Play Therapy

in Duluth, Minnesota

A sprinkle of eye rolling.

The anxious feelings about almost everything, getting to school, the grades that are slipping, and the friendship struggles…are REAL.

The stress your child is feeling is felt - with the occasional door slam, a sprinkle of eye rolling, and mumble here and there.

It can feel hard to figure out what they need, how to help them, and where to find someone you trust and who your child will actually connect with.

We get it.

That’s why we are here (cue the therapists!) and we can help your child release the anxiety, let go of the stress, and get back to their best selves.

And all it takes?

Some play therapy sessions with an uber passionate therapist who just gets kids. 

Play therapy has been different for your child than talk therapy. AND you don’t even have to persuade them with screen time, $100.00, and a Corgi puppy to go to therapy. 

They actually want to go to therapy and there’s actually progress happening. 

There was some skepticism at first, as you wondered if all the therapist was going to do was play Candy Land with your child and just “hang out.”

But it has been so much more than that.

And the parent sessions with your child’s therapist have been strategic, validating, non-judgmental, and simply helpful. 

They point out you have been doing the best you can and know that sometimes, it’s just hard.

And you don’t have to figure it all out, alone. 

The Missing Ingredient.

Play Therapy has been the missing ingredient to your child’s healing…and ultimately your healing. 

You and your child get to have a good day. Lots of good days. To just casually chat over a bowl of cereal or during a drive and nail the evening schedule like bosses. 

…and not settle for moments of scream-crying while your child sob-stomps away as they throw their flip flops at Stan, the elderly family cat.

The Short And Sweet On Play Therapy

1

Sessions are 45-60 minutes with separate parent sessions to discuss concerns, questions, and tackle parenting issues. 

2

Play is strategic, planful, evidence based, and specific to your child’s needs, developmental level(s), and goals.

3

Designation as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) requires significant training and can only be obtained via the Association for Play Therapy.

A few more things in case you were curious…

  • This is a specific type of therapy for children and teens, but is also used with adults.

  • Play therapy has been around in different frameworks since 1909. That’s a long time, and for good reason. It’s evidence based, rooted in neuroscience, and besides being incredibly effective, it’s fun!

  • A Registered Play Therapist won’t just play with your child. Being a Registered Play Therapist is very different than having a sprinkle of training in play therapy or using toys in sessions. To find out more click here: https://www.a4pt.org/page/PTMakesADifference

  • This specific type of counseling for your child, is what creates deep and lasting healing. That typical talk therapy doesn’t normally do because a child’s language is play!

  • As the parent, caretaker, or guardians - you’re a huge part of your child’s healing process, and they need you. We know it can be scary to get feedback on what’s going on for your child. This is why we are here to be human, supportive, and dish out kudos, tips, tricks, and encouragement.

Who can your child work with?

Are you all in for your child to experience the healing powers of play?