The Greenspan Floortime Approach®
Trust is where the journey begins.
The Greenspan Floortime Approach® is a child-led, relationship and play-based therapy that brings caregivers and clinicians together as healing partners. Floortime relies on the attuned presence of clinicians to establish trust and connection with children, as well as their families. The result is a circle of support rooted in more than a century of research in child development. Therapy extends beyond the clinic as caregivers are empowered with strategies to enhance their child’s progress at home and in the community. Rather than focusing on surface-level behaviors, Floortime works from the inside out—following the child’s lead to strengthen emotional regulation, social engagement, communication, and adaptability.
Our therapists are certified in the Greenspan model and bring their full presence to each encounter, helping children climb their own unique developmental ladders while supporting caregivers, every step of the way.
Key Elements of the Greenspan Floortime Approach®
Follow the Child's Lead
Build trust, inspire internal motivation, and work toward emotional connection.
By entering the child’s world with curiosity and respect, we help them feel understood, capable, and in control—laying the foundation for growth.
Challenge Developmentally
Support emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and problem-solving.
We help children cope with frustration, navigate social problem-solving, and practice regulation in the safety of trusted relationships—growing stronger from the inside out.
Expand and Co-Create
Therapists and caregivers gradually expand play themes, encourage abstract thinking, and support dynamic social interaction without overriding the child’s initiative. Stretch thinking, spark creativity, and nurture shared meaning.
Why Families Choose Floortime
Supports emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and communication, for the long-run
Deepens caregiver-child relationships and satisfaction
Equips families with tools they can use every day
Helps children build confidence, motivation, and a sense of self
Creates lasting growth by integrating elements of therapy with the rhythms of real life
What Sets Floortime Apart
Many evidence-based approaches can support children with autism and related neurodevelopmental differences, Greenspan Floortime offers a whole-child, relational model. Unlike more structured or compliance-driven methods, Floortime centers emotional development, intrinsic motivation, and the caregiver-child relationship as the heart of change.
For families and clinicians seeking a developmental approach rooted in co-regulation, creativity, and connection, Floortime offers a distinct and powerful path.
1-8 years
Returning clients up to 12 years
Varies based on clinical recommendations
1-3 session in-center each week
With some at-home practice between sessions
Minnetonka Center, Harman Center, Nicollet Center
Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Eligibility: Recommendation for the specific focus areas (Mental Health, Speech Therapy, and/or Occupational Therapy) is determined at an evaluation/assessment completed by St. David's therapists.
About The Greenspan Floortime Family Clinic
Courtesy of Dr. Greenspan's website
What Families Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Multidisciplinary Coaching brings together clinicians from mental health, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Sessions typically include two of the three professionals and focus on real-time parent coaching, modeling, and feedback.
Services are individualized, but most families engage for an average of 12 months.
Parents, primary caregivers, and (when appropriate) siblings or other important adults in the child’s life. Active caregiver participation is encouraged in all Floortime sessions and required for Multidisciplinary Coaching.
St. David’s accepts many commercial insurance plans, Medical Assistance/TEFRA, PMAPs, and private pay. Service eligibility is determined through our intake and evaluation process.
