Shawny Sena, LMFT
PLAYFUL THERAPY FOR OLD SOULS
(that are Super Gay).
Play Therapy in St. Paul, MN
Guiding Children with Care: Play Therapy in St. Paul, MN
​
Helping children navigate their emotions can feel overwhelming for parents. At Shawny Sena, we specialize in play therapy in St. Paul, MN, providing a safe and supportive environment where children can explore their feelings, build confidence, and develop coping skills. Shawny Sena, a licensed marriage and family therapist, combines professional expertise with warmth and understanding to guide both children and their families through challenges with care.
​
What is Play Therapy?
​
Play therapy in St. Paul, MN allows children to express themselves through creative activities like drawing, storytelling, or role-playing. Unlike traditional talk therapy, play therapy uses fun and engaging methods to help children communicate emotions they might not be able to verbalize. As a dedicated child therapist, Shawny works closely with each child to understand their unique needs and provide individualized support.
Play Therapy in St. Paul, MN
Supporting Families and Children
​
A child’s environment plays a critical role in their development. Shawny Sena is not only a play therapist but also a family therapist, offering guidance to parents on how to support their child’s emotional growth at home. By involving parents in the therapeutic process, we ensure that children receive consistent care and affirmation, which is especially important for transgender children and kids from LGBTQ+ families.
​
Affirming Therapy for All Children
​
Inclusive care is at the heart of Shawny Sena’s approach. As an experienced LGBTQ+ therapist and therapist for trans children, Shawny provides affirming therapy that respects each child’s gender identity and personal experiences. This commitment helps children feel safe, valued, and empowered to explore their identities while learning essential life skills through child therapy and adolescent therapy.
​
Helping Parents Navigate Challenges
​
Parenting can be complex, especially when supporting children through gender identity or emotional struggles. Shawny offers therapist for parents services, providing guidance on understanding and advocating for your child. Parents of transgender children often benefit from parent therapy, where they learn strategies to nurture confidence, communication, and resilience in their child.
​
The Role of Adolescent Therapy
​
As children grow, they may face new social and emotional challenges. Shawny Sena also offers adolescent therapy in St. Paul, MN, addressing concerns such as peer relationships, self-esteem, and identity development. By combining play therapy techniques with targeted support for teens, we help adolescents develop the tools they need to thrive in school, friendships, and family life.
​
Why Choose Shawny Sena?
​
Choosing the right play therapist can make a significant difference in a child’s growth. Shawny’s approach is rooted in authenticity, deep listening, and a playful yet thoughtful methodology. With experience as a marriage and family therapist and a focus on inclusive practices, Shawny is equipped to support children, teens, and families of all backgrounds, including those from LGBTQ+ families.
​
Benefits of Play Therapy
​
Play therapy in St. Paul, MN offers numerous benefits for children, including:
-
Expressing emotions in a safe and supportive space
-
Building problem-solving and coping skills
-
Strengthening self-confidence and self-awareness
-
Enhancing communication between children and parents
-
Receiving gender-affirming and inclusive support
Through these techniques, Shawny helps children reconnect with their natural creativity and resilience, ensuring they feel understood and valued.
​
Building a Supportive Community
​
Shawny Sena emphasizes not only individual growth but also community and family wellness. By offering family therapy, LGBTQ+ therapy, and inclusive therapy, Shawny ensures that children, teens, and parents all receive the support they need. Whether your child is navigating emotions, gender identity, or social challenges, our goal is to foster a caring and affirming environment.
Play Therapy in St. Paul, MN
FAQ: Play Therapy in St. Paul, MN
​
What ages can benefit from play therapy?
​
Children of all ages can benefit, especially those who may struggle to express emotions verbally. Play therapy helps children communicate in a natural and comfortable way.
​
How does play therapy support transgender children?
​
Play therapy provides a safe space for transgender children to explore their identity and emotions. Shawny Sena, a therapist for trans children, ensures affirming care that respects each child’s gender identity.
​
Do parents participate in therapy sessions?
​
Yes. As a therapist for parents, Shawny works with families to provide guidance and support, helping parents reinforce positive growth at home.
​
Can teens benefit from play therapy?
​
Absolutely. Shawny offers adolescent therapy that combines play techniques with counseling to address challenges like identity development, self-esteem, and social skills.
​
What makes Shawny Sena different from other therapists?
​
Shawny combines professional expertise as a marriage and family therapist with inclusive, affirming practices. Her playful, thoughtful approach helps children, teens, and families feel understood and supported.
Hi, I’m Shawny
Here’s what I promise to bring to our work:
Authenticity.
Cheesiness.
Listening with my whole spirit.
A big laugh.
Deep questions. Like, really deep.
The courage to go there, wherever your there is.
An eye for context. Physical, emotional, financial, historical, political.
A commitment to undoing the legacy of white supremacy in my body.
A challenge when you need it.
A refuge when you don’t.
​
