Joyce Arendt, MSW, LICSW, RPT-S, SEP
Founder and Clinic Director
Master of Social Work, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker,
Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
Joyce has been providing counseling services for over 10 years in various settings. She is extensively trained in
trauma based therapies such as Somatic Experiencing and EMDR. She is also extensively trained in
several models of play therapy for children, adolescents, adults and families such as Experiential Play Therapy,
Filial Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy. While she is trained in specific models of trauma and play therapy,
she is well versed in traditional psychotherapies for adolescents and adults that address issues of anxiety and
depression.
Joyce received her Bachelor's of Science Degree from the University of Minnesota, majoring
in Child Psychology. She also received her Master of Social Work Degree from the College of
St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas, Minnesota.
Joyce is a co-founder and past President of the Minnesota Association for Play Therapy (MNAPT)
and is serving on the Board of Directors and is the Conference Committee Chair.
Joyce received certification through the Somatic Experiencing Therapy Institute as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and through the National Organization of the Association for Play therapy as a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor. She is state-wide presenter and provides trainings, supervision/consultation services to other therapists seeking licensure or certification in social work and/or play therapy. Joyce draws upon her wealth of information, experiences and creative energy to offer individuals their own unique personal journey and is passionate and committed to helping families achieve a more cohesive and respectful environment.
You can contact Joyce at 952-544-0964 or email her at joyce_arendt@msn.com
Anne Hoff, MSW, LICSW, RPT-S
Master of Social Work, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker,
Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor
Anne has over 10 years experience working in a variety of mental health settings and with diverse populations.
She has extensive experience utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy as well as cognitive behavior strategies.
Anne has been trained in experiential therapy, sandtray, theraplay and child centered play therapy. For the
past 7 years Anne has worked in coordination with elementary schools to provide school based mental health
services as well as school wide behavior strategies. She is bilingual- English and Spanish. Her areas of
expertise include: trauma and attachment, school problems, personality disorders and behavior and conduct
disorders as well as parenting support. Anne believes in the power of play and the importance of a
relationship to support client and family goal achievement.
You can contact Anne at 612-251-9772 or email her at lindemann33a@gmail.com.
Kimberly Poitra, MSW, LICSW
Master of Social Work, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Kimberly (Kim) has worked with youth and families in various capacities for nearly 10 years, 5 of which were
spent working with American Indian youth and families. She enjoys working with and learning about issues of
diversity. She has been trained in Experiential Play Therapy, Filial Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy and
provides more traditional talk therapies as well.
Kim graduated from the College of Saint Benedict with a major in Sociology. In 2004 she graduated from Augsburg
College with a Master of Social Work. She is currently pursuing credentialing as a Registered Play Therapist
through the Association for Play Therapy.
Kim believes creating connections by genuinely understanding another person is meaningful and meets a
fundamental need of acceptance. This understanding can come in various formats: talk, play, art and more.
The ability to hear what an individual is saying in a way that is comfortable for them to express it is powerful
and healing. Kim loves working with kids and parents because parenting is a difficult job and parenting struggles
on how to best meet the needs of children frequently occur. I’d like to support the child and parent on their journey
towards improved relationships, self esteem and overall functioning.
You can contact Kim at 612-845-0316 or email her at kim.poitra@gmail.com
Steven Ruff, MA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Steve Ruff has over 15 years of experience counseling children, adolescents, couples and individual adults.
Steve has a worked in a variety of practice settings, including home based and an employee assistance program.
He has received training in Experiential Play Therapy, and enjoys using play therapy in helping children
work through issues of trauma, depression, anxiety and a variety of adjustment challenges. He believes
children have the capacity and ability to work through play to get at and resolve personal issues at a level that
promotes real change. Steve believes the therapist’s job is to create a trusting, honoring relationship with
the child that gives them the safety to explore difficult issues. He is rewarded by being taken on an at times
painful, but healing journey with the child, and through seeing their growth, mastery and empowerment as a
result of the process. Steve also includes the parent(s) as a part of this work in offering parenting consultation
and collaboration.
Steve attended St. Mary's University for his Masters in Counseling Psychology, and also for his post Masters
Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. He has presented to parents and professionals on a variety of topics,
including ADHD, Raising a Child with Special Needs, Aspergers Syndrome, Parenting the K-3 Child, Experiential
Play Therapy and Communication in the Marital Relationship.
Steve works with a variety of issues, including trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorders, anxiety, depression, divorce and relationship issues. He provides traditional talk therapy for youth and adults over age 11. Steve’s philosophy is that we all have the answers within us to take us to a better place in our lives. He sees himself as a co-facilitator with the client in gaining a deeper understanding of personal issues and struggles, and in helping the client use this understanding to guide themselves toward solutions, and a sense of optimism and well being in their life.
You can contact Steve at 952-388-4822 or email him at steveruff529@aol.com
Gracie
Hi, my name is Gracie! I am 6 years old and I am part Shih Tzu and part Yorkshire Terrier. Some people
refer to me as a Shorkie. I am so happy and grateful that Joyce adopted me in July 2008 when I was 3 years old.
I now have a wonderful and loving home.
When people meet me they are surprised that I am such a calm doggy, most little dogs like myself are hyper.
I do get hyper from time to time, just ask Joyce how much I bark at other doggies when taking a walk. But
when working, I am serious about my job and know how important it is to make others feel comfortable.
Joyce doesn't know this, but I really adopted her. I knew I had a bigger purpose in life. I was waiting for
Joyce to find me so I could become a therapy dog and got to work with her. For now, Joyce brings me to
the office each day for me to get use to putting in long hours. While there, I mostly play with my squeaky
toys and run around hiding my treats for later. While I enjoy these activities, I am really excited and can't
wait to become a therapist.
I know there are many children, teens and even adults who need my services. I can play with you and Joyce in the playroom during your time together, I can be a trusted friend and listen to your story and I can make you smile when you are having a rough day. Sometimes, if you let me, I can sit on your lap and give you a hug.
If you are allergic or are afraid of little doggies like myself, please let Joyce know so she can take the appropriate measures to ensure your safety.
I look forward to completing my training and playing with you real soon!
Ruff, Ruff
Gracie
11708 Wayzata Blvd,
Minnetonka, MN 55305
ph. 952-544-0964
fax. 952-544-6405
joyce_arendt@msn.com
. . . Restorative Healing for All Generations
