Shawny Sena, LMFT
PLAYFUL THERAPY FOR OLD SOULS
(that are Super Gay).
Family Therapy in White Bear Lake, MN
Does My Family Need a Therapist or Counsellor?
By Shawny Sena, LMFT — Family Therapy in White Bear Lake, MN
It’s not always easy to know when your family needs extra support. Life can get overwhelming. Kids go through big changes. Parents get stressed. Sometimes, families need help to feel connected again. That’s where family therapy in White Bear Lake, MN comes in. At my practice, I work with families just like yours to help you understand each other better, solve problems, and feel more at peace at home.
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What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is when a trained professional helps your family talk, listen, and grow together. As a marriage and family therapist, I help families work through tough times—whether it’s arguments, big life changes, or emotional struggles.
My office offers family therapy in White Bear Lake, MN to all kinds of families. This includes LGBTQ+ families, families with transgender children, and families facing stress, anxiety, or conflict. Therapy isn’t just for when things are “really bad.” It’s also helpful for preventing problems and building strong relationships.
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How Do I Know If My Family Needs Therapy?
Many people ask, “Is this bad enough for therapy?” If you’re asking, it might be time to talk to someone. Families come to family therapy in White Bear Lake, MN for lots of reasons:
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Arguing that doesn’t stop
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Kids struggling in school or with friends
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Changes like divorce, moving, or a new baby
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Big emotions that feel hard to manage
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A family member coming out as LGBTQ+
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Supporting a transgender child or teen
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Parenting stress or feeling overwhelmed
As a therapist for parents and a child therapist, I help you figure out what’s really going on. Together, we find ways to support each other and feel closer as a family.
family therapy in White Bear Lake, MN
Is It Just for Kids or Parents?
Family therapy in White Bear Lake, MN can include everyone—or just some family members. Sometimes I meet with just the parents to help with parenting challenges. Sometimes I see children or teens one-on-one.
As a play therapist and adolescent therapist, I offer age-appropriate ways for young people to express themselves. Play therapy helps younger children work through feelings using toys and imagination. Adolescent therapy gives teens a safe space to talk about school, friends, identity, and emotions.
What If My Child Is LGBTQ+ or Transgender?
If your child or teen is LGBTQ+, they deserve inclusive therapy that feels safe, kind, and supportive. As an LGBTQ+ therapist and therapist for trans children, I specialize in affirming therapy that respects your child’s identity and helps your family understand what they’re going through.
Parents of transgender children often feel unsure about how to help. That’s okay. I work with both kids and parents to make sure everyone feels supported. Transgender child therapy can help your child feel proud and safe in who they are. I also help you as a parent learn how to support your child in the best way possible.
What Happens in a Session?
When you come to family therapy in White Bear Lake, MN, you’ll meet in a calm and welcoming space. We’ll talk about what’s been going on, and I’ll listen without judgment. Every session is different, but we’ll focus on:
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Building healthy communication
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Understanding each other’s feelings
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Solving problems together
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Creating routines and rules that work
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Supporting identity and self-worth
Whether we’re doing play therapy, adolescent therapy, or full family therapy, everything is tailored to your needs.
Therapy for All Kinds of Families
Families come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. As an inclusive therapist, I welcome LGBTQ+ families, blended families, single-parent families, adoptive families, and more. My goal is to help every family feel heard, valued, and supported.
If you live in or near White Bear Lake, I offer flexible and affirming options for family therapy in White Bear Lake, MN that work for your schedule and comfort level.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If your family is feeling disconnected, stressed, or confused, therapy can help. You don’t need to figure it all out alone. With the support of a caring family therapist, you can build stronger connections, healthier communication, and more peace at home.
I’m Shawny Sena, a licensed marriage and family therapist offering family therapy in White Bear Lake, MN. Whether you’re looking for child therapy, support as parents of transgender children, or LGBTQ+ therapy, I’m here to help.
Visit my website to learn more or book a session today.
family therapy in White Bear Lake, MN
Choose Inclusive Therapy That Honors Every Identity
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The words “inclusive” and “affirming” matter. They mean the therapist will respect who you are—your gender, your family, your culture, and your background. I provide inclusive therapy for all families, no matter where you’re starting from.
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Whether you’re part of an LGBTQ+ family, raising a transgender child, or supporting an LGBTQ+ teen, I offer gender therapy in Blaine, MN that is kind, nonjudgmental, and personalized for your family’s needs.
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Therapy Should Be a Safe Space for Every Child
Children often express themselves best through play. That’s why I use play therapy with younger children, which lets them explore feelings and identity in creative ways. As a play therapist, I follow the child’s lead while gently supporting their growth.
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This method works especially well for transgender children, who might not yet have the words to express how they feel. If you’re seeking gender therapy in Blaine, MN, consider a therapist who offers play therapy as a tool for younger kids.
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Let’s Work Together
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Finding the right fit is so important. If you're looking for gender therapy in Blaine, MN, I’d be honored to work with you and your family. I bring years of experience as a marriage and family therapist, child therapist, and adolescent therapist to support kids, teens, and parents.
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Whether you need parent therapy, family therapy, or a trusted therapist for trans children, I am here to help. Together, we can create a space where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported.
Visit my website to learn more or schedule a free consultation today.
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.
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