for you or your child!

12/08/2025

A helpful reminder as the holidays ramp up: focus your energy on the things that you can actually control. You can't fix family drama or make everyone get along, but you can protect your boundaries and your peace.

12/05/2025

Grateful to this space where all the healing happens!

📣📣Big shout-out for Karla Smith at Moving Forward Therapy, LLC‼️
We can't say enough positive things about Karla Smith!
She is simply an excellent therapist. She's incredibly smart and brings such a positive energy to NMTC, which makes the hard work of therapy so much more manageable. What stands out most is that she's a genuinely engaging therapist who really listens and provides actionable insights.
Beyond her clinical skills, I admire that she's a highly motivated business woman who clearly cares about providing top-tier mental health services to the Joplin community through her practice. Thank you, Karla!👏😁

12/02/2025

11/28/2025

11/27/2025

11/24/2025

Reflect on your blessings and give thanks this week! 🥧

11/18/2025

🍂 Even though the weather’s warm again, there are still so many simple ways to feel fall. Here are some quick Fall Energy Givers to help you slow down, reconnect, and recharge. 🍁

11/13/2025

Supporting a child through a meltdown is not just about what we say or do.
It’s also about what is happening inside us.

Our nervous system responds to their overwhelm.
Their panic can trigger our panic.
Their intensity can activate our urgency.
Their distress can stir our own history of not feeling safe.

So before we can co-regulate a young person, we often need to regulate ourselves.
Not perfectly — just enough to stay steady.

This post shares supportive ways to stay regulated as the adult, so that we can be the grounding presence a child’s nervous system is reaching for in the storm.

Because when we are calm, predictable, and connected — the child feels safe enough to return to calm too.🤎

11/11/2025

Grateful to all Veterans! Happy Veterans Day! 🇺🇸

11/10/2025

Simple activities, big impact 🍂❤