Play Therapy in Minneapolis, MN
I utilize an integrative approach specifically designed to meet each client’s needs, and I apply techniques from a variety of methods such as Child-Centered/Directive Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults who are facing social, emotional and behavioral challenges. My specialty is in helping my clients to overcome issues with anxiety, depression, self-esteem and ADHD.
I utilize an integrative approach specifically designed to meet each client’s needs, and I apply techniques from a variety of methods such as Child-Centered/Directive Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults who are facing social, emotional and behavioral challenges. My specialty is in helping my clients to overcome issues with anxiety, depression, self-esteem and ADHD.
Kayla Pease
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, RPT™
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55416
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.
Kristen Hayashi
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Working with children and adults ages 6 and up, I use a wide range of tools to help depending on what works best for each person (including talk, play, and art techniques).
Therapy provides a safe space for exploring challenges, developing strengths, gaining coping skills and growing to a better understanding of ourselves. We can share and process our experiences, emotions, beliefs and thoughts without fear of judgment. Therapy is a team relationship, we work together. My goal is to be your teammate, cheerleader, sounding board, empathetic confidant, and guide. As the therapist, I am there with some humor, support, curiosity, compassion, and understanding. I want to empower you so you can regain confidence in your resilience. Be yourself, you matter! You are worthy to get your needs met.
Working with children and adults ages 6 and up, I use a wide range of tools to help depending on what works best for each person (including talk, play, and art techniques).
Therapy provides a safe space for exploring challenges, developing strengths, gaining coping skills and growing to a better understanding of ourselves. We can share and process our experiences, emotions, beliefs and thoughts without fear of judgment. Therapy is a team relationship, we work together. My goal is to be your teammate, cheerleader, sounding board, empathetic confidant, and guide. As the therapist, I am there with some humor, support, curiosity, compassion, and understanding. I want to empower you so you can regain confidence in your resilience. Be yourself, you matter! You are worthy to get your needs met.
Rachael Belair
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55407
I value and understand the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship, and work collaboratively with clients to tailor their therapy to meet their unique needs. I have experience with a variety of therapeutic techniques including play therapy, art therapy, solution focused, psychodynamic, ACT, EMDR and CBT.
I value and understand the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship, and work collaboratively with clients to tailor their therapy to meet their unique needs. I have experience with a variety of therapeutic techniques including play therapy, art therapy, solution focused, psychodynamic, ACT, EMDR and CBT.
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.
Creating a comfortable, individualized treatment relationship within the context of a secure and relaxed environment is a primary therapy goal for serving all age groups. Diverse backgrounds, life experiences and orientations are all welcome and respected. I draw from a wide variety of treatment approaches to adapt to your personal situation. Emotions, thought, behavior, your life history and relationship experience are all given careful consideration. Humor, warmth, encouragement, knowledge and skill in treatment techniques can all play a role in the support provided as you work on improving and changing your life.
Creating a comfortable, individualized treatment relationship within the context of a secure and relaxed environment is a primary therapy goal for serving all age groups. Diverse backgrounds, life experiences and orientations are all welcome and respected. I draw from a wide variety of treatment approaches to adapt to your personal situation. Emotions, thought, behavior, your life history and relationship experience are all given careful consideration. Humor, warmth, encouragement, knowledge and skill in treatment techniques can all play a role in the support provided as you work on improving and changing your life.
I incorporate play, art, mindfulness, movement and self-compassion into my practice.
Hello! We all experience times of difficulty and shifts in our lives. I focus on building compassion for self and others to help individuals and families work through stress, increase confidence and build support systems in their lives. I work with those who are experiencing trauma, posttraumatic stress, depression, ADHD, anxiety, identity development, life transitions, divorce and co-parenting stress. I enjoy working across the age spectrum including children 7 and under and adolescents (ages 12+) through adulthood.
I incorporate play, art, mindfulness, movement and self-compassion into my practice.
Hello! We all experience times of difficulty and shifts in our lives. I focus on building compassion for self and others to help individuals and families work through stress, increase confidence and build support systems in their lives. I work with those who are experiencing trauma, posttraumatic stress, depression, ADHD, anxiety, identity development, life transitions, divorce and co-parenting stress. I enjoy working across the age spectrum including children 7 and under and adolescents (ages 12+) through adulthood.
I enjoy working with kids, teens, adults, and families that are looking for individual therapy, family therapy, parent-child therapy, or play therapy. I have experience supporting clients through a wide range of challenges including, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, identity development, adoption, parent-child attachment challenges, school difficulties, emotional dysregulation, aggression, divorce, and grief/loss.
I enjoy working with kids, teens, adults, and families that are looking for individual therapy, family therapy, parent-child therapy, or play therapy. I have experience supporting clients through a wide range of challenges including, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, identity development, adoption, parent-child attachment challenges, school difficulties, emotional dysregulation, aggression, divorce, and grief/loss.
Lyndsie Standerwick
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Lyndsie has pursued training with specific interest in Non-Directive/Experiential Play Therapy, Developmental Repair, Attachment concerns and Theraplay.
In-Person sessions with COVID-19 precautions in place and Virtual sessions available. Lyndsie Standerwick is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist. She has over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field with children, adolescents, women, and families. Lyndsie is passionate about walking alongside clients and families as they find what they need within themselves to live life more fully. Lyndsie aims to listen to clients without judgement and to provide feedback and support honestly.
Lyndsie has pursued training with specific interest in Non-Directive/Experiential Play Therapy, Developmental Repair, Attachment concerns and Theraplay.
In-Person sessions with COVID-19 precautions in place and Virtual sessions available. Lyndsie Standerwick is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist. She has over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field with children, adolescents, women, and families. Lyndsie is passionate about walking alongside clients and families as they find what they need within themselves to live life more fully. Lyndsie aims to listen to clients without judgement and to provide feedback and support honestly.
Rondi Chastanet
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55404
I use play therapy, positive psychology, neuroscience, parenting research, complementary alternative methods to therapy like yoga and essential oils, and other approaches.
I truly believe you have the potential to grow in any direction you're wanting or needing. By getting to know your story & what brings you to therapy, we can co-create a new narrative for your life and your future.
I use play therapy, positive psychology, neuroscience, parenting research, complementary alternative methods to therapy like yoga and essential oils, and other approaches.
I truly believe you have the potential to grow in any direction you're wanting or needing. By getting to know your story & what brings you to therapy, we can co-create a new narrative for your life and your future.
Madison Massoth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LGSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55408
I integrate techniques from evidence-based practices including Walk and Talk Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Play and Art-Based Approaches, Group Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Practices, and Motivational Interviewing.
I love working with adolescents and adults. I value the importance of empathy, connection, and understanding within the therapeutic relationship. She utilizes a relational and strengths-based approach. I work to help clients develop skills to improve their ability to cope with and manage ongoing life stressors. I am an experienced clinician, LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, who has experience working with trauma, anger, sexuality, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, effective communication, relationships, and attachment-based issues.
I integrate techniques from evidence-based practices including Walk and Talk Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Play and Art-Based Approaches, Group Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Practices, and Motivational Interviewing.
I love working with adolescents and adults. I value the importance of empathy, connection, and understanding within the therapeutic relationship. She utilizes a relational and strengths-based approach. I work to help clients develop skills to improve their ability to cope with and manage ongoing life stressors. I am an experienced clinician, LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, who has experience working with trauma, anger, sexuality, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, effective communication, relationships, and attachment-based issues.
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Some additional pathways include: Emotion Focused, Art and Play, Narrative, and TFT.
If you (or people you love), are facing the same issue(s) in your life that you have been trying to change for years, or if something you’ve previously managed well is now becoming unmanageable, or if you’ve been “blind-sided” by a serious issue you could never have predicted, therapy can serve as a powerful ally or “touchstone” through it all. Wherever you are right now, therapy needs to “meet you there.” The most important aspect of working together, is that everything flows from your uniqueness as an individual. I believe the therapeutic process works best as a collaboration between client and therapist.
Some additional pathways include: Emotion Focused, Art and Play, Narrative, and TFT.
If you (or people you love), are facing the same issue(s) in your life that you have been trying to change for years, or if something you’ve previously managed well is now becoming unmanageable, or if you’ve been “blind-sided” by a serious issue you could never have predicted, therapy can serve as a powerful ally or “touchstone” through it all. Wherever you are right now, therapy needs to “meet you there.” The most important aspect of working together, is that everything flows from your uniqueness as an individual. I believe the therapeutic process works best as a collaboration between client and therapist.
I have especially worked with children, helping them through play therapy to overcome problems related to depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, learning problems and delays in psychosocial development.
I have over twenty years of experience as a psychotherapist treating children, individuals and families. I have been intensively trained as a child psychoanalytic psychotherapist, which has given me the basis to understand and to integrate diverse techniques during my practice for the assessment and treatment of people with different disorders. I greatly enjoy working with the Hispanic population and I have a clear understanding and respect of the cultural values and traditions of the community.
I have especially worked with children, helping them through play therapy to overcome problems related to depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, learning problems and delays in psychosocial development.
I have over twenty years of experience as a psychotherapist treating children, individuals and families. I have been intensively trained as a child psychoanalytic psychotherapist, which has given me the basis to understand and to integrate diverse techniques during my practice for the assessment and treatment of people with different disorders. I greatly enjoy working with the Hispanic population and I have a clear understanding and respect of the cultural values and traditions of the community.
Dr. Margaret Houston
Marriage & Family Therapist, DMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55406
While I am not a RPT (registered play therapist), I have completed many play therapy trainings. I have experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum as well as young adults. I believe in a holistic approach, one that includes experiential and mindfulness interventions.
While I am not a RPT (registered play therapist), I have completed many play therapy trainings. I have experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum as well as young adults. I believe in a holistic approach, one that includes experiential and mindfulness interventions.
Stephanie Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, R-DMT, LPC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55410
Waitlist for new clients
I treat children with symptoms of attention and learning challenges including anxiety and sensory concerns. The modality I use is Developmental Movement Therapy and Primitive Reflex Integration which are Somatic approaches that focus on addressing the root of symptoms rather than teaching accommodations or coping mechanisms. Treatment sessions are fun, movement based and "home play" is offered to parents to as a way of engaging and supporting your child between sessions.
I treat children with symptoms of attention and learning challenges including anxiety and sensory concerns. The modality I use is Developmental Movement Therapy and Primitive Reflex Integration which are Somatic approaches that focus on addressing the root of symptoms rather than teaching accommodations or coping mechanisms. Treatment sessions are fun, movement based and "home play" is offered to parents to as a way of engaging and supporting your child between sessions.
Jason Kell
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55413
I’m also trained in and utilizes experiential approaches such as Experiential Play Therapy (EPT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, and Sandtray Therapy.
I’ve received my Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Denver Seminary, and practice as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I specializes in therapies that work towards the healing of people who have experienced trauma and other stress-related disorders. I’m fully trained as an EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) therapist. Moreover, I have completed the Somatic Experiencing (Beginning I, II & III) training modules through the SE Trauma Institute focused on healing and restoration.
I’m also trained in and utilizes experiential approaches such as Experiential Play Therapy (EPT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, and Sandtray Therapy.
I’ve received my Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Denver Seminary, and practice as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I specializes in therapies that work towards the healing of people who have experienced trauma and other stress-related disorders. I’m fully trained as an EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) therapist. Moreover, I have completed the Somatic Experiencing (Beginning I, II & III) training modules through the SE Trauma Institute focused on healing and restoration.
Sheridan Kaatz
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, BS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55401
I also provide play therapy for kiddos.
I have immediate availability for couples & families. If you are looking for a therapist who is authentic, accessible, curious, and compassionate, we might be a good match! I offer a warm & judgement free space that focuses on strengths to help you achieve your goals. Whether you are new to therapy, or you've been exploring it for some time, I will walk along side you to support you on your journey. It's important that you know you are the expert on your own life & my focus is to meet you where you are at. We can work through life's challenges & give you practical tools for the present while reframing your perspective on the past.
I also provide play therapy for kiddos.
I have immediate availability for couples & families. If you are looking for a therapist who is authentic, accessible, curious, and compassionate, we might be a good match! I offer a warm & judgement free space that focuses on strengths to help you achieve your goals. Whether you are new to therapy, or you've been exploring it for some time, I will walk along side you to support you on your journey. It's important that you know you are the expert on your own life & my focus is to meet you where you are at. We can work through life's challenges & give you practical tools for the present while reframing your perspective on the past.
Joanna L Kelly
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55408
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.
Libby Dunnigan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55403
We all have unique experiences that shape our perspectives. I believe that through self-awareness and vulnerability, we can all grow to become more resilient and confident individuals. As a licensed clinical therapist, I will guide you through the therapeutic process and empower you with the skills to feel more in control in your life. I’ll help you build a toolbox of coping strategies to find what works best for you. I have a client-centered, collaborative style that draws techniques from a variety of therapy modalities including (but not limited to): CBT, Psychodynamic, DBT, Solution-focused, Strength-based, and Play Therapy.
We all have unique experiences that shape our perspectives. I believe that through self-awareness and vulnerability, we can all grow to become more resilient and confident individuals. As a licensed clinical therapist, I will guide you through the therapeutic process and empower you with the skills to feel more in control in your life. I’ll help you build a toolbox of coping strategies to find what works best for you. I have a client-centered, collaborative style that draws techniques from a variety of therapy modalities including (but not limited to): CBT, Psychodynamic, DBT, Solution-focused, Strength-based, and Play Therapy.
Dr. Jim is a Performance Consultant & Mental Conditioning Coach who provides mental skills training and counseling to athletes of all ages and levels, sports teams, organizations & governing bodies all over the world. He works with Olympic, professional, collegiate, high school, amateur & youth athletes to improve performance both on & off the field of play, welling-being & mental health. He has worked with teams and professional athletes He has worked with & trained thousands of athletes, coaches & parents over the past 22 years. He also works with performing arts, business professionals as an performance coach, & with government &
Dr. Jim is a Performance Consultant & Mental Conditioning Coach who provides mental skills training and counseling to athletes of all ages and levels, sports teams, organizations & governing bodies all over the world. He works with Olympic, professional, collegiate, high school, amateur & youth athletes to improve performance both on & off the field of play, welling-being & mental health. He has worked with teams and professional athletes He has worked with & trained thousands of athletes, coaches & parents over the past 22 years. He also works with performing arts, business professionals as an performance coach, & with government &
See more therapy options for Minneapolis
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Minneapolis
- Bloomington
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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.