Play Therapy in Minneapolis, MN
Kristen Doucette
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.
Nina Hernandez Beithon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55419
With kids I provide play based therapy.
Hi, I’m Nina (she/her) and I’m so glad you’re here! As a Mixed (Indigenous Mexican and White Settler), bi/queer, polyamorous, fat, cis woman, I bring an inclusive, anti-oppressive, and decolonial lens to therapy. I work with individuals of all ages (children, teens, and adults) and offer a compassionate, affirming space that honors your identity and experiences. I enjoy working with folks on issues connected to sex, dating, and relationships; trauma healing (personal and generational); identity exploration (racial/cultural/gender/sexuality); body positivity & self-esteem (from a Fat Liberation lens); and pregnancy/parenting.
With kids I provide play based therapy.
Hi, I’m Nina (she/her) and I’m so glad you’re here! As a Mixed (Indigenous Mexican and White Settler), bi/queer, polyamorous, fat, cis woman, I bring an inclusive, anti-oppressive, and decolonial lens to therapy. I work with individuals of all ages (children, teens, and adults) and offer a compassionate, affirming space that honors your identity and experiences. I enjoy working with folks on issues connected to sex, dating, and relationships; trauma healing (personal and generational); identity exploration (racial/cultural/gender/sexuality); body positivity & self-esteem (from a Fat Liberation lens); and pregnancy/parenting.
Carrie Snyder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55409
My work draws on Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT), solution-oriented brief therapy, brainspotting, play therapy, sand tray therapy and trauma informed therapy.
I believe it is important to empower others to consciously narrate their lives. I value helping people through empowerment, nurturance, and education. I am innovative provider and enjoy creativity in the therapy room. I utilize a strengths based approach in therapy, and see the therapy as a collaborative process. I am passionate for helping individuals find confidence and courage, and I admire their resilience. I'm licensed in Minnesota (in-office or tele-health), Wisconsin and Florida (tele-health).
My work draws on Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT), solution-oriented brief therapy, brainspotting, play therapy, sand tray therapy and trauma informed therapy.
I believe it is important to empower others to consciously narrate their lives. I value helping people through empowerment, nurturance, and education. I am innovative provider and enjoy creativity in the therapy room. I utilize a strengths based approach in therapy, and see the therapy as a collaborative process. I am passionate for helping individuals find confidence and courage, and I admire their resilience. I'm licensed in Minnesota (in-office or tele-health), Wisconsin and Florida (tele-health).
I help children and families reduce distress, draw on strengths, and learn through relationships and play.
Do you have questions about your child’s development? Are you tired and questioning yourself as a caregiver? Are you concerned by your child’s relationships and emotional wellbeing? I will partner with you to better understand your child and become more compassionate with yourself. Through virtual parent-support sessions and in-homes, I will partner with you to identify strategies to support yourself and your child's development.
I provide parent-child therapy for young children (0-5) and individual therapy for adults struggling with caregiver burnout.
I help children and families reduce distress, draw on strengths, and learn through relationships and play.
Do you have questions about your child’s development? Are you tired and questioning yourself as a caregiver? Are you concerned by your child’s relationships and emotional wellbeing? I will partner with you to better understand your child and become more compassionate with yourself. Through virtual parent-support sessions and in-homes, I will partner with you to identify strategies to support yourself and your child's development.
I provide parent-child therapy for young children (0-5) and individual therapy for adults struggling with caregiver burnout.
In session I draw upon many different approaches that fit the person I am working with whether it be psychoanalytic, somatic experiencing, third wave psychology (CBT, DBT, ACT), art, play therapy, and more!
Therapy is a place for an individual to presence their experiences with the support of a therapist who aspires to promote the growth and development, well-being and the safety. Life is full of opportunities and challenges including perceived disruptions, victories, stagnation and loss. I believe the client-therapist relationship is a place where individuals are able to focus on identifying and addressing goals, pain points, healing, and growth areas. I approach therapeutic relationships with a nonjudgmental and open-minded manner to find solutions for the client to discover new understandings and insights.
In session I draw upon many different approaches that fit the person I am working with whether it be psychoanalytic, somatic experiencing, third wave psychology (CBT, DBT, ACT), art, play therapy, and more!
Therapy is a place for an individual to presence their experiences with the support of a therapist who aspires to promote the growth and development, well-being and the safety. Life is full of opportunities and challenges including perceived disruptions, victories, stagnation and loss. I believe the client-therapist relationship is a place where individuals are able to focus on identifying and addressing goals, pain points, healing, and growth areas. I approach therapeutic relationships with a nonjudgmental and open-minded manner to find solutions for the client to discover new understandings and insights.
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 years of experience working with people experiencing crisis, suicidal ideation and recovery from trauma. I have had the opportunity to work with adoptive, and foster families navigating through transitions. The families I have been honored to work with have had a variety of ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic levels.
While I am not a RPT (registered play therapist), I have completed many play therapy trainings.
I have years of experience working with people experiencing crisis, suicidal ideation and recovery from trauma. I have had the opportunity to work with adoptive, and foster families navigating through transitions. The families I have been honored to work with have had a variety of ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic levels.
As an existential humanistic counselor, I believe that there is a deeper meaning to each of our insecurities; with kids, this comes out in play, with adults, in other ways.
I became a therapist because I believe that therapy is for guys too. Maybe you're worried about how your kid is going to grow up if they can't succeed in school, or get their emotions under control; it's really hard to parent alone. As an adult, maybe someone is telling you to get your emotions under control, or maybe you just don't have the confidence that you think you should have at your age. Male loneliness has now reached new heights. I am here to tell you that it doesn't have to be this way.
As an existential humanistic counselor, I believe that there is a deeper meaning to each of our insecurities; with kids, this comes out in play, with adults, in other ways.
I became a therapist because I believe that therapy is for guys too. Maybe you're worried about how your kid is going to grow up if they can't succeed in school, or get their emotions under control; it's really hard to parent alone. As an adult, maybe someone is telling you to get your emotions under control, or maybe you just don't have the confidence that you think you should have at your age. Male loneliness has now reached new heights. I am here to tell you that it doesn't have to be this way.
I incorporate play, art, mindfulness, movement and self-compassion into sessions.
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 ages 6-8 and adolescents (ages 12+) through adulthood.
I incorporate play, art, mindfulness, movement and self-compassion into sessions.
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 ages 6-8 and adolescents (ages 12+) through adulthood.
I believe with all children, supported developmental skills through daily tasks/activities through play helps the child and their families navigate home life and school life challenges.
Welcome! Now accepting new clients. My passion is to create a safe space for clients to be their authentic self while helping to address thoughts, emotions and feelings as they come up. I work with clients of all ages— this includes neurodivergent individuals. I provide both individual and family sessions using a person-centered, cognitive behavior, dialectical behavior, psychoanalytical and systems-based approach. My background includes leading DBT skill groups, teaching emotional regulation strategies and collaborating with families to foster meaningful change. I work with children with Autism Spectrum where I provided ABA therapy
I believe with all children, supported developmental skills through daily tasks/activities through play helps the child and their families navigate home life and school life challenges.
Welcome! Now accepting new clients. My passion is to create a safe space for clients to be their authentic self while helping to address thoughts, emotions and feelings as they come up. I work with clients of all ages— this includes neurodivergent individuals. I provide both individual and family sessions using a person-centered, cognitive behavior, dialectical behavior, psychoanalytical and systems-based approach. My background includes leading DBT skill groups, teaching emotional regulation strategies and collaborating with families to foster meaningful change. I work with children with Autism Spectrum where I provided ABA therapy
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.
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?
Meet Our Play Therapy
Some specific models I am trained in are: EMDR, TF-CBT, play therapy, motivational interviewing, humanistic approaches, attachment bio-behavioral catch up, CBT, DBT, and internal family systems.
Hi, I am Katrina Deschene and have been a licensed professional counselor for the last 4 years in MN and a year in ND. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Some specific models I am trained in are: EMDR, TF-CBT, play therapy, motivational interviewing, humanistic approaches, attachment bio-behavioral catch up, CBT, DBT, and internal family systems.
Hi, I am Katrina Deschene and have been a licensed professional counselor for the last 4 years in MN and a year in ND. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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.
Alyssa Perau
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMFT-I
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Waitlist for new clients
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 pre-licensed marriage and family therapist. My specialty is with couples, families, and teens/adolescents. I am currently taking new clients! 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 pre-licensed marriage and family therapist. My specialty is with couples, families, and teens/adolescents. I am currently taking new clients! 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.
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 have been a licensed psychologist for over twenty-five years. I have provided care in several kinds of mental health settings establishing a wealth of experience to draw from. I have also served as a psychological consultant to other therapist and treatment providers in different Twin Cities mental health settings.
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 have been a licensed psychologist for over twenty-five years. I have provided care in several kinds of mental health settings establishing a wealth of experience to draw from. I have also served as a psychological consultant to other therapist and treatment providers in different Twin Cities mental health settings.
I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Approach, Trauma Informed Care and Play Therapy.
I am available for you to seek clarity and purpose in a calm, safe, supportive and non-judgmental preferred environment of your choice through teletherapy. I will work with you to explore and identify your concerns, struggles, and/or barriers that may cause you to feel stuck in your life.
I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Approach, Trauma Informed Care and Play Therapy.
I am available for you to seek clarity and purpose in a calm, safe, supportive and non-judgmental preferred environment of your choice through teletherapy. I will work with you to explore and identify your concerns, struggles, and/or barriers that may cause you to feel stuck in your life.
Stephanie Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, R-DMT, LPC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55410
I treat children, teens and adults 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, teens and adults 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 also support children and teens with play-based therapy to help them process their struggles in a fun and therapeutic environment.
I believe that every individual is capable and worthy of participating in the therapeutic process. I value a person-centered and strength-based approach to therapy, focusing on your unique experiences, strengths, and needs. My goal is to meet you where you are at and build upon the strengths and skills you already have. Affirming of neurodiversity, gender, culture, and other aspects of identity, I strive to create an inclusive and respectful space where each individual and their experiences are honored and supported.
I also support children and teens with play-based therapy to help them process their struggles in a fun and therapeutic environment.
I believe that every individual is capable and worthy of participating in the therapeutic process. I value a person-centered and strength-based approach to therapy, focusing on your unique experiences, strengths, and needs. My goal is to meet you where you are at and build upon the strengths and skills you already have. Affirming of neurodiversity, gender, culture, and other aspects of identity, I strive to create an inclusive and respectful space where each individual and their experiences are honored and supported.
Lyndsie Standerwick
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Lyndsie Standerwick is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist.
Lyndsie has experience working with clients and families effected by trauma, domestic violence, emotional, physical, sexual and spiritual abuse, parent-child conflict, attachment injuries, behavior issues and loss. Lyndsie works with clients of any age. She is passionate about working with teenagers and using play therapy with children 18 months and older.
Lyndsie Standerwick is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist.
Lyndsie has experience working with clients and families effected by trauma, domestic violence, emotional, physical, sexual and spiritual abuse, parent-child conflict, attachment injuries, behavior issues and loss. Lyndsie works with clients of any age. She is passionate about working with teenagers and using play therapy with children 18 months and older.
Joanna L Kelly
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT-S™
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55408
I also use Play Therapy to address many childhood and attachment issues in a way that makes kids feel important.
Overwhelmed and feeling unsure? Worried about your child? Struggling with parenting? Stuck in a negative cycle with your significant other and unable to connect again? Coming to terms with divorce and co-parenting? Wanting to improve family communication? Battling the shadows of depression and anxiety? Dealing with the stress of incarceration? Wanting change in your life but not sure what? Seeking therapy is hard and deeply personal. You are the expert in your life! 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.
Overwhelmed and feeling unsure? Worried about your child? Struggling with parenting? Stuck in a negative cycle with your significant other and unable to connect again? Coming to terms with divorce and co-parenting? Wanting to improve family communication? Battling the shadows of depression and anxiety? Dealing with the stress of incarceration? Wanting change in your life but not sure what? Seeking therapy is hard and deeply personal. You are the expert in your life! 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.
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.