Play Therapy in Hopkins, MN
I love working with families. I have worked in the mental health field for almost 20 years in a variety of settings. I have found my passion in working with young children and their families with a special love for children with significant behavioral issues. My goal is to work with care givers to help support them in parenting and understanding the child's behavior through a different lens. I use directive and non directive play therapy interventions, sand tray and other relationship based interventions to support my client's goals.
I love working with families. I have worked in the mental health field for almost 20 years in a variety of settings. I have found my passion in working with young children and their families with a special love for children with significant behavioral issues. My goal is to work with care givers to help support them in parenting and understanding the child's behavior through a different lens. I use directive and non directive play therapy interventions, sand tray and other relationship based interventions to support my client's goals.
Natalie Quiring-Oleson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hopkins, MN 55305
I use play therapy, eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), meditation, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma? Is your child struggling with their behaviors, especially during transitions, like bedtime, or getting ready for school? I may be able to help. I specialize with working with both children and adults, ages 5+, to help ease suffering and improve overall functioning. I can work with parents to help solve problems with their children, provide support for the difficulty of parenting, and psychoeducation about the challenges their child is facing. I also have experience with clients who struggle with trauma, grief, self-harm and suicidality.
I use play therapy, eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), meditation, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma? Is your child struggling with their behaviors, especially during transitions, like bedtime, or getting ready for school? I may be able to help. I specialize with working with both children and adults, ages 5+, to help ease suffering and improve overall functioning. I can work with parents to help solve problems with their children, provide support for the difficulty of parenting, and psychoeducation about the challenges their child is facing. I also have experience with clients who struggle with trauma, grief, self-harm and suicidality.
Embarking on the therapeutic journey, whether it's your initial step or a continuation, can be a transformative and empowering process. Choosing the right therapist to share your vulnerabilities with is crucial, and I am here to make that decision feel reassuring and positive. In my practice, therapy is not just a conversation; it's an opportunity for growth, acceptance, healing, and positive change. I foster a judgment-free environment, drawing on a diverse range of therapeutic models to tailor our sessions to your unique needs. Together, we will navigate the challenges you're facing in life, as invitations for personal growth.
Embarking on the therapeutic journey, whether it's your initial step or a continuation, can be a transformative and empowering process. Choosing the right therapist to share your vulnerabilities with is crucial, and I am here to make that decision feel reassuring and positive. In my practice, therapy is not just a conversation; it's an opportunity for growth, acceptance, healing, and positive change. I foster a judgment-free environment, drawing on a diverse range of therapeutic models to tailor our sessions to your unique needs. Together, we will navigate the challenges you're facing in life, as invitations for personal growth.
Ramona Pearl Hemphill-Kent
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Hopkins, MN 55343
I have learned that almost everyone who comes to see me has experienced or is experiencing some sort of trauma, dysfunction, chaos or challenging situation that is causing barriers to them living their ideal lives. It greatly impacts their functioning and makes things that used to be easy, difficult. My goal is always to help individuals heal from their trauma and identify solutions to challenging situations through guidance, support and encouragement. I am not here to solve problems for you, but alongside you.
I have learned that almost everyone who comes to see me has experienced or is experiencing some sort of trauma, dysfunction, chaos or challenging situation that is causing barriers to them living their ideal lives. It greatly impacts their functioning and makes things that used to be easy, difficult. My goal is always to help individuals heal from their trauma and identify solutions to challenging situations through guidance, support and encouragement. I am not here to solve problems for you, but alongside you.
**Currently accepting new clients** At the Center for Collaborative Health (CCH), we believe that every person is resilient and has the strength to grow and thrive. We employ a collaborative whole-body approach to healing that leads to proven positive change. At CCH, we are actively reimagining mental health culture by building initiatives to cultivate a healthy mind and body and to better withstand future challenges.
**Currently accepting new clients** At the Center for Collaborative Health (CCH), we believe that every person is resilient and has the strength to grow and thrive. We employ a collaborative whole-body approach to healing that leads to proven positive change. At CCH, we are actively reimagining mental health culture by building initiatives to cultivate a healthy mind and body and to better withstand future challenges.
I work with individuals, couples, and families through the typical and extreme challenges they may face in their lives. I understand the causes and solutions to anxiety, depression, and life change emotions. I have consulted and worked within preschool and school settings facilitating the social and emotional development of students. I am committed to preventing high conflict divorce and the related impact on children and parents. Toward this goal, I also participate in collaborative practice and alternative dispute resolution processes as another part of my practice. I am devoted and passionate in my work.
I work with individuals, couples, and families through the typical and extreme challenges they may face in their lives. I understand the causes and solutions to anxiety, depression, and life change emotions. I have consulted and worked within preschool and school settings facilitating the social and emotional development of students. I am committed to preventing high conflict divorce and the related impact on children and parents. Toward this goal, I also participate in collaborative practice and alternative dispute resolution processes as another part of my practice. I am devoted and passionate in my work.
Ana McRae
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hopkins, MN 55343
Not accepting new clients
Are you often tired, anxious, or triggered by your experiences and don’t understand why? Do you spend most of your time caring for others all the while longing to feel seen and heard yourself? When trying to move through change or simply understand yourself better, it is vital to have a space dedicated to tending to yourself. I am here to partner with you to increase your self-awareness and move from feelings of fear, anxiety, and shame, into presence, curiosity, and creativity. Note: No current openings for child and family therapy.
Are you often tired, anxious, or triggered by your experiences and don’t understand why? Do you spend most of your time caring for others all the while longing to feel seen and heard yourself? When trying to move through change or simply understand yourself better, it is vital to have a space dedicated to tending to yourself. I am here to partner with you to increase your self-awareness and move from feelings of fear, anxiety, and shame, into presence, curiosity, and creativity. Note: No current openings for child and family therapy.
More Therapists Nearby
Joanna L Kelly
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minnetonka, MN 55345
I also use Play Therapy to address many childhood and attachment issues in a way that makes kids feel important.
Worried about your child's behavior? Struggling with parenting? Concerned about your adolescent's self image or self harm? Stuck in a negative cycle with your significant other and unsure how to connect again? Coming to terms with divorce and co-parenting? Wanting to improve family communication? Battling the shadows of depression and anxiety? Wanting change in your life but not sure what? Seeking therapy is hard and deeply personal. You are the expert in your life and I strive to make each client feel accepted, safe and understood. Together, we can discover your unique path to change and healing within yourself and relationships.
I also use Play Therapy to address many childhood and attachment issues in a way that makes kids feel important.
Worried about your child's behavior? Struggling with parenting? Concerned about your adolescent's self image or self harm? Stuck in a negative cycle with your significant other and unsure how to connect again? Coming to terms with divorce and co-parenting? Wanting to improve family communication? Battling the shadows of depression and anxiety? Wanting change in your life but not sure what? Seeking therapy is hard and deeply personal. You are the expert in your life and I strive to make each client feel accepted, safe and understood. Together, we can discover your unique path to change and healing within yourself and relationships.
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Somatic Experience Practitioner and Registered Play Therapist.
Using an integrative approach, I will work with you to overcome challenges you may be dealing with. I am passionate about working with trauma in people of all ages and exploring how it impacts one's connection to Self, their attachment and relationships. My approach incorporates the use of Somatic Experiencing, Trauma-Informed Therapeutic Yoga and other holistic strategies to enhance the lives of those who invite me on their path to growth and healing. I believe everyone should be treated with equality and respect, and I will strive to meet you where you are at and support you in addressing the areas of concern impacting you.
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Somatic Experience Practitioner and Registered Play Therapist.
Using an integrative approach, I will work with you to overcome challenges you may be dealing with. I am passionate about working with trauma in people of all ages and exploring how it impacts one's connection to Self, their attachment and relationships. My approach incorporates the use of Somatic Experiencing, Trauma-Informed Therapeutic Yoga and other holistic strategies to enhance the lives of those who invite me on their path to growth and healing. I believe everyone should be treated with equality and respect, and I will strive to meet you where you are at and support you in addressing the areas of concern impacting you.
Having been trained in Marriage and Family Therapy, I take a systemic view, looking at all the relationships and systems at play within an individual and in a relationship.
My work primarily focuses on adolescents, young adults, couples, premarital couples, and parent-child relationships. I have extensive experience in anxiety, depression, trauma, relational wounds, spiritual journey issues, church hurt, people in ministry, conflict resolution, family of origin issues, perinatal mental health, and exploring the impact of hormones on daily functioning.
Having been trained in Marriage and Family Therapy, I take a systemic view, looking at all the relationships and systems at play within an individual and in a relationship.
My work primarily focuses on adolescents, young adults, couples, premarital couples, and parent-child relationships. I have extensive experience in anxiety, depression, trauma, relational wounds, spiritual journey issues, church hurt, people in ministry, conflict resolution, family of origin issues, perinatal mental health, and exploring the impact of hormones on daily functioning.
Kayla Pease
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, RPT™
Verified Verified
Minnetonka, MN 55343
I use a compassionate, warm approach during play therapy, mindfulness, and person-centered therapy.
I primarily work with children experiencing behavioral struggles, difficulties in the parent-child relationship, anxiety, depression, trauma, and/or life stressors. In addition, I work with adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, life stressors, interpersonal relationship difficulties, and/or parenting stressors.
I use a compassionate, warm approach during play therapy, mindfulness, and person-centered therapy.
I primarily work with children experiencing behavioral struggles, difficulties in the parent-child relationship, anxiety, depression, trauma, and/or life stressors. In addition, I work with adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, life stressors, interpersonal relationship difficulties, and/or parenting stressors.
Play therapy is beneficial for kids, teens, and adults! I help inspire healing of anxiety and trauma through the experience and wonderment of play.
If you are here, you might find yourself experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma. You might be a parent of a child or teen who is struggling. Maybe you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community. All are welcome! As a therapist, I check my ego at the door to bring curiosity and humor to the environment to help you heal. I am a gender, sexuality, and neurodivergent affirmative therapist. I hold an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. I am supervised by Jody Goldie, LMFT as I head towards a license in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Registered Play Therapist credential.
Play therapy is beneficial for kids, teens, and adults! I help inspire healing of anxiety and trauma through the experience and wonderment of play.
If you are here, you might find yourself experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma. You might be a parent of a child or teen who is struggling. Maybe you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community. All are welcome! As a therapist, I check my ego at the door to bring curiosity and humor to the environment to help you heal. I am a gender, sexuality, and neurodivergent affirmative therapist. I hold an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. I am supervised by Jody Goldie, LMFT as I head towards a license in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Registered Play Therapist credential.
Treatment modalities/ techniques utilized are: ART Therapy (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Discernment Counseling, Person Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Art & Play Therapy for children.
I specialize in working with clients 9 - 65+ years old. Clinical expertise includes 20+ years of experience working with clients who have concerns related to: grief & bereavement, depression, anxiety, trauma, domestic abuse, relationship conflict, family conflict due to: separation or divorce, parenting issues, boundaries, unemployment & financial problems, illness or disability of a family member, taking on a caretaker role for a child, and/or parent, or both. Sudden death, long term illness of a family member, and dealing with mental illness within the family system.
Treatment modalities/ techniques utilized are: ART Therapy (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Discernment Counseling, Person Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Art & Play Therapy for children.
I specialize in working with clients 9 - 65+ years old. Clinical expertise includes 20+ years of experience working with clients who have concerns related to: grief & bereavement, depression, anxiety, trauma, domestic abuse, relationship conflict, family conflict due to: separation or divorce, parenting issues, boundaries, unemployment & financial problems, illness or disability of a family member, taking on a caretaker role for a child, and/or parent, or both. Sudden death, long term illness of a family member, and dealing with mental illness within the family system.
In addition, I am a registered play therapist.
Do you feel weighed down by trauma, grief, or loss? Do you experience sadness, or intrusive memories of previous experiences? If so, my specialty is working with people like you. I have extensive experience with all types of trauma survivors, including survivors of sexual and physical abuse. I am grounded in a solid Christian faith and am comfortable exploring aspects of spirituality. I have strengths in the areas of empathy, positivity, winning others over, and strategy.
In addition, I am a registered play therapist.
Do you feel weighed down by trauma, grief, or loss? Do you experience sadness, or intrusive memories of previous experiences? If so, my specialty is working with people like you. I have extensive experience with all types of trauma survivors, including survivors of sexual and physical abuse. I am grounded in a solid Christian faith and am comfortable exploring aspects of spirituality. I have strengths in the areas of empathy, positivity, winning others over, and strategy.
Christina L Kress
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Waitlist for new clients
I enter a child's world of play and imagination to help them overcome problems, cope with difficult situations and achieve healthy development.
Are you (or your family) stuck? Have you been trying the same things over and over and nothing is changing? Time to try a more direct approach! I can help. My work with clients is rooted in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). DBT is not for the faint-hearted! It is direct, evidence-based and it works. DBT has been proven useful in treating mood disorders, suicidal ideation, and for change in behavioral patterns such as self-harm, and substance abuse. At Minnetonka Counseling I lead adolescent and family DBT groups, adult DBT groups as well as advance DBT workshops for DBT graduates.
I enter a child's world of play and imagination to help them overcome problems, cope with difficult situations and achieve healthy development.
Are you (or your family) stuck? Have you been trying the same things over and over and nothing is changing? Time to try a more direct approach! I can help. My work with clients is rooted in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). DBT is not for the faint-hearted! It is direct, evidence-based and it works. DBT has been proven useful in treating mood disorders, suicidal ideation, and for change in behavioral patterns such as self-harm, and substance abuse. At Minnetonka Counseling I lead adolescent and family DBT groups, adult DBT groups as well as advance DBT workshops for DBT graduates.
I bring joy, laughter, and play into the therapy room.
Thriving in childhood and your teenage years is a process that involves insight and support. In psychotherapy with children, teens, and parents/caregivers I provide this support, as well as training in evidence-based and informed psychotherapy and play therapy interventions. I work with all children/teens, and also have growing specialization in psychotherapy with girls and young women (self-identifying) related to all mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, grief/loss etc.). I support girls in building their sense of connection, well-being, self-worth, identity, and confidence in their lives and relationships.
I bring joy, laughter, and play into the therapy room.
Thriving in childhood and your teenage years is a process that involves insight and support. In psychotherapy with children, teens, and parents/caregivers I provide this support, as well as training in evidence-based and informed psychotherapy and play therapy interventions. I work with all children/teens, and also have growing specialization in psychotherapy with girls and young women (self-identifying) related to all mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, grief/loss etc.). I support girls in building their sense of connection, well-being, self-worth, identity, and confidence in their lives and relationships.
If you are the parent of an adopted child who is having a hard time, I would be honored to support you on your parenting journey, help your child through play therapy, and/or facilitate connection through attachment-focused family therapy.
If you, your child, or your teenager are struggling, I would like to lend some support. I am passionate about helping individuals who are experiencing symptoms associated with developmental or interpersonal trauma, stress and anxiety, depression, developmental differences, or other mental health challenges. I take a person-centered and attachment-oriented approach to personal growth, believing that if I create a safe space and offer unconditional, nonjudgmental support, you will naturally move toward health and healing.
If you are the parent of an adopted child who is having a hard time, I would be honored to support you on your parenting journey, help your child through play therapy, and/or facilitate connection through attachment-focused family therapy.
If you, your child, or your teenager are struggling, I would like to lend some support. I am passionate about helping individuals who are experiencing symptoms associated with developmental or interpersonal trauma, stress and anxiety, depression, developmental differences, or other mental health challenges. I take a person-centered and attachment-oriented approach to personal growth, believing that if I create a safe space and offer unconditional, nonjudgmental support, you will naturally move toward health and healing.
Mj Pearson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, RPT
Verified Verified
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Waitlist for new clients
As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, MJ provides play therapy for the pediatric (10 and under) population and has a passion for supporting parental mental health. MJ believes in the power of parents as the biggest predictors of growth and healing in the lives of their children! When your child senses your presence and connection, they can thrive. Making an investment in your relationship through parent child therapy is a proven way to build resiliency for both you and your child.
As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, MJ provides play therapy for the pediatric (10 and under) population and has a passion for supporting parental mental health. MJ believes in the power of parents as the biggest predictors of growth and healing in the lives of their children! When your child senses your presence and connection, they can thrive. Making an investment in your relationship through parent child therapy is a proven way to build resiliency for both you and your child.
I see clients of all ages, including individuals and families. My areas of interest include; anxiety and depression, ADD and ADHD, adjustment disorders, recovery from trauma, grief and loss, and disenfranchised grief. I have training in various modalities of therapy such a play therapy, art therapy, sand tray therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, Adaptive Internal Relational (AIR) Network, and trauma systems therapy.
I see clients of all ages, including individuals and families. My areas of interest include; anxiety and depression, ADD and ADHD, adjustment disorders, recovery from trauma, grief and loss, and disenfranchised grief. I have training in various modalities of therapy such a play therapy, art therapy, sand tray therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, Adaptive Internal Relational (AIR) Network, and trauma systems therapy.
David Hoy & Associates has immediate openings for new clients to start therapy services via online video counseling or in person. We offer flexible day and evening hours to accommodate busy schedules.
David Hoy & Associates has immediate openings for new clients to start therapy services via online video counseling or in person. We offer flexible day and evening hours to accommodate busy schedules.
See more therapy options for Hopkins
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Hopkins
- Bloomington
- Chanhassen
- Eden Prairie
- Edina
- Golden Valley
- Minneapolis
- Minnetonka
- Plymouth
- Richfield
- Saint Louis Park
- Shakopee
- Wayzata
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.