Parenting Therapists in Saint Louis, MO

Hello! I'm McCoy and an AutPlay Certified Therapist. I work with Neurodivergent children (ADHD, Autistic, Dyslexic, etc.) and their families. When I work with Neurodivergent kids, my job is not to change their brain but to work with them to help kids become their best selves. I have experience working with a variety of client challenges, including big emotional outbursts, social isolation, high discipline at school, self injurious behavior, and parent overwhelm. My demeanor is calm and validating. I aim to make a space for everybody and every kind of human struggle. You and your child are welcome here.
Hello! I'm McCoy and an AutPlay Certified Therapist. I work with Neurodivergent children (ADHD, Autistic, Dyslexic, etc.) and their families. When I work with Neurodivergent kids, my job is not to change their brain but to work with them to help kids become their best selves. I have experience working with a variety of client challenges, including big emotional outbursts, social isolation, high discipline at school, self injurious behavior, and parent overwhelm. My demeanor is calm and validating. I aim to make a space for everybody and every kind of human struggle. You and your child are welcome here.

I can help with parent counseling and help you get your confidence back.
Watching your child struggle with anxiety can leave you feeling helpless. You’re torn between giving in to their pleas to skip school or pushing them to go anyway. And at night, you’re a part of a long evening routine that if you try to shorten, your child breaks down, fearing something bad will happen. Do you walk away and ignore the crying, or continue the routine, sometimes stretching it for hours? The agony of watching your child’s pain, knowing how desperately you want to help but feeling powerless, is a weight you carry every day.
I can help with parent counseling and help you get your confidence back.
Watching your child struggle with anxiety can leave you feeling helpless. You’re torn between giving in to their pleas to skip school or pushing them to go anyway. And at night, you’re a part of a long evening routine that if you try to shorten, your child breaks down, fearing something bad will happen. Do you walk away and ignore the crying, or continue the routine, sometimes stretching it for hours? The agony of watching your child’s pain, knowing how desperately you want to help but feeling powerless, is a weight you carry every day.

I primarily use Child Centered Play Therapy and I am also trained in Theraplay, SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) and Trauma-Focused CBT.
Working with children and their families to help them function more harmoniously and peacefully takes collaboration, humor, humility, and an open mind. As needed, I consult with doctors, teachers, diagnosticians, and, of course, parents in creating a treatment plan and throughout the process that a client sees me.
I primarily use Child Centered Play Therapy and I am also trained in Theraplay, SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) and Trauma-Focused CBT.
Working with children and their families to help them function more harmoniously and peacefully takes collaboration, humor, humility, and an open mind. As needed, I consult with doctors, teachers, diagnosticians, and, of course, parents in creating a treatment plan and throughout the process that a client sees me.

When I work with children and adolescents, it is imperative that I partner with their parent(s)/caregiver(s) to create effective and lasting change.
I work with adults, adolescents, and children. Often, as adults, we find ourselves stuck. You keep trying, yet things aren’t getting better. Usually, this means you have developed a self-limiting belief. Let’s talk. Together we can identify the root of the issue, develop new core beliefs, and create a plan to develop a more fulfilling life. Children and adolescents need a safe space and a person that accepts them for who they truly are, so they can express themselves openly. I focus on helping them see their true worth to enhance their growth and development, while teaching them skills to express emotions and cope with stressors.
When I work with children and adolescents, it is imperative that I partner with their parent(s)/caregiver(s) to create effective and lasting change.
I work with adults, adolescents, and children. Often, as adults, we find ourselves stuck. You keep trying, yet things aren’t getting better. Usually, this means you have developed a self-limiting belief. Let’s talk. Together we can identify the root of the issue, develop new core beliefs, and create a plan to develop a more fulfilling life. Children and adolescents need a safe space and a person that accepts them for who they truly are, so they can express themselves openly. I focus on helping them see their true worth to enhance their growth and development, while teaching them skills to express emotions and cope with stressors.

I work with individuals affected by trauma, difficulties in relationships, depression/post-partum depression, infertility, adoption, parenting, struggles in cultural adaptation and immigration, identity, self-esteem, sexuality, etc.
My work pivots around the basic premise that in order to reach a deeper understanding of oneself and grow through challenges, a space of safety and respectful reflection must be attained. I aim to define a unique relationship where together we can nurture curiosity and harvest increasingly satisfying ways for you to live your life.
I work with individuals affected by trauma, difficulties in relationships, depression/post-partum depression, infertility, adoption, parenting, struggles in cultural adaptation and immigration, identity, self-esteem, sexuality, etc.
My work pivots around the basic premise that in order to reach a deeper understanding of oneself and grow through challenges, a space of safety and respectful reflection must be attained. I aim to define a unique relationship where together we can nurture curiosity and harvest increasingly satisfying ways for you to live your life.

We also offer play based family therapy including Parent Child Interaction Theraplay, Theraplay based therapy or more traditional family therapy to address family dynamics.
Bud to Bloom Play Therapy is a place for the whole family to play, grow and heal! Is your child's behavior challenging of difficult to understand? Are you unsure how to help your child after a trauma or big life transition? We support children, families and parents healing from trauma, attachment disruptions and many of life's other challenges . We specialize in trauma, big behaviors and adoptive and foster families. We believe the powers of play can help build connection, regulation and allow for emotional expression. Whether you are a caregiver looking for therapy for your child, your family or yourself we're happy to help!
We also offer play based family therapy including Parent Child Interaction Theraplay, Theraplay based therapy or more traditional family therapy to address family dynamics.
Bud to Bloom Play Therapy is a place for the whole family to play, grow and heal! Is your child's behavior challenging of difficult to understand? Are you unsure how to help your child after a trauma or big life transition? We support children, families and parents healing from trauma, attachment disruptions and many of life's other challenges . We specialize in trauma, big behaviors and adoptive and foster families. We believe the powers of play can help build connection, regulation and allow for emotional expression. Whether you are a caregiver looking for therapy for your child, your family or yourself we're happy to help!

I have experience supporting clients through transition/adjustment, career counseling, depression, anxiety, family/relationship issues, parenting and more.
Life gets hard and sometimes we just need a little support. Together, we will work through the obstacles that have come your way. You deserve to live your life to the fullest and you don't have to face the challenges alone.
I have experience supporting clients through transition/adjustment, career counseling, depression, anxiety, family/relationship issues, parenting and more.
Life gets hard and sometimes we just need a little support. Together, we will work through the obstacles that have come your way. You deserve to live your life to the fullest and you don't have to face the challenges alone.

Consistent collaborative parent-work is critical to address infant, child & adolescent issues.
Health, nutrition, self & interpersonal relationships with family, friends & colleagues have a major influence on overall well-being. How do you seek, expect & provide attunement to self & others? Unrecognized intergenerational neuro-relational themes play a part in the manner thru which one seeks life, connection & success. Attachment & neurorelational patterns meant to gain love & closeness can mean one feels known & accepted or sadly invisible & rejected. Tina helps one learn to listen to the self with open-minded curiosity in order to identify relational styles, understanding how they support or hinder one in all areas of life.
Consistent collaborative parent-work is critical to address infant, child & adolescent issues.
Health, nutrition, self & interpersonal relationships with family, friends & colleagues have a major influence on overall well-being. How do you seek, expect & provide attunement to self & others? Unrecognized intergenerational neuro-relational themes play a part in the manner thru which one seeks life, connection & success. Attachment & neurorelational patterns meant to gain love & closeness can mean one feels known & accepted or sadly invisible & rejected. Tina helps one learn to listen to the self with open-minded curiosity in order to identify relational styles, understanding how they support or hinder one in all areas of life.

I work with clients to navigate parenting, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, major life changes, as weIl as many others.
We all go through times in our lives when we feel lost and overwhelmed. In our individually focused therapy sessions we will work together to gain insight into your current struggles. I want you to feel safe and comfortable so that real change can be made. When a person feels safe, they are able to be open and honest about their feelings.
I work with clients to navigate parenting, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, major life changes, as weIl as many others.
We all go through times in our lives when we feel lost and overwhelmed. In our individually focused therapy sessions we will work together to gain insight into your current struggles. I want you to feel safe and comfortable so that real change can be made. When a person feels safe, they are able to be open and honest about their feelings.

" Transitions, such as becoming an adult or becoming a parent, can be welcome changes but also hard to manage.
As an award-winning social worker, mental health consultant, and therapist for over 15 years, I have helped my clients navigate many of life's challenges. I use various different approaches based on the client's needs, and I always consider a person's strengths and what will work best for them as we walk through the healing process together.
" Transitions, such as becoming an adult or becoming a parent, can be welcome changes but also hard to manage.
As an award-winning social worker, mental health consultant, and therapist for over 15 years, I have helped my clients navigate many of life's challenges. I use various different approaches based on the client's needs, and I always consider a person's strengths and what will work best for them as we walk through the healing process together.

You are insightful but overwhelmed — a teen, young adult, or parent feeling the weight of anxiety, identity confusion, or family stress.
I offer virtual therapy that meets you where you are — without judgment, pressure, or jargon. I specialize in working with Gen Z, Millennials, LGBTQ+ clients, and parents seeking clarity, support, and action steps. We’ll explore what’s holding you back, build tools that work in real life, and create space for the version of you that feels most authentic.
You are insightful but overwhelmed — a teen, young adult, or parent feeling the weight of anxiety, identity confusion, or family stress.
I offer virtual therapy that meets you where you are — without judgment, pressure, or jargon. I specialize in working with Gen Z, Millennials, LGBTQ+ clients, and parents seeking clarity, support, and action steps. We’ll explore what’s holding you back, build tools that work in real life, and create space for the version of you that feels most authentic.

Whether you are a teen struggling with friendships and social media, a young person about to graduate from college and fraught with anxiety about your next transition, the parent of a young person wondering how best to help them grow or someone looking for change and not sure where to start, know that there is help available in a compassionate and understanding space.
Our down-to-earth, accepting, nonjudgmental and empowering approach, rooted in evidence-based treatments and extensive co- parenting training, allows us to meet our clients where they are and help them create and navigate a path forward at a time when they are likely experiencing feelings of hopelessness, fear, frustration and loss.
Whether you are a teen struggling with friendships and social media, a young person about to graduate from college and fraught with anxiety about your next transition, the parent of a young person wondering how best to help them grow or someone looking for change and not sure where to start, know that there is help available in a compassionate and understanding space.
Our down-to-earth, accepting, nonjudgmental and empowering approach, rooted in evidence-based treatments and extensive co- parenting training, allows us to meet our clients where they are and help them create and navigate a path forward at a time when they are likely experiencing feelings of hopelessness, fear, frustration and loss.

Katie Heiden-Rootes
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
My clinical experience is with individuals, couples, and families related to sexuality, communication, conflict, and parent-child relationships with queer & trans youth.
I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and take a sex positive approach. In addition, I am an avid researcher and teacher as a faculty member at Saint Louis University. Learn more at www.katieheidenrootes.com.
My clinical experience is with individuals, couples, and families related to sexuality, communication, conflict, and parent-child relationships with queer & trans youth.
I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and take a sex positive approach. In addition, I am an avid researcher and teacher as a faculty member at Saint Louis University. Learn more at www.katieheidenrootes.com.

Parenting stretches us in every direction and invites us to grow.
This work builds self-awareness, eases overwhelm, and helps you respond instead of react (hello, less yelling!). Along the way, you’ll deepen your relationship with your child, boost collaboration (goodbye, constant repeating), and support their emotional and physical development—creating a home that feels a little less chaotic and a lot more joyful.
Parenting stretches us in every direction and invites us to grow.
This work builds self-awareness, eases overwhelm, and helps you respond instead of react (hello, less yelling!). Along the way, you’ll deepen your relationship with your child, boost collaboration (goodbye, constant repeating), and support their emotional and physical development—creating a home that feels a little less chaotic and a lot more joyful.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Illinois and a Certified Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Practitioner.
I am extremely passionate about helping those in need and feel it is an honor to be a part of someone's journey through therapy. I truly enjoy supporting others in finding and becoming the very best version of themselves. I think it is important that my clients feel heard and understood and I strive to create a therapeutic environment where my clients can feel safe to be their authentic selves. I have spent the majority of my career working with children, youth, adults, and families in various capacities. I have a strong background in trauma, family dynamics, child development, foster care, adoption, and mental health of all ages.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Illinois and a Certified Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Practitioner.
I am extremely passionate about helping those in need and feel it is an honor to be a part of someone's journey through therapy. I truly enjoy supporting others in finding and becoming the very best version of themselves. I think it is important that my clients feel heard and understood and I strive to create a therapeutic environment where my clients can feel safe to be their authentic selves. I have spent the majority of my career working with children, youth, adults, and families in various capacities. I have a strong background in trauma, family dynamics, child development, foster care, adoption, and mental health of all ages.

Whether you are seeking guidance in balancing the demands of parenting, work, and self-care, or wanting to navigate life with authenticity, confidence, and resilience, I am here to support you.
Therapy allows you to unpack yourself. It might be time for you to focus on your healing if you are overwhelmed by your emotions or struggle with triggers. Together, we will heal the wounds from the past to create change in current relationships with kids, your partner, friends, co-workers, and family. My clients are unsatisfied and want to dive deeper into themselves. I offer a safe, trusting relationship so clients can be vulnerable and look inward. During our sessions, I will challenge you to get curious about yourself; by doing that, you will show up within your relationships more connected, authentic, and regulated.
Whether you are seeking guidance in balancing the demands of parenting, work, and self-care, or wanting to navigate life with authenticity, confidence, and resilience, I am here to support you.
Therapy allows you to unpack yourself. It might be time for you to focus on your healing if you are overwhelmed by your emotions or struggle with triggers. Together, we will heal the wounds from the past to create change in current relationships with kids, your partner, friends, co-workers, and family. My clients are unsatisfied and want to dive deeper into themselves. I offer a safe, trusting relationship so clients can be vulnerable and look inward. During our sessions, I will challenge you to get curious about yourself; by doing that, you will show up within your relationships more connected, authentic, and regulated.

I specialize in attachment wounds, complex trauma, the stress of parenting, and the loneliness of adulthood.
Living with developmental and relational trauma often means waiting for the other shoe to drop, holding back the full force of your grief or anger, and cycling between tension and collapse with no steady ground in between. Longing for connection while fearing it at the same time is common with complex trauma (cPTSD).
I help adults untangle these patterns, not by forcing you to rehash the past, but by building trust, autonomy, and connection in the present. Together, we’ll create new patterns so you can move through life with more ease, clarity, and a stronger sense of Self.
I specialize in attachment wounds, complex trauma, the stress of parenting, and the loneliness of adulthood.
Living with developmental and relational trauma often means waiting for the other shoe to drop, holding back the full force of your grief or anger, and cycling between tension and collapse with no steady ground in between. Longing for connection while fearing it at the same time is common with complex trauma (cPTSD).
I help adults untangle these patterns, not by forcing you to rehash the past, but by building trust, autonomy, and connection in the present. Together, we’ll create new patterns so you can move through life with more ease, clarity, and a stronger sense of Self.

My name is Kathy Bleitner. I earned my Master of Education in Counseling Degree from the University of Missouri St. Louis and am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri. I have experience working with children and families. I use play therapy with young clients, and incorporate cognitive behavior and person centered therapy with adolescents, teens and adults. I believe that with support, patience, and caring, most problems can be overcome. My clinical experience includes: Therapy for depression and anxiety, stress reduction, parenting challenges, autism, ADD and ADHD, learning issues and effective communication skills.
My name is Kathy Bleitner. I earned my Master of Education in Counseling Degree from the University of Missouri St. Louis and am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri. I have experience working with children and families. I use play therapy with young clients, and incorporate cognitive behavior and person centered therapy with adolescents, teens and adults. I believe that with support, patience, and caring, most problems can be overcome. My clinical experience includes: Therapy for depression and anxiety, stress reduction, parenting challenges, autism, ADD and ADHD, learning issues and effective communication skills.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and appreciate working with clients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, relationships, teen- parent conflicts, religious trauma/abuse and gender and sexual identity struggles.
I work primarily with teens and adults to offer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a primary approach. ACT is designed to help you manage and cope with negative thoughts and feelings in more effective ways allowing you to live a more value based and fulfilling life.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and appreciate working with clients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, relationships, teen- parent conflicts, religious trauma/abuse and gender and sexual identity struggles.
I work primarily with teens and adults to offer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a primary approach. ACT is designed to help you manage and cope with negative thoughts and feelings in more effective ways allowing you to live a more value based and fulfilling life.

I have experience working with adults and adolescents in areas related to life transitions, relationships, parent-child relationships, neurodiversity, depression, trauma, career and academic/school problems.
Being human is difficult! Committing to counseling provides viable options to the struggles you face. As you grow in your understanding of yourself and your world, you will begin to find that you have more choices than you thought possible — real alternatives to being defeated, becoming numb, or simply being trapped in knee-jerk patterns and reactions. Growth in this way does require trust and vulnerability, but not just from you — from both of us! My deepest hope is to be a compassionate collaborator and a source of safety and insight as you make small steps towards big change.
I have experience working with adults and adolescents in areas related to life transitions, relationships, parent-child relationships, neurodiversity, depression, trauma, career and academic/school problems.
Being human is difficult! Committing to counseling provides viable options to the struggles you face. As you grow in your understanding of yourself and your world, you will begin to find that you have more choices than you thought possible — real alternatives to being defeated, becoming numb, or simply being trapped in knee-jerk patterns and reactions. Growth in this way does require trust and vulnerability, but not just from you — from both of us! My deepest hope is to be a compassionate collaborator and a source of safety and insight as you make small steps towards big change.
See more therapy options for Saint Louis
Nearby Parenting Therapists Searches for Saint Louis
- Affton
- Brentwood
- Clayton
- Ferguson
- Kirkwood
- Ladue
- Maplewood
- Olivette
- Overland
- Richmond Heights
- University City
- Webster Groves
Parenting Therapists
What does therapy for parenting look like?
Therapists may work with parents individually, together, or include the whole family to find solutions for the problems a parent faces. Many parent-based therapies work on a parent’s relationship with their children, problem-solving within the family, and analysis of family dynamics. Therapy conducted remotely by video may be helpful in allowing a therapist to observe how families interact in their own homes.
When should a parent seek therapy?
When behavioral problems begin to disrupt the healthy functioning of a family, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If parents find that children are acting out in school, have started using drugs or alcohol, have developed eating disorders, or other similar red flags, a therapist may be able to help.
How long does therapy take for parenting problems?
Depending on the severity of a family’s challenges and the type of treatment utilized, therapy for parenting can last from weeks to months. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a pragmatic therapy type that can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. Structural family therapy, which inspects family dynamics, often takes several months. Parent-child interaction therapy is typically shorter-term, lasting between 10 and 20 sessions. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realized.
Can therapy help parents dealing with burnout or stress?
Parenting is difficult. Parents may dismiss or conceal feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, or escape ideation—imagining withdrawing from their parental obligations altogether. but left unattended, these feelings can have negative effects on the whole family. A therapist can help parents work on the skills they might need to better cope with the burdens of parenting and help them be the best parents they can be.