Kim Feeney, LISW, LCSW, RPT-S
Meet Kim Feeney

I sit on the floor with kids, and I've never lost faith in their resilience.

Kim Feeney, LISW, LCSW, RPT-S, CAdPT-A, ICST, EMDR Consultant

LISW LCSW RPT-S CAdPT-A ICST EMDR Consultant Adlerian Play Therapy Sandtray Theraplay
Certified AutPlay Provider Certified Synergetic Play Therapist Baffling Behavior Training Institute, Professional Immersion Program Graduate Raising Kids with Baffling Behaviors, Course Facilitator Verified Accredible credential Verified Accredible credential

I'm Kim, a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor based in Davenport, Iowa. For 15 years, I've worked with kids, teens, and families navigating some of life's hardest seasons: trauma, anxiety, ADHD, grief, big behaviors, school struggles, and family transitions.

I founded Butterfly Beginnings Counseling in 2018 with a simple conviction, that behavior is communication, and that every child can grow when they feel capable, connected, courageous, and like they matter.

Beyond client work, I supervise the next generation of play therapists, serve as an EMDR consultant, train clinicians around the country in sandtray and Adlerian methods, and create resources to help parents and professionals do this work with more confidence.

Outside the therapy room, you'll find me reading, traveling, and reminding myself that the same compassion I offer my clients deserves a seat at my own table too.

Our Philosophy

Four little words that change everything.

Our work is grounded in the Adlerian "Crucial Cs", the four needs every child must feel met to thrive. They guide every session, every conversation with a parent, every small breakthrough.

Connection

I belong. The foundational sense that someone is on my team, even when I'm at my worst.

Capability

I can. The growing trust that I'm able to handle what life is asking of me.

Courage

I'll try. The willingness to take the next step, even when it feels uncertain.

Counting (Significance)

I matter. The deep knowing that my presence in the world makes a difference.

Our Approach

Evidence-based. Developmentally attuned. Deeply relational.

Children don't always have the words. So we meet them in the language they do have, play, sand, movement, art, story. From there, we work with parents to translate those breakthroughs into the rhythms of daily life at home.

Our integrated approach combines clinical excellence with practical, real-world tools you can actually use the next time a tantrum hits at 5:47pm.

  • 1
    Strengths-based, not deficit-focused We work from what's already strong in your child, not what's "wrong."
  • 2
    Trauma-informed at every level Pace, safety, and choice are non-negotiables, for kids and for parents.
  • 3
    Parents are part of the team Real change happens between sessions. We give you the tools to lead it.
  • 4
    Behavior is communication Underneath every "difficult" behavior is an unmet need we can name and meet.
Meet the Team

You're not just getting one therapist. You're joining a community of care.

Our licensed therapists and clinical interns work alongside Kim under shared supervision, training, and a unified, play-based approach.

Kim Feeney with team

Kim Feeney

LISW, LCSW, RPT-S, CAdPT-A, ICST, EMDR Consultant · Founder & Clinical Director

15 years specializing in play therapy, trauma, and family work. Trains and supervises clinicians nationwide.

Karly Driscoll, LMSW

Karly Driscoll, LMSW

Licensed Therapist · Full-time

Provides individual therapy for children and adolescents using developmentally appropriate, play-based approaches.

Dr. Kiki Lawton, Ed.D., LMSW

Dr. Kiki Lawton, Ed.D., LMSW

Licensed Therapist · Full-time

Compassionate, play-based individual therapy with a focus on treatment planning and caregiver collaboration.

Amanda Harvard, LMSW

Amanda Harvard, LMSW

Licensed Therapist · Part-time

Individual sessions for children and adolescents grounded in play-based modalities and family collaboration.

Sarah Day, Clinical Intern

Sarah Day

Clinical Intern

Provides supervised counseling services while developing specialized skills in play therapy under Kim's mentorship.

Jessica Pease, Clinical Intern

Jessica Pease

Clinical Intern

Gaining invaluable experience in Adlerian child-led therapy under the supervision of Kim Feeney, LISW, LCSW, RPT-S.

Our Story

Built on a simple belief, and a lot of small breakthroughs.

Since 2018, we've grown from one therapist's vision into a thriving practice serving families across the Quad Cities (Iowa & Illinois). With a second location on the horizon, we're just getting started.

2018 FOUNDED
6 CLINICIANS & GROWING
1,100+ KIDS & FAMILIES SERVED
15+ YEARS EXPERIENCE
Now offering video visitsSee available times & book.
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