Kelsey Backes, M.Ed., LMHC, LPC, Registered Play Therapist

I completed my Master's of Education with a speciality in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Auburn University in 2012. I am licensed in Florida and Texas. I am also a Registered Play Therapist, which is acquired by completing extensive training in the modalities of play therapy, being under the supervision of a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and verifying with the Association of Play Therapy my training and experience. At this time, I don’t have a physical office space, to utilize for play therapy. However, for children 10 years of age and older, we can have a consultation to see if the use of play therapy via virtual sessions would be an effective and good fit for your child.

I opened Illume Counseling & Play Therapy LLC in October of 2020 to follow my aspirations of being able to help the children, adolescents, and adults of any local community that I am in. I opened Illume while residing in Destin, Florida. My husband is active duty Air Force, so I then moved to Texas and resided there for three years. I moved to Colorado in February of 2025, hence the reason I am currently only available for virtual sessions. I am proud to support our armed forces as I value the work and dedication of all of our military service members.

I am honored that you have sought out information about Illume Counseling & Play Therapy. I’d be happy to answer any questions that you have in regard to the therapy process.

Timeline of experience

2010: While studying Human Dev. & Family Studies in undergrad, completed an internship where worked with children and adolescents through the use of equine therapy

2011-2012: During graduate school at Auburn Univ., completed a graduate internship where I was a therapist at a domestic violence/sexual assault center; engaged in play therapy with children; also worked with adolescent and adult survivors

2012-2015: After graduating from graduate school, began working with the Department of Children and Families in Florida as a first responder to concerns for child abuse and/or neglect; gained significant experience in trauma, family dynamics, and resourcefulness of our youth

2015-2017: Began working at a local community mental health center where I worked with adolescents who were on juvenile probation and were in need of assessment and treatment of mental health and/or adjustment issues; was the coordinator of the Teen Court Program; was a trainer of Mental Health First Aid; and worked with adults and children with various needs in ind. and group settings

2015-2017: Was a contracted therapist at local domestic violence center where I worked with survivors through individual therapy services and facilitated group therapy for the women whom were residing in the emergency shelter

2017-2020: Began at a private practice working alongside a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor; began my journey of learning and growing in the practice of play therapy. After several years of dedicated training and work in play therapy, I completed the requirements to become a Registered Play Therapist

Oct. 2020: Opened my own private practice, Illume Counseling Center