Play Therapy for Children

Play is the language of children, and toys are their words. At David Hoy & Associates, we offer play therapy as a developmentally appropriate and highly effective approach to help children express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a way that feels natural and safe.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, play therapy for kids provides a familiar environment where children can work through challenges using imagination, creativity, and play. Whether through toys, pretend play, or symbolic storytelling, this method helps children process complex feelings that may be difficult to verbalize.

Our trained play therapists create a nurturing space where children feel free to explore what’s troubling them. Through guided play, they begin to make sense of their world, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop healthier coping skills. This method is especially helpful for children experiencing anxiety, behavioral concerns, family transitions, trauma, or social difficulties.

Play therapy for children supports growth and healing while respecting each child’s developmental stage and unique personality. It allows for gentle but meaningful progress in a format that feels more like play than treatment.

We offer play therapy sessions at both our Golden Valley and Chaska office locations, each designed to provide a welcoming, child-friendly environment. Our clinicians specialize in helping children feel seen, understood, and supported.

If your child is struggling and traditional therapy hasn’t felt like the right fit, play therapy might be the gentle, effective path forward. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Find the perfect therapist that practices this therapeutic approach:

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Cassidy Beeskow, MA

My goal is to create a compassionate space dedicated to helping you navigate life’s challenges and work towards emotional well-being. Whether you’re facing anxiety, stress,…

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Armani Cartlidge, MA, LPCC

Armani is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She started at David Hoy & Associates as an intern, and now works as an In-Home Mental Health…

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Katrina Denzer

Katrina’s foremost goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment where you can freely express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. She understands…

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Heather Dopkins, MSW, LCSW

Heather holds a Master’s of Social Work degree with a focus on Clinical Mental Health from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She works with young…

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Mary Emmeck, MA, LMFT

Therapy is a safe place to discover who you are, your vulnerabilities, and your strengths. Mary is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is…

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Jane Kommer, MA, LMFT

Jane is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master of Arts Degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.  She works with individuals, children,…

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Mary Kate Leed, M.Ed

Born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She attended undergrad at University of Dayton. She taught special education in an inclusive setting for 3 years while…

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Hannah Rogge, MA, Clinical Trainee

Hannah aims to create a safe space for authenticity, openness, and growth. She approaches therapy with compassion and respect for everyone that she works with.…

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Makayla Pappas, MA, LMFT

Makayla has a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has experience…

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Abby Ranweiler, MA

Abby is a dedicated pre-licensed practitioner currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology. With a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Saint Mary’s University…

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Marie-Gabrielle Reed, Ph.D., LP

Dr. Reed is a developmental and clinical psychologist with several decades of experience providing diagnostic assessments, psychotherapy, and psychological evaluations for children and adults from…

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Robert Stillman

Robert Stillman, MS, LMFT

Rob Stillman, MS, LMFT, has his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. Rob provides individual and couples’ therapy for adolescents (8+)…

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Darcy Steinhaus, MSW, LICSW

Darcy holds of Master’s of Social Work degree with a focus on Children and Families from the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities and is a…

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Marisha Weihe

Marisha Weihe, MA

Marisha holds a Master of Arts Degree in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy from Alfred Adler Graduate School. She is an art therapist and mental health…

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