Play Therapy in Minnetonka, MN
Dr. Sally I Beck
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Hello, I'm Dr. Sally Beck, a faith-based therapist offering hope to Couples who are suffering loss of connection to those they love. Couples can again regain trust and regain trust and intimacy through renewed connection. FaithWorks specializes in trauma and abuse; trained in EMDR, a helpful tool in lessening anxiety due to PTSD. Play therapy and EMDR are effecive techniques addressing anxiety in children suffering from divorce, sexual abuse, or attachment. In fact, play therapy is such a valuable tool in assisting children in their healing that we have four rooms dedicated to play therapy in Anchor Counseling Clinic in Jordan, MN.
Hello, I'm Dr. Sally Beck, a faith-based therapist offering hope to Couples who are suffering loss of connection to those they love. Couples can again regain trust and regain trust and intimacy through renewed connection. FaithWorks specializes in trauma and abuse; trained in EMDR, a helpful tool in lessening anxiety due to PTSD. Play therapy and EMDR are effecive techniques addressing anxiety in children suffering from divorce, sexual abuse, or attachment. In fact, play therapy is such a valuable tool in assisting children in their healing that we have four rooms dedicated to play therapy in Anchor Counseling Clinic in Jordan, MN.
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.
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.
Play therapy is beneficial for kids, teens, AND adults! I help inspire healing through the therapeutic powers of play.
If you are here, you might find yourself experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or relational concerns. 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 grow. 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 through the therapeutic powers of play.
If you are here, you might find yourself experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or relational concerns. 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 grow. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Cara Coro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Cara brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to her role as a therapist. Her life experiences as a mother, divorced single parent, grandmother, and elementary school teacher enable a quick alignment with clients struggling with one or more similar situations. She is ready to help you learn, cope, and grow regardless of your circumstances. Cara specializes in addressing the needs of families and children experiencing high levels of conflict. She takes a strength-based and collaborative approach to therapy, recognizing the resilience and potential for growth within each family member. She creates a safe and nonjudgmental space
Cara brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to her role as a therapist. Her life experiences as a mother, divorced single parent, grandmother, and elementary school teacher enable a quick alignment with clients struggling with one or more similar situations. She is ready to help you learn, cope, and grow regardless of your circumstances. Cara specializes in addressing the needs of families and children experiencing high levels of conflict. She takes a strength-based and collaborative approach to therapy, recognizing the resilience and potential for growth within each family member. She creates a safe and nonjudgmental space
Cathy Rupnow is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She brings valuable experience to work with trauma, all types of abuse, and healing of past and present emotional wounds. Her non-judgmental approach helps her clients deal with family conflict, isolation, and loneliness.
Cathy Rupnow is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She brings valuable experience to work with trauma, all types of abuse, and healing of past and present emotional wounds. Her non-judgmental approach helps her clients deal with family conflict, isolation, and loneliness.
If you are here, you may be an individual with complex trauma, or someone who is struggling with post traumatic stress. These symptoms can include depression, anxiety, dissociation, flashbacks, looping self critical thoughts, a deep feeling of abandonment, and challenges within relationships with loved ones. Whether you are an individual looking to work on your own healing, or the parent of a child or teen who is struggling, I may be a good fit for your therapy needs.
If you are here, you may be an individual with complex trauma, or someone who is struggling with post traumatic stress. These symptoms can include depression, anxiety, dissociation, flashbacks, looping self critical thoughts, a deep feeling of abandonment, and challenges within relationships with loved ones. Whether you are an individual looking to work on your own healing, or the parent of a child or teen who is struggling, I may be a good fit for your therapy needs.
We believe emotional wellness matters (a lot), and that everyone has the right to make it a priority. Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. So many questions can get in the way. Maybe you’ve even asked them yourself: Is this normal? Can talking to someone really help me? What is therapy all about, anyway? What would people say if they knew I was going? How do I find the right therapist? Will I be comfortable there? When will I find the time? Will my insurance pay for this? If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. And we can help. To learn more, visit www.sonderwellness.com
We believe emotional wellness matters (a lot), and that everyone has the right to make it a priority. Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. So many questions can get in the way. Maybe you’ve even asked them yourself: Is this normal? Can talking to someone really help me? What is therapy all about, anyway? What would people say if they knew I was going? How do I find the right therapist? Will I be comfortable there? When will I find the time? Will my insurance pay for this? If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. And we can help. To learn more, visit www.sonderwellness.com
Megan St Amand
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Minnetonka, MN 55305 (Online Only)
Megan’s ideal client is a child, adolescent, partners, or parent(s) seeking understanding, meaning, and healing in their life and in their relationships. Often, these are clients that have already begun their journey; they’ve read books, taken quizzes, or have completed a workbook and yet, it’s still not working. The ideal client is ready to try something different to reach their potential. Honoring our humanity and the world we live in, I utilize an umbrella approach that begins with a Trauma-Informed and Attachment Lens. Under the umbrella, are approaches used to meet the client where they are at and enable new skills to develop.
Megan’s ideal client is a child, adolescent, partners, or parent(s) seeking understanding, meaning, and healing in their life and in their relationships. Often, these are clients that have already begun their journey; they’ve read books, taken quizzes, or have completed a workbook and yet, it’s still not working. The ideal client is ready to try something different to reach their potential. Honoring our humanity and the world we live in, I utilize an umbrella approach that begins with a Trauma-Informed and Attachment Lens. Under the umbrella, are approaches used to meet the client where they are at and enable new skills to develop.
Alma L Ramos Rivera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minnetonka, MN 55305 (Online Only)
I love helping clients find their inner strength to get through whatever they are experiencing in their lives.
I love helping clients find their inner strength to get through whatever they are experiencing in their lives.
Lisa Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LAMFT
Verified Verified
Minnetonka, MN 55305
I specialize in working with school-aged children, teens, adults, and parents struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, relationships, life transitions, parenting and relationship challenges, and trauma. My priority is for each person to feel deeply heard, understood, and supported in making positive changes toward a joy-filled life. I view people through a holistic lens and address all areas of life including body, mind, community, and spiritual orientation.
I specialize in working with school-aged children, teens, adults, and parents struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, relationships, life transitions, parenting and relationship challenges, and trauma. My priority is for each person to feel deeply heard, understood, and supported in making positive changes toward a joy-filled life. I view people through a holistic lens and address all areas of life including body, mind, community, and spiritual orientation.
Struggling with life-satisfaction or relationships that leave you stressed, angry, anxious, or depressed? I intimately understand the mental and emotional gymnastics of self-guided solutions which may be an emotional rollercoaster. Are parenting responsibilities or dealing with someone's ADHD characteristics a confusing process? I have successfully worked with children with ADD/ADHD utilizing a patented neurofeedback technology which works to increase focus, reduce distracting behaviors, and susceptibility to audio and visual distractions.
Struggling with life-satisfaction or relationships that leave you stressed, angry, anxious, or depressed? I intimately understand the mental and emotional gymnastics of self-guided solutions which may be an emotional rollercoaster. Are parenting responsibilities or dealing with someone's ADHD characteristics a confusing process? I have successfully worked with children with ADD/ADHD utilizing a patented neurofeedback technology which works to increase focus, reduce distracting behaviors, and susceptibility to audio and visual distractions.
See more therapy options for Minnetonka
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Minnetonka
- Bloomington
- Chanhassen
- Eden Prairie
- Edina
- Golden Valley
- Hopkins
- Minneapolis
- 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.