Play It Forward Counseling

05/18/2026

✨ BIG NEWS at Play It Forward Counseling! ✨

We are beyond excited to officially welcome Tara Thompson-Strickler to the Play It Forward Counseling team! 💚

Tara brings over 6 years of experience supporting children, teens, and families through life’s challenges and transitions. With a background in alternative education and K–12 schools, she is passionate about creating a therapeutic space where clients feel supported, empowered, and truly heard.

Tara earned her Master’s in School Social Work from Aurora University and is currently working toward her clinical licensure (LCSW). She enjoys helping individuals navigate challenges related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, chronic stress, and overwhelming life experiences using practical coping skills, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and strengths-based support.

One of the things we love most about Tara’s approach is her focus on connection, emotional wellness, and helping clients recognize their own resilience and growth. 🌱

Please help us give Tara a warm Play It Forward welcome in the comments! 🎉 We are so excited for the care, compassion, and support she will bring to our community.

05/18/2026

All sessions with therapists will be canceled for May 25th, 2026 as our office observes Memorial Day 🇺🇸

05/17/2026

04/24/2026

We are proud to sponsor the 2026 Z Tour Bike Ride 🚴‍♀️

Early childhood experiences are considered the foundation years of development because they represent a critical time of brain development, skill acquisition, and social-emotional growth. The support and connection children receive during these years can shape their confidence, emotional wellness, and lifelong growth. Z tour directly supports Zearing Child Enrichment Center, a well-known early childhood center in our community.

At our practice, we are committed to supporting the children in our community in more ways than one-on-one therapy experiences. We believe in showing up, investing locally, and being part of the village that helps children thrive. We’re honored to support an event that promotes health, connection, and community for families.

Ashley and Lizzy will be participating in registration for the event. We hope to see you there. 👋🏼

04/23/2026

Sharing a glimpse of the incredible artwork we have seen recently while using art therapy with our clients.

Our role is to support our clients with encouragement and create a space for them to process without any external expectations. 🖼️ Read the captions for each photo to learn about their artwork.

04/16/2026

Today is National Semicolon Day, a symbol closely connected with su***de awareness, mental health advocacy, and the importance of choosing to continue your story.

A semicolon represents a sentence the author could have ended, but chose to continue. It has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and the reminder that your story is still being created. We are thankful you’re still here with us.

If today feels heavy, please remember: pauses are allowed, support is available, and healing is possible. You do not have to carry it alone.

Contact us for support you on your healing journey.

04/14/2026

Play It Forward Counseling is excited to be participating in an event at Second Story Teen Center this evening.

We were given the opportunity to connect with youth while exploring the power of a growth mindset. Lizzy Campbell, LCSW is presenting on growth mindset and pairing it with a hands-on art activity. Each creation will be individualized and serve as a reminder that growth takes time, patience, and care—just like learning and personal development.

Thank you to Second Story Teen Center for inviting us to be part of such a meaningful event. Our community is better because of the work you do to support and empower teens in our community.

04/04/2026

I am so grateful to celebrate 3 years since I opened Play It Forward Counseling. 3 years of helping, guiding, and loving every human being that has entered our office. From starting out solo to growing with Ashley Roberts, LSW and Christy Dale, LSW. Thank you for the gift of being able to be there for all who have sought hope and help. I look forward to continuing this journey for years to come.

03/25/2026

As gas prices continue to rise, we understand that getting to in-person appointments can feel like an added stressor. Transportation costs shouldn’t be a barrier to accessing mental health support when you need it the most.

If making it into the office feels difficult right now, telehealth remains a flexible and effective option. You will still receive the same level of care while reducing the cost of transportation.

Your mental health matters. If you would like to explore virtual sessions, we are here to help make that transition easy for you.

Contact our office at 815-719-6694 or message your therapist directly using the Simple Practice platform.

03/05/2026

Who needs worry stones when you can create your own pocket pet?

Art therapy allows you to express your thoughts, emotions, and experiences with creativity rather than relying on verbal communication alone.

02/11/2026

We are excited about sunshine…so are our office plants ☀️ 🪴 Today is a great day for a great day. Happy Wednesday!!