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A place where children are given room to feel, room to play, and room to grow.
A place where children are given room to feel, room to play, and room to grow.
The Heartspace Playroom is a free, trauma-informed, child-centered space where children lead through play, process emotions, and grow with resilience and confidence.
Located in Kansas City, Missouri.
Be part of creating a safe place for children.
Join The Founding Hearts!
🤍 Who we serve 🤍
🤍 Who we serve 🤍
Children impacted by trauma, stress, loss, or difficult life experiences
Special emphasis on children of helping professionals:
teachers, childcare providers, social workers
healthcare workers
first responders
caregivers
etc.
The Heartspace Philosophy:
A Heartspace is more than a physical place. It is the feeling created when a child is met with safety, acceptance, and genuine understanding.
Children carry their experiences with them — the joyful moments, the difficult moments, the questions they may not have words for, and the emotions they may not yet know how to express. A Heartspace is created when a child has the freedom to bring their whole self into a relationship with a caring adult who listens, accepts, and responds with compassion.
At the center of the Heartspace philosophy is the belief that children are capable, resilient, and deserving of being understood. Children do not always need someone to fix, direct, or change them. Often, they need a safe relationship where they can slow down, explore their feelings, make meaning of their experiences, and discover their own strengths.
A Heartspace provides:
Room to feel — permission for children to experience and express emotions without judgment.
Room to play — the freedom to communicate, explore, and process through the language of childhood.
Room to grow — the opportunity to develop confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of self.
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The Heartspace Playroom brings this philosophy to life through a free, trauma-informed, child-centered therapeutic environment. Using Child-Centered Play Therapy, children are invited to lead through play while a trained, attuned adult provides acceptance, safety, and consistent support.
In the playroom, toys become a child’s words, play becomes a child’s language, and the therapeutic relationship becomes a place where healing can begin.
Children who have experienced trauma, stress, loss, or difficult life experiences are given the time and space to process what they have been through at their own pace. Rather than directing a child’s healing, The Heartspace Playroom honors each child’s unique story and supports their natural capacity for growth and resilience.
The Heartspace Playroom exists to create a place where children know they matter — where they can feel safe, be seen, and discover that they have the ability to heal.
Become a Referring Partner
Connect a child or family with a safe place to heal through play.
The Heartspace Playroom welcomes referrals from professionals serving children and families throughout our community.
We would love to partner with schools, mental health providers, community organizations, medical professionals, and family support agencies that recognize the healing power of play.
If you know a child who may benefit from free Child-Centered Play Therapy, simply encourage the family to visit our website and complete the Request Services form.
There is no special referral paperwork required. Families may simply let us know who referred them when they contact us.
Because our services are relationship-based, children participate in a weekly series of approximately 12–20 consecutive sessions. We encourage referring professionals to discuss this commitment with families before making a referral.
Our referral partners are an important part of The Heartspace Playroom community. We are honored to support the children and families they serve, and we also welcome the children of our referral partners themselves. Whether you are referring a family you work with or seeking services for your own child, we are grateful for the opportunity to provide a safe, nurturing space for healing through play.
Refer a Child to The Heartspace Playroom
Sessions starting in October 2026
Is The Heartspace Playroom a Good Fit?
Is The Heartspace Playroom a Good Fit?
The Heartspace Playroom provides free, trauma-informed Child-Centered Play Therapy for children ages 3–12.
We welcome children who have experienced stress, loss, change, or trauma—as their family defines it. We believe every family's story is unique, and we do not require a specific diagnosis or event for a child to be eligible. If your family feels your child could benefit from a safe, nurturing place to express themselves through play, we encourage you to reach out.
Because Child-Centered Play Therapy is a relationship-based process, families should be prepared to commit to approximately 12–20 weekly sessions. We understand that life happens and offer flexibility when needed, but consistent attendance helps children build trust and experience the greatest benefit from therapy.
Available appointment times:
Monday through Thursday: 6:15-7p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
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If you're unsure whether The Heartspace Playroom is the right fit for your child, we encourage you to complete the referral form or contact us. We're happy to answer questions and help determine whether our services are a good match for your family.
Founded with Purpose:
Founded with Purpose:
The Heartspace Playroom was founded by Julie Ball, LMSW, a social worker with more than 20 years of experience serving women, children, and families. Her passion for Non-Directive Child-Centered Play Therapy and Trauma-Informed Care led to the creation of a space where children can heal, grow, and discover their own strengths through the healing power of play. Julie serves as the Founder, Executive Director, and Therapist.
Meet the Board of The Heartspace Playroom
Meet the Board of The Heartspace Playroom
President: Lori Peterson, LSCSW, LCSW, RPT-S, RST
President: Lori Peterson, LSCSW, LCSW, RPT-S, RST
Lori serves as President of the Board for The Heartspace Playroom. As a play therapist, educator, and co-founder of Heartland Play Therapy Institute, Lori is passionate about expanding access to high-quality child-centered play therapy. She believes caring for the children of those who care for our communities creates a ripple effect of healing that extends far beyond the playroom. Lori is honored to support a mission that gives back to the children and families of those who dedicate their lives to serving others.
Vice President: Julie Karanja, LCPC, PMH-C
Vice President: Julie Karanja, LCPC, PMH-C
Julie holds a master's degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Kansas. She is also certified in Perinatal Mental Health and has more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families in a variety of helping roles. Julie believes every child and family deserves access to compassionate, high-quality mental health care. She is honored to support The Heartspace Playroom's mission of creating a welcoming place where children can feel safe, seen, and empowered to grow.
Treasurer: Anita Strohm
Treasurer: Anita Strohm
Anita Strohm serves as Treasurer of The Heartspace Playroom Board of Directors. Motivated by a passion for helping her community and creating safe spaces where children can grow with confidence and resilience, she brings more than 18 years of experience in strategic communications and leadership. Anita has led communication initiatives and marketing strategies for national brands and nonprofit organizations while mentoring teams and strengthening community partnerships. She is honored to support The Heartspace Playroom's mission and help expand its impact for children and families throughout the Kansas City community.
~Supporting the children of those who support everyone else~
The Heartspace Playroom is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and directly support our mission of providing free, trauma-informed, child-centered play therapy to children and families in our community. The Heartspace Playroom EIN: 41-4941951
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