Therapists
Shawn Bulgatz, MA, LMFT (St. Louis Park)
Post Masters Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy – University of St. Thomas
Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology – University of St. Thomas
Bachelor’s Degree in English and Psychology – University of Wisconsin – Madison
Shawn has had extensive training in the field of play therapy and uses a non-directive/experiential approach to working with children in play. Shawn believes in a systemic approach to working with children. Meetings with parents and collaboration with other providers for the child occur on a regular basis. If recommended by the therapist, parents can become part of their child’s play therapy session.
Almost 90% of play therapists are female. Unfortunately, many children have had negative experiences with men. Shawn offers the opportunity for children to develop trust and work through past trauma with an experienced male therapist. It has proved to be a very unique and healing experience.
Naomi Heller, MSW, LICSW (St. Louis Park)
Master’s Degree in Social Work, University of St. Thomas
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Sarah Nides, MA, LPCC (St. Paul)
Master’s Degree in Adlerian Psychology and Psychotherapy – Adler Graduate School
Bachelor of Science in Child Psychology – University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Sarah has experience providing group, individual, and family therapy. She has worked with most ages in a variety of settings including schools, daycares, homes, and day treatment centers. Sarah believes in the value of each individual’s unique strengths and aims to guide her clients towards healing through creativity. Sarah’s approach is gentle and informative while offering a safe, warm, and encouraging environment. She hopes that her clients will feel heard, as she seeks to understand their concerns and find ways to guide them towards their therapy goals. Sarah primarily utilizes Experiential Play Therapy in her work with children between the ages of 2-12 years. Although, she may implement other models or techniques depending on therapy goals and the individual’s developmental age. Sarah collaborates with her clients to understand their unique needs and then identifies which approaches will work best for the individual. Through creativity and encouragement, children can learn to flourish and develop a foundation for positive growth and development. Sarah always appreciates being invited to become a part of your healing journey, as she is continually amazed by the growth that can occur when children are given the space to share their stories.
Hannah Steininger, MA(St. Louis Park)
Master’s in Counseling -Crown College
Hannah utilizes a non-directive, child-centered approach to play therapy. She believes in collaborating with both child and parent/caregiver to create treatment goals that will best help the child grow and reach their objectives. Hannah is passionate about providing children the space to process, communicate, and work through their emotions.
Her path to becoming a counselor looks a bit different than most. As a teen, she was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease, and as a result is slowly losing her vision. This has been the catalyst into a career with a framework rooted in helping people understand and process emotions. It’s with a deep understanding of loss that she can promote an openness and a path forward for others. Hannah also intertwines humor into her work through the creativity and silly expressions that play can offer during a session.
Outside of the playroom Hannah enjoys spending time with her husband and Bernedoodle puppy Bernard. She also loves traveling, iced coffee, and nature walks with her niece and nephews.
Sheldon and Cali Sue
Sheldon (Mini Goldendoodle) and Cali Sue (Rescued Mix that Shawn affectionately refers to as a ChiMalShiPomYorkiPoo) are at the St. Louis Park office several days a week. They are the official greeters to those who enter the waiting area and help out during therapy sessions with Shawn and Naomi.
Locations:
4820 Minnetonka Boulevard #200
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Locations:
3440 Federal Dr, Suite 150, Eagan, MN 55122
4601 Excelsior Blvd, Suite 410A, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
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