Welcome to Minds Matter Mental Health
Certified Animal Assisted Play Therapist® in Fort Collins
We believe in the transformative power of play therapy for children, teens, and even adults.
Play therapy provides a unique form of counseling that uses play to facilitate communication, aid in problem-solving, and promote emotional healing.
The benefits of play therapy extend far beyond the therapy space, into everyday activities at home and at school.
From client-centered therapy to animal-assisted forms of therapy, our play therapist uses a range of strategies to cater to your child’s individual needs.
We are specially trained to engage a variety of techniques during a session, such as focused therapeutic play or calming animal companionship, to help your child express thoughts, feelings, and experiences that are hard to put into words.
For children, especially those with ADHD, playtime therapy can provide an excellent channel to help them cope with their unique challenges.
Our Areas of Expertise
We focus on facilitating therapeutic change from the inside out, with an unshakeable commitment to make a difference in the lives of our clients.
Among various challenges and issues we are equipped to handle:
Children and Adolescents
Anxiety and Depression
Emotional Regulation
Communication Skills
Children of Military Veterans
Spectrum Disorder
Building Confidence and Self-esteem
Behavioral Problems at School
Our services include individual therapy, various types of play therapy, family therapy, and virtual therapy for those unable to come to our Fort Collins clinic.
We are adept in handling the complexities that may arise in different cases, with specific methodologies to help your child feel at ease during our sessions.
We also encourage parent involvement in child therapy sessions to foster a comprehensive healing environment for the child.
Services
Play Therapy
Play therapy is a highly effective therapeutic technique where play, a child's natural means of self-expression, is utilized as a communication tool to help children express their feelings and emotions, process complex experiences, and resolve psychological challenges.
Animal Assisted Play Therapist®
Dog-assisted play therapy is a therapeutic approach in which trained therapy dogs are integrated into play therapy sessions, aiding in emotional and social development, reducing anxiety, and enhancing the overall therapeutic experience for children.
Family Therapy
Family therapy in the context of play therapy is a therapeutic approach where the dynamics of a family are addressed through play, encouraging healthier communication, uncovering and reconciling familial conflicts, and fostering better understanding and empathy among family members.
Virtual Therapy
Virtual therapy provides mental health services, enabling individuals to access quality mental health care from the comfort of their homes.
Meet Our Play Therapists
Tracy Hull, M.Ed, LPC, RPT, CAAPT
Tracy is a Registered Play Therapist, Certified Animal Assisted Play Therapist, former school counselor, and military veteran with more than 15 years of experience working with children. She began her career as a teacher before transitioning into counseling, where she worked as a school counselor and later moved into private practice. Her experience in educational and clinical settings gives her a well-rounded understanding of children’s emotional, behavioral, social, and academic needs.
Tracy believes in the transformative power of play and the unique ways children communicate and process their experiences. She is passionate about helping children develop self-awareness, self-acceptance, emotional regulation, and confidence while supporting parents and caregivers throughout the process.
Dakota
Dakota is a Bernese Mountain Dog, born on September 17, 2020.
With an amusing, kind-hearted, and sensitive nature, Dakota adores socializing and spending time in Old Town. She loves Jeep rides, her hair fluttering in the wind, and inducing laughter with her fun and silly antics. Hide-n-seek remains her favorite playful pastime.
A devoted food lover, Dakota enjoys treats of carrots, green beans, and bananas most of all.
Despite her lighthearted nature, she takes her role on our Therapy team with utmost seriousness. Dakota has a profound love for people and readily welcomes encounters with her fellow furry companions.
Roxie
Roxie is a Golden Retriever, born on May 29, 2023.
With a playful, affectionate, and cheerful nature, Roxie adores meeting new human and furry friends. She loves receiving pets, snuggling, and making people laugh with her silly antics. Fetch remains her all-time favorite game, and she often wanders around with a toy in her mouth, always ready to play.
Despite her fun-loving nature, Roxie knows when it is time to be serious and takes her role on our therapy team to heart. She and Dakota are fully approved to work in mental health and play therapy after completing a rigorous certification process through the Animal Assisted Play Therapy® International Certification Board.
Contact Us
If you're looking for a play therapist in Fort Collins ready to go the extra mile, or if you're beginning to see signs your child needs counseling, don't hesitate to reach out.
Fill out the form to schedule the first session.