Discover Play Therapy in Hopkins, Minnesota

Where children can express, explore, and feel understood through play

is this you?

You’re worried about your child and unsure how to support their big emotions.

→ Everyday routines like mornings, transitions, or bedtime feel emotionally exhausting

→ Your child has big reactions, meltdowns, or shutdowns when emotions build

→ Your child struggles to express feelings with words and emotions show up as behavior

→ Your child becomes easily overwhelmed by sensory input such as noise, activity, or change

→ You notice anxiety, emotional sensitivity, or withdrawal in your child

→ You want support that feels gentle, developmentally appropriate, and affirming—especially for a neurodivergent child

Play therapy can help your Child

With support, children often begin to…

𑁍 Express emotions more safely
Feelings that once showed up as behavior find healthier outlets.

𑁍 Build regulation and coping skills
Children learn to calm their bodies and recover more easily from overwhelm.

𑁍 Reduce meltdowns and shutdowns
Emotional reactions often become less intense and more manageable.

𑁍 Feel more secure and connected
A consistent, attuned relationship supports trust and attachment.

𑁍 Navigate routines and transitions with greater ease
Everyday moments like mornings and bedtime become less emotionally charged.

𑁍 Grow confidence and autonomy
Child-led play supports choice, self-trust, and a stronger sense of self.

Feel supported in their unique nervous system needs
Play therapy honors sensory differences, pacing, and neurodivergent ways of experiencing the world.

In Play therapy Sessions we will:

✿

Create safety through play and connection
Your child is offered a warm, predictable space where they can lead through play and feel understood without pressure or judgment.

✿

Support emotional expression and regulation
Through play-based interactions, your child learns to explore emotions, build coping skills, and practice regulation in a way that feels natural and supportive.

✿

Strengthen connection and confidence
We work to support your child’s sense of safety, autonomy, and confidence—helping them carry new skills into everyday life and relationships.

“I highly recommend Anna Steidl as a therapist. She brings a calm, grounded presence and integrates somatic, attachment-based, and trauma-informed care to help clients find regulation, relief, and emotional ease.“

Jasmine T Dowery LMHC
"Anna is amazing! She is so dedicated and always goes above and beyond for her clients. Very skilled working with kids, teens, and adult individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, etc. She is a great combination of being kind, empathetic and compassionate, while still challenging her clients to grow. Highly recommend!"

Lara
"Truly a caring and kind individual! If you’re searching for a kind and caring therapist to help work through challenging trauma, or even the challenges of today I would highly recommend Anna! She is a loving soul to help guide you on your healing journey!!!"

Alex

This is how you get started with play therapy in Hopkins, MN:

01

Connect to share your concerns, ask questions, and explore whether play therapy is the right fit for your child.

After paperwork is completed, initial sessions begin. Depending on your child’s age, the first intake session may be with parents or caregivers only.

02

Play therapy supports emotional expression, regulation, and confidence, with parent support integrated to promote growth at home and school.

03

begin with a conversation

Have questions about play therapy?

Q&A

Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate form of therapy that helps children express emotions, experiences, and needs through play rather than words alone. Play is a child’s natural language, and therapy uses this medium to support emotional regulation, coping skills, and connection.
In sessions, children are offered a safe, supportive space with toys, games, and creative materials. Through play, they explore emotions, practice problem-solving, and work through challenges at a pace that feels comfortable. The therapist follows the child’s lead while providing gentle guidance and structure.
Play therapy can be helpful for children experiencing anxiety, big emotions, behavioral challenges, transitions, trauma, or difficulties with relationships. It is also supportive for neurodivergent children who may communicate and process experiences differently.
Free Flow Healing is a private-pay practice.
My fees for play therapy are:
- 50-minute session: $180
Extended sessions available as clinically appropriate.
I am a out of network mental health provider.
Superbills are available upon request. A Good Faith Estimate will be provided as required under the No Surprises Act.
*I do accept HSA/FSA/HRA cards for payment as well.
Why you should consider working with an “out of network” therapist:
- No limitations on sessions. We can meet for as long as you need without having to worry if insurance will cut us off, or end coverage, which could abruptly end your care.
- Allows me to offer you more flexible, personalized, and intentional care.
- Helps me keep your information completely confidential, without needing to share diagnosis or notes with insurance companies.
- Allows us to avoid surprise billing issues, which can lead to lapses in treatment.
- Lets us focus on what’s best for you, not what insurance says is best for you!