Play Therapy in Minneapolis, MN
I strive to create a collaborative, non-judgemental space to address immediate concerns and grow self-understanding. An important part of that process is building a therapeutic relationship, one where you feel safe and can speak freely. I see my role as a thought partner helping you grow your internal awareness and trust in yourself. Together, we'll explore how certain life experiences have shaped patterns of relating to yourself and others, and explore how this impacts your emotional life. This is an individualized approach that takes into account your unique history, challenges and strengths in guiding the treatment.
I strive to create a collaborative, non-judgemental space to address immediate concerns and grow self-understanding. An important part of that process is building a therapeutic relationship, one where you feel safe and can speak freely. I see my role as a thought partner helping you grow your internal awareness and trust in yourself. Together, we'll explore how certain life experiences have shaped patterns of relating to yourself and others, and explore how this impacts your emotional life. This is an individualized approach that takes into account your unique history, challenges and strengths in guiding the treatment.
Are you struggling with chronic illness and the isolation it has caused? Does it feel like your anxiety or OCD is getting in the way of you living the life you imagined for yourself? In my practice I bring compassion, humor, insight, and a sincere dedication to my clients. There is no denying the mind body connection. Together, we will make an action plan and work towards better mental and therefore physical health. Through our daily decisions- from which thought we pay attention to, to whom we surround ourselves with- we are shaping our lives and our health. I draw on ERP, CBT, ACT and many resources to support my clients.
Are you struggling with chronic illness and the isolation it has caused? Does it feel like your anxiety or OCD is getting in the way of you living the life you imagined for yourself? In my practice I bring compassion, humor, insight, and a sincere dedication to my clients. There is no denying the mind body connection. Together, we will make an action plan and work towards better mental and therefore physical health. Through our daily decisions- from which thought we pay attention to, to whom we surround ourselves with- we are shaping our lives and our health. I draw on ERP, CBT, ACT and many resources to support my clients.
As part of our human experience, it is inevitable that we will face countless transitions, uncertainties, and challenges. These experiences, whether subtle or profound, shape our internal landscapes and narratives we carry forward. If you have something you have been carrying with you for some time or have just been handed a load that you aren't sure how to bear, you are not alone. Therapy offers more than a structured dialogue; it is an intentional space for reflection to explore the past, make sense of the present, and thoughtfully craft your future.
As part of our human experience, it is inevitable that we will face countless transitions, uncertainties, and challenges. These experiences, whether subtle or profound, shape our internal landscapes and narratives we carry forward. If you have something you have been carrying with you for some time or have just been handed a load that you aren't sure how to bear, you are not alone. Therapy offers more than a structured dialogue; it is an intentional space for reflection to explore the past, make sense of the present, and thoughtfully craft your future.
We offer child intervention and support programs that aim to develop their potential in the midst of behavioral disorders and expand their horizons for better living.
We offer child intervention and support programs that aim to develop their potential in the midst of behavioral disorders and expand their horizons for better living.
I welcome clients from all spheres of life & lived realities. I am currently accepting clients for individual, couples (including poly/non-monogamy), & group therapy. Most of my professional experience has been with communities that are underrepresented, under supported, economically limited, identify as BIPOC, neurodivergent, and/or LGBTQIA+. As a gay nonbinary person, I am especially passionate about working with folks from the queer community.
I welcome clients from all spheres of life & lived realities. I am currently accepting clients for individual, couples (including poly/non-monogamy), & group therapy. Most of my professional experience has been with communities that are underrepresented, under supported, economically limited, identify as BIPOC, neurodivergent, and/or LGBTQIA+. As a gay nonbinary person, I am especially passionate about working with folks from the queer community.
Are you carrying the weight of past or present experiences that keep you distanced from yourself, struggling to connect with your body, the people around you, or the possibility of something different? You may experience the stress of life leaving you unable to extend compassion or care to yourself. You might feel disconnected from your body or unsure how to navigate intimacy with yourself or others in a way that actually feels good to you. You may struggle to express your needs and boundaries in your relationships, often leading to a sense of strain or tension.
Are you carrying the weight of past or present experiences that keep you distanced from yourself, struggling to connect with your body, the people around you, or the possibility of something different? You may experience the stress of life leaving you unable to extend compassion or care to yourself. You might feel disconnected from your body or unsure how to navigate intimacy with yourself or others in a way that actually feels good to you. You may struggle to express your needs and boundaries in your relationships, often leading to a sense of strain or tension.
As Rumi says, “This being human is a guest house…” for joy, depression, awareness, meanness, shame as well as the peace or the chaos they can bring into our lives. They come as guides and often don’t leave us until they teach us what we need to learn. Learning to meet and face these guests head-on can require compassion, non-judgmental guidance, patience, support and to know that you are not alone in this human experience. I believe that everyone deserves a safe place to discover who they are. A place to be honest and to be vulnerable without fear or judgment.
As Rumi says, “This being human is a guest house…” for joy, depression, awareness, meanness, shame as well as the peace or the chaos they can bring into our lives. They come as guides and often don’t leave us until they teach us what we need to learn. Learning to meet and face these guests head-on can require compassion, non-judgmental guidance, patience, support and to know that you are not alone in this human experience. I believe that everyone deserves a safe place to discover who they are. A place to be honest and to be vulnerable without fear or judgment.
My passion for marriage and family therapy stems from a deep belief that relationships are the foundation of personal well-being and community health. Over the years, I have witnessed how unresolved conflict, emotional disconnection, and unspoken pain can erode even the strongest bonds. This understanding has fueled my commitment to helping couples, families, and individuals navigate challenges with compassion, clarity, and evidence-based strategies that will provide you with concrete tools to address communication and long-standing attachment needs.
My passion for marriage and family therapy stems from a deep belief that relationships are the foundation of personal well-being and community health. Over the years, I have witnessed how unresolved conflict, emotional disconnection, and unspoken pain can erode even the strongest bonds. This understanding has fueled my commitment to helping couples, families, and individuals navigate challenges with compassion, clarity, and evidence-based strategies that will provide you with concrete tools to address communication and long-standing attachment needs.
Plus, art therapy and play therapy are great for people of all ages to get us out of our heads.
Hey there, my name is Alyssa and I use she/they pronouns. I am a queer, neurodivergent associate marriage and family therapist. My specialty is with families and teens/adolescents. I am currently taking family clients between teens/parents, single adults, and middle schoolers-young adults. I connect with clients through humor, playfulness, and art-making, which I believe can help work through challenges that life can throw at us. In my opinion, art therapy is not about making profound art but is a tool to help process feelings and discover something new.
Plus, art therapy and play therapy are great for people of all ages to get us out of our heads.
Hey there, my name is Alyssa and I use she/they pronouns. I am a queer, neurodivergent associate marriage and family therapist. My specialty is with families and teens/adolescents. I am currently taking family clients between teens/parents, single adults, and middle schoolers-young adults. I connect with clients through humor, playfulness, and art-making, which I believe can help work through challenges that life can throw at us. In my opinion, art therapy is not about making profound art but is a tool to help process feelings and discover something new.
Using play therapy, EMDR, and trauma-informed approaches, I help clients process emotions, strengthen coping skills, and heal from difficult experiences.
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when you are navigating big emotions, transitions, or family stress. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who feel anxious, stuck, or misunderstood. As a therapist, my goal is to provide a safe, engaging space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported as they build confidence, skills, and resilience.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who has worked in community mental health, school settings, and in an intensive outpatient program. My experience has given me a deep respect for each person's story and a passion for helping clients find clarity and healing.
Using play therapy, EMDR, and trauma-informed approaches, I help clients process emotions, strengthen coping skills, and heal from difficult experiences.
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when you are navigating big emotions, transitions, or family stress. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who feel anxious, stuck, or misunderstood. As a therapist, my goal is to provide a safe, engaging space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported as they build confidence, skills, and resilience.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who has worked in community mental health, school settings, and in an intensive outpatient program. My experience has given me a deep respect for each person's story and a passion for helping clients find clarity and healing.
With children, I use play therapy to access their intuitive capacity for healing.
You have a trans child and Trump will be our next president. Now what? You have been put in an impossible position: to advocate for your child’s needs and to protect them from a bigoted world. How do you balance these seemingly competing needs when so many unknowns are looming? In short, how do you honor your child’s safety and sovereignty?
With children, I use play therapy to access their intuitive capacity for healing.
You have a trans child and Trump will be our next president. Now what? You have been put in an impossible position: to advocate for your child’s needs and to protect them from a bigoted world. How do you balance these seemingly competing needs when so many unknowns are looming? In short, how do you honor your child’s safety and sovereignty?
My name is Robin Hicks I am a licensed therapist I’m the first person in 3 generations to earn a college degree. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Mgt from Spalding University in Louisville KY, and a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family therapy from St Mary’s University in MN. I grew up in Minneapolis with many challenges, trauma, and one parent household. My ambition has helps me to guide others in their quest to identify, to develop & deliver their purpose in life. I have supported others in a variety of settings from infants to adults and families, presenting with a variety of emotional, social, and behavioral concerns.
My name is Robin Hicks I am a licensed therapist I’m the first person in 3 generations to earn a college degree. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Mgt from Spalding University in Louisville KY, and a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family therapy from St Mary’s University in MN. I grew up in Minneapolis with many challenges, trauma, and one parent household. My ambition has helps me to guide others in their quest to identify, to develop & deliver their purpose in life. I have supported others in a variety of settings from infants to adults and families, presenting with a variety of emotional, social, and behavioral concerns.
For a long time, I was my own worst critic, believing that being hard on myself was the key to growth. While that strategy may produce short-term results, relentless self-criticism often creates more barriers than motivation—and leaves little room for positive emotion. Many people come into therapy feeling trapped by their emotions or believing their feelings mean something is wrong with them. I help clients understand that emotions are not problems to eliminate, but signals to learn from.
For a long time, I was my own worst critic, believing that being hard on myself was the key to growth. While that strategy may produce short-term results, relentless self-criticism often creates more barriers than motivation—and leaves little room for positive emotion. Many people come into therapy feeling trapped by their emotions or believing their feelings mean something is wrong with them. I help clients understand that emotions are not problems to eliminate, but signals to learn from.
Working with adults ages 18 and up, I use a wide range of tools to help depending on what works best for each person (including , HOCI, ART, somatic, 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 adults ages 18 and up, I use a wide range of tools to help depending on what works best for each person (including , HOCI, ART, somatic, 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.
Claudia Coleman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CYT
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Waitlist for new clients
Therapy can offer guidance and support in times when we find ourselves faced with painful and challenging life circumstances. We may feel stuck in repetitive patterns that we can’t seem to break — feeling lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do. As a psychodynamic therapist, I invite you to explore the places that you tend to avoid or keep hidden. Through this process you will deepen your self-awareness and gain greater insight into any struggles, patterns, and problems you are facing in life, thus opening new possibilities and ways of engaging in life more fully as yourself.
Therapy can offer guidance and support in times when we find ourselves faced with painful and challenging life circumstances. We may feel stuck in repetitive patterns that we can’t seem to break — feeling lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do. As a psychodynamic therapist, I invite you to explore the places that you tend to avoid or keep hidden. Through this process you will deepen your self-awareness and gain greater insight into any struggles, patterns, and problems you are facing in life, thus opening new possibilities and ways of engaging in life more fully as yourself.
I draw from person-centered, somatic, CBT, strengths-based, IFS-informed, expressive and play-based approaches that are trauma-informed.
Hi. Neurodivergent, queer human and side quest enthusiast here. Virtual therapy means we don't have to share a zip code. If you're in Minnesota, we're good.
I work primarily with neurodivergent folx, including people with ADHD, and those who have started connecting new dots about themselves that suddenly make a lot of things make sense. If you've spent years masking, people-pleasing, burning out, or feeling like you need to be less of yourself to fit in, you're not alone. Together, we'll slow things down, notice patterns, and reconnect with what feels authentic and sustainable.
I draw from person-centered, somatic, CBT, strengths-based, IFS-informed, expressive and play-based approaches that are trauma-informed.
Hi. Neurodivergent, queer human and side quest enthusiast here. Virtual therapy means we don't have to share a zip code. If you're in Minnesota, we're good.
I work primarily with neurodivergent folx, including people with ADHD, and those who have started connecting new dots about themselves that suddenly make a lot of things make sense. If you've spent years masking, people-pleasing, burning out, or feeling like you need to be less of yourself to fit in, you're not alone. Together, we'll slow things down, notice patterns, and reconnect with what feels authentic and sustainable.
Welcome! I’m currently accepting new clients. My passion is creating a safe space where you can be your authentic self while we explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences as they arise. I work with clients of all ages, including neurodivergent individuals. I provide individual and family therapy using person-centered, CBT, DBT, psychoanalytic, and systems-based approaches tailored to your unique needs.
Welcome! I’m currently accepting new clients. My passion is creating a safe space where you can be your authentic self while we explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences as they arise. I work with clients of all ages, including neurodivergent individuals. I provide individual and family therapy using person-centered, CBT, DBT, psychoanalytic, and systems-based approaches tailored to your unique needs.
Patricia Ann Lucas
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, R-DMT, LPCC
4 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55416
It is my experience that the fullest, most satisfying healing involves our whole person, mind, body, and spirit. By focusing on patterns of movement in the body as well as thinking, we work together to achieve your goals for therapy. A body based and energetic focus is often a new and effective way for people to resolve issues that only talking about them did not reach. I look for resistance and protective actions that no longer serve a person. I emphasize developing aliveness in the body, feeling joyful, free, and peace.
It is my experience that the fullest, most satisfying healing involves our whole person, mind, body, and spirit. By focusing on patterns of movement in the body as well as thinking, we work together to achieve your goals for therapy. A body based and energetic focus is often a new and effective way for people to resolve issues that only talking about them did not reach. I look for resistance and protective actions that no longer serve a person. I emphasize developing aliveness in the body, feeling joyful, free, and peace.
You deserve a lifetime filled with laughter and joy. Still, it’s natural that we experience challenges and difficulties. It’s natural that we experience tough seasons of life and flooding emotions. In these times, I believe therapy can be like a breath of fresh air, or the extra support you may be looking for.
You deserve a lifetime filled with laughter and joy. Still, it’s natural that we experience challenges and difficulties. It’s natural that we experience tough seasons of life and flooding emotions. In these times, I believe therapy can be like a breath of fresh air, or the extra support you may be looking for.
At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we believe all people deserve to lead empowered, creative, authentic lives. We’re here for you, no matter where you’re at. We’re a large, diverse group of experienced psychotherapists, counselors, dietitians, psychiatric nurse practitioners, acupuncturists, neuro/psychological testing psychologists, yoga therapists, wellness coaches, trauma specialists, and more. We are united by our passion for helping to create a healthy, resilient, and fulfilled community. We offer both online and in-person services at over a dozen locations throughout the Twin Cities. We are accepting new clients of all ages!
At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we believe all people deserve to lead empowered, creative, authentic lives. We’re here for you, no matter where you’re at. We’re a large, diverse group of experienced psychotherapists, counselors, dietitians, psychiatric nurse practitioners, acupuncturists, neuro/psychological testing psychologists, yoga therapists, wellness coaches, trauma specialists, and more. We are united by our passion for helping to create a healthy, resilient, and fulfilled community. We offer both online and in-person services at over a dozen locations throughout the Twin Cities. We are accepting new clients of all ages!
See more therapy options for Minneapolis
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Minneapolis
- Bloomington
- Brooklyn Center
- Brooklyn Park
- Edina
- Fridley
- Golden Valley
- Hopkins
- Minnetonka
- New Brighton
- Plymouth
- Richfield
- Saint Louis Park
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.