Natalie Heinz Counseling PLLC

08/19/2025

I am currently accepting new play therapy clients. If your child is struggling after starting back to school, talk to their teacher, social worker, or principal. If you need more support, contact me today to find out if I may be a good fit for your family needs. I accept BCBS PPO, UHC/Optum, Cigna, and CAT insurance. I currently have openings in the mornings. natalie@natalieheinzcounseling.com

08/13/2025

If you have been wondering if play therapy may be helpful for your PDA child, but you have been unsure about starting the process, this event is for you! Come to the live Q&A held virtually through PDA North America where you can ask me anything you want to know about play therapy! There is a small fee to support fundraising for PDA North America to bring amazing programs to you!

Register for the virtual event on September 19th at noon!

06/28/2025

Play is so valuable!

What do you see when a child is at play? Running, building, creating, pretending—these are the moments that catch our eye. But just beneath the surface, something much deeper is happening.

Play is where children develop adaptability, confidence, and problem-solving skills. It’s where they learn to navigate risk, build friendships, and trust their own ideas. It’s where their brains and bodies work together, shaping the skills they’ll carry for life.

The next time you watch a child play, remember—what’s visible is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much happening underneath!

06/27/2025

Yes! All forms of social skills are valid.

Many Autistic people are not lacking in social skills. Get a bunch of Autistic friends together and watch the magic happen.

Many of us are not lacking in humour or sarcasm. The funniest people I know are Autistic. Our humour may be different to yours.

Many of us have so much empathy that the feelings try to crush us. We might express that empathy differently to you.

We communicate. Our communication style is probably different to yours.

It’s not that we don’t have these skills.
It’s that we do them differently. They look different.

And they’re often unrecognisable to neurotypical folk.

But they are there.

Em ☺️🌈✌️

06/12/2025

Therapy edition!

Day 10: Favorite

It is SO hard to pick a favorite, but I do really like this play kitchen! Play themes with the kitchen might include nurturance, sorting play, mastery play, or even aggressive play allowing for a range for expression for kids.

06/11/2025

Therapy edition!

Day 9: Nature

Nature has so many therapeutic benefits. I love the options right outside my office to allow for different forms of mindfulness, regulation, and play.

06/10/2025

Therapy edition!

Day 8: Local

These kangaroos can be found at our local Peoria Zoo! You never know where some of the best miniatures are found. Miniatures are items used in the sand tray for sand tray therapy. I love this family because of the variety in sizes, and the mom can also symbolize pregnancy with the joey in her pouch.

06/09/2025

Therapy edition!

Day 7: Old

These well loved puppets were gifted to me by some wonderful people who used them well. Puppets are another great way for kids and families to express themselves.

06/08/2025

Therapy edition!

Day 6: Symmetry

Did you know that these are called an hoberman sphere?

06/07/2025

Therapy edition!

Day 5: Close

06/06/2025

Therapy edition!

Day 4: Light&Shadow

06/04/2025

Therapy edition!

Day 3: Animal

These trees are right outside my office, and you can look out while sitting on the couch. The amount of animals I have seen outside my window have definitely surprised me - this groundhog climbing the tree, hawk, wild turkey, owl, and of course lots of birds and squirrels.