Play is the language of children
Children don’t always have the words to explain their feelings, but they do have play.
As a parent or guardian you might be thinking something like my child has such big feelings, they are having meltdowns that don’t make sense, something happened and they won’t talk about it or I just want my kid to be okay. This is where I’m here to help.
Play Therapy is a developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approach that allows children to express emotions, experiences, and inner struggles through the language they know best: play!
Within the safety of a trusted play therapist children are free to explore big feelings, difficult experiences, and confusing thoughts at their own pace. The therapist follows the child’s lead while offering emotional connection, support, and gentle guidance that builds confidence and self-awareness from the inside out.
As a play therapist I help to . . .
- Increase emotional expression and self-understanding.
- Build self-regulation skills.
- Process trauma.
- Decrease stress from life transitions (divorce, moves, loss).
- Decrease anxious feelings.
- Develop problem-solving abilities.
- Strengthen self-esteem and confidence.
- Improve relational and social skills.
Parent and Family Support
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. I believe children do their best growing within the safety of their relationships.
Parent involvement is an important part of child therapy at Kindred Quest. While children do their therapeutic work through play, caregivers are supported through parent sessions designed to strengthen connection, understanding, and confidence at home.
Parent sessions provide space to . . .
- Build practical parenting skills rooted in attachment, regulation, and connection.
- Learn how play supports your child’s emotional world.
- Better understand your child’s behaviors as communication, not misbehavior.
- Explore ways to respond to big feelings with calm, consistency, and empathy.
- Support your child’s healing outside of the therapy room.
These sessions are collaborative and compassionate without placing blame. Together, we focus on what your child needs most and how you can support them in ways that feel realistic and sustainable for your family. The frequency of parent sessions is dependent on treatment goals and parent availability.
What Makes Kindred Quest Different?
Choosing the right therapist for your child matters. At Kindred Quest Therapy:
- Eric Norton is one of few male Registered Play Therapists in Minnesota.
- Expertise in LGBTQ+ Affirming care for kids and families.
- Active participation with parents through parenting sessions.
- Focus on the deeper roots of behavior.
Eric Norton, MA, LMFT, RPT is a Registered Play Therapist with advanced training in working with kids and families using play therapy techniques to help kids reconnect with their natural capacity for resilience, creativity, and emotional growth. Eric is licensed in Minnesota and provides in-person care in Edina, MN.
Start Your Journey
Hello,
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if you are looking to schedule an initial free 20-minute consultation. You can contact me multiple ways:
You can reach me by phone at 612-217-1157.
You can email me at eric@kindredquesttherapy.com.
You can fill out the form on this page and I will send you an email within 48 hours.
I look forward to connecting with you on your therapy journey!
Best,
Eric
