Play Therapy in Saint Louis, MO
As a registered play therapist, I utilize both directive and non-directive play and creative therapy techniques, allowing clients the ability to express their difficult emotions, struggles, past traumas, and ultimately their strengths and coping skills.
Building rapport has proven to be a strength of mine. I'm able to engage even the most reserved and/or reluctant clients in therapy. With my training in both play therapy & EMDR, I use creative techniques to reach clients who struggle in traditional talk therapy. In addition, supporting parents often becomes an important piece of the therapeutic process.
As a registered play therapist, I utilize both directive and non-directive play and creative therapy techniques, allowing clients the ability to express their difficult emotions, struggles, past traumas, and ultimately their strengths and coping skills.
Building rapport has proven to be a strength of mine. I'm able to engage even the most reserved and/or reluctant clients in therapy. With my training in both play therapy & EMDR, I use creative techniques to reach clients who struggle in traditional talk therapy. In addition, supporting parents often becomes an important piece of the therapeutic process.
We offer individual therapy across the lifespan in addition to offering mental health physicals, play therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, brief and long-term therapy, psychological evals for diagnostic clarification, testing for learning disabilities, sleep consultations, and more.
Understanding Minds provides trusted, confidential, and comprehensive mental health services. Our supportive team of providers take a proactive approach with assessment, collaborative treatment planning, progress review, and validated approaches to make progress achievable. Your needs are important to us, and we strive to offer the best possible experience in mental healthcare. This is why we have administrative staff available to assist you 5 days a week and we request feedback from you about your experience and fit with your provider.
We offer individual therapy across the lifespan in addition to offering mental health physicals, play therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, brief and long-term therapy, psychological evals for diagnostic clarification, testing for learning disabilities, sleep consultations, and more.
Understanding Minds provides trusted, confidential, and comprehensive mental health services. Our supportive team of providers take a proactive approach with assessment, collaborative treatment planning, progress review, and validated approaches to make progress achievable. Your needs are important to us, and we strive to offer the best possible experience in mental healthcare. This is why we have administrative staff available to assist you 5 days a week and we request feedback from you about your experience and fit with your provider.
Are you a parent with concerns about your child's development, behavior, or mood? Do you have a child with a chronic health condition who could benefit from learning skills to improve coping and adjustment, increase the likelihood of following medical recommendations, or decrease anxiety or pain related to an illness or injury? Do you have concerns about your child's feeding/eating habits, toileting, fears/phobias, or disruptive behavior?
Are you a parent with concerns about your child's development, behavior, or mood? Do you have a child with a chronic health condition who could benefit from learning skills to improve coping and adjustment, increase the likelihood of following medical recommendations, or decrease anxiety or pain related to an illness or injury? Do you have concerns about your child's feeding/eating habits, toileting, fears/phobias, or disruptive behavior?
Megan J Adamo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63131
Waitlist for new clients
Children process their feelings and learn about their world through play.
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.
Children process their feelings and learn about their world through play.
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.
Dr. Ryan Liberati
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, RPT-S, LCPC
3 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63118
For children, I utilize evidence-based directive and non-directive play therapy approaches, depending upon the child's unique psychosocial needs.
I specialize in LGBTQ, Men's issues, and Play therapy.
For children, I utilize evidence-based directive and non-directive play therapy approaches, depending upon the child's unique psychosocial needs.
I specialize in LGBTQ, Men's issues, and Play therapy.
West County Psychological Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, C-ASWCM
Saint Louis, MO 63141
West County Psychological Associates (WCPA) has been serving this community for over thirty-five years. Our commitment has always been to the quality of our clinical services. We specialize in long-term and sustainable solutions that make a lasting difference in our clients’ lives. Our clients gain insight into family patterns and emotional well-being, build the strength to be in charge of their lives, and improve their abilities to accomplish the goals they set for themselves. We are conveniently located off Olive Blvd near 141 and Fee Fee Rd.
West County Psychological Associates (WCPA) has been serving this community for over thirty-five years. Our commitment has always been to the quality of our clinical services. We specialize in long-term and sustainable solutions that make a lasting difference in our clients’ lives. Our clients gain insight into family patterns and emotional well-being, build the strength to be in charge of their lives, and improve their abilities to accomplish the goals they set for themselves. We are conveniently located off Olive Blvd near 141 and Fee Fee Rd.
Michelle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63141
Waitlist for new clients
I make a space where breathing gets easier, using play, movement, and somatic and trauma-focused work.
I work with families whose situations are more complicated than the words used for them: divorce, custody. Cases where a child has pulled away from a parent they were once close to. Where one parent has been controlling the other in ways the court has not named. Where abuse or neglect is in the record, or an order of protection sits between two people who still must co-parent. Where litigation has run for years, or crosses state lines, jurisdictions, or military orders. Attorneys and guardians ad litem often call these cases high conflict. That word does not describe what your child is living through, or what your family needs.
I make a space where breathing gets easier, using play, movement, and somatic and trauma-focused work.
I work with families whose situations are more complicated than the words used for them: divorce, custody. Cases where a child has pulled away from a parent they were once close to. Where one parent has been controlling the other in ways the court has not named. Where abuse or neglect is in the record, or an order of protection sits between two people who still must co-parent. Where litigation has run for years, or crosses state lines, jurisdictions, or military orders. Attorneys and guardians ad litem often call these cases high conflict. That word does not describe what your child is living through, or what your family needs.
You are going through life surviving but aren't really thriving. On the outside, people might not even notice anything is wrong. Inside, you're second guessing yourself & struggling to find balance. It's difficult to feel like you know who you are or how to be yourself around other people. These feelings may be affecting your relationships, school, parenting or career. Through our work together I will help you engage more fully in the present, & work towards the best version of yourself. It is hard work but can be done with gentle guidance. I'm trained in EMDR, CBT and EFT.
You are going through life surviving but aren't really thriving. On the outside, people might not even notice anything is wrong. Inside, you're second guessing yourself & struggling to find balance. It's difficult to feel like you know who you are or how to be yourself around other people. These feelings may be affecting your relationships, school, parenting or career. Through our work together I will help you engage more fully in the present, & work towards the best version of yourself. It is hard work but can be done with gentle guidance. I'm trained in EMDR, CBT and EFT.
I hold a Master of Arts in Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary and am currently in training as a play therapist.
Life can be overwhelming — and sometimes we all need support to process trauma, navigate hard seasons, and find our way back to connection and joy. I'm so glad you're here.
I work with adults, kids, and teens, offering a safe and welcoming space that honors your unique personal and cultural background. I am passionate about supporting clients through pregnancy and postpartum transitions, anxiety and depression, kids’ emotional and behavioral challenges, spiritual abuse recovery, and the experiences of Third Culture Kids.
I hold a Master of Arts in Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary and am currently in training as a play therapist.
Life can be overwhelming — and sometimes we all need support to process trauma, navigate hard seasons, and find our way back to connection and joy. I'm so glad you're here.
I work with adults, kids, and teens, offering a safe and welcoming space that honors your unique personal and cultural background. I am passionate about supporting clients through pregnancy and postpartum transitions, anxiety and depression, kids’ emotional and behavioral challenges, spiritual abuse recovery, and the experiences of Third Culture Kids.
Divine Youth Wellness Centre, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, RPT
Saint Louis, MO 63121
We offer individualized therapy using Play Therapy, CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, family therapy, parent coaching, mindfulness, and other evidence-based approaches.
At Divine Youth Wellness Centre, LLC, our team provides therapy for children, adolescents, young adults, adults, parents, and caregivers facing anxiety, trauma, ADHD, behavioral concerns, depression, grief, school challenges, life transitions, family conflict, and relationship difficulties. We also support foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Through compassionate, trauma-informed, evidence-based care, we help clients build emotional resilience, strengthen relationships, develop healthy coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.
We offer individualized therapy using Play Therapy, CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, family therapy, parent coaching, mindfulness, and other evidence-based approaches.
At Divine Youth Wellness Centre, LLC, our team provides therapy for children, adolescents, young adults, adults, parents, and caregivers facing anxiety, trauma, ADHD, behavioral concerns, depression, grief, school challenges, life transitions, family conflict, and relationship difficulties. We also support foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Through compassionate, trauma-informed, evidence-based care, we help clients build emotional resilience, strengthen relationships, develop healthy coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Change can be overwhelming at times. Sometimes the change seems so big it is hard to know where to start. The focus of my work is to meet the client where he/she is at and help identify steps for change. I use a variety of cognitive and sensory techniques to help clients break out of old patterns and cope with the stressors of life.
Change can be overwhelming at times. Sometimes the change seems so big it is hard to know where to start. The focus of my work is to meet the client where he/she is at and help identify steps for change. I use a variety of cognitive and sensory techniques to help clients break out of old patterns and cope with the stressors of life.
Katie Lorenz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Saint Louis, MO 63123
Waitlist for new clients
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Weighed down by anxiety? Difficulties in relationships or tensions with your children? I can provide you with tools and teach you how to use them, which can help to provide a more satisfying life and to help you become a healthier individual. I am driven by a passion for improving the lives of others and work diligently to provide a custom approach to meet client’s needs. I want to help individuals discover their true identities and God-given gifts, potential, and purposes in life. My approach is to provide empathy and challenge and help clients move toward transformation to make necessary changes.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Weighed down by anxiety? Difficulties in relationships or tensions with your children? I can provide you with tools and teach you how to use them, which can help to provide a more satisfying life and to help you become a healthier individual. I am driven by a passion for improving the lives of others and work diligently to provide a custom approach to meet client’s needs. I want to help individuals discover their true identities and God-given gifts, potential, and purposes in life. My approach is to provide empathy and challenge and help clients move toward transformation to make necessary changes.
With children, play is a natural language for expression and healing.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing a supportive space to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, stress, ADHD and social skills. Using a person-centered approach, I tailor treatment to each individual, helping clients build resilience, develop practical skills, gain insight, and creating meaningful change in their lives.
With children, play is a natural language for expression and healing.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing a supportive space to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, stress, ADHD and social skills. Using a person-centered approach, I tailor treatment to each individual, helping clients build resilience, develop practical skills, gain insight, and creating meaningful change in their lives.
Lutheran Family & Children's Services of MO
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LPC
Saint Louis, MO 63132
Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) offers FREE counseling for kids 3–19 in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Franklin County. We also provide FREE counseling for qualifying children and adults in Jefferson County, as well as FREE psychiatric services for kids 8–19 in St. Louis and Franklin counties. We offer services at multiple offices and satellite counseling locations to make care accessible across the communities we serve.
At LFCS, we are deeply committed to removing barriers to care and ensuring all individuals have access to the mental health support they need to thrive.
Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) offers FREE counseling for kids 3–19 in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Franklin County. We also provide FREE counseling for qualifying children and adults in Jefferson County, as well as FREE psychiatric services for kids 8–19 in St. Louis and Franklin counties. We offer services at multiple offices and satellite counseling locations to make care accessible across the communities we serve.
At LFCS, we are deeply committed to removing barriers to care and ensuring all individuals have access to the mental health support they need to thrive.
I am trauma-informed therapist that has experience working with a diverse population that includes children, adolescents and adults. Dedicated to creating an inclusive environment, I continue my training throughout the year to effectively serve marginalized communities, including those related to the LGBTQIA community. Born and raised in St. Louis City, I am aware of some of the treasures and challenges that come from living in the area. However, I remain committed to serving the systemic issues that face the clientele in other states, including California and Texas. I strive to provide a safe, client-focused environment.
I am trauma-informed therapist that has experience working with a diverse population that includes children, adolescents and adults. Dedicated to creating an inclusive environment, I continue my training throughout the year to effectively serve marginalized communities, including those related to the LGBTQIA community. Born and raised in St. Louis City, I am aware of some of the treasures and challenges that come from living in the area. However, I remain committed to serving the systemic issues that face the clientele in other states, including California and Texas. I strive to provide a safe, client-focused environment.
Elisha Linnen-Glass is a graduate of the University of Missouri- St. Louis. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental health and Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Missouri Alcohol and Drug Counselor II.
Elisha Linnen-Glass has serviced clients/patients at St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Hospital, St. Louis area Alcohol and Drug treatment centers, as well as CareSTL health centers school based clinics.
Elisha Linnen-Glass is a graduate of the University of Missouri- St. Louis. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental health and Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Missouri Alcohol and Drug Counselor II.
Elisha Linnen-Glass has serviced clients/patients at St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Hospital, St. Louis area Alcohol and Drug treatment centers, as well as CareSTL health centers school based clinics.
Hello, my name is Bruce Miller and I'm a licensed clinical social worker and was registered play therapist. I've been providing mental health services to clients of all ages for over several decades. I'm open to helping all clients of all problems, issues, and temperaments. I tend to prioritize by engaging and building rapport. I utilized a great deal of listening, reflecting and understanding a person's issues and problems. From there we collaborate in exploring and identifying the problem(s) that are creating the stress, anxiety, sadness depression and other emotions.
Hello, my name is Bruce Miller and I'm a licensed clinical social worker and was registered play therapist. I've been providing mental health services to clients of all ages for over several decades. I'm open to helping all clients of all problems, issues, and temperaments. I tend to prioritize by engaging and building rapport. I utilized a great deal of listening, reflecting and understanding a person's issues and problems. From there we collaborate in exploring and identifying the problem(s) that are creating the stress, anxiety, sadness depression and other emotions.
I recently completed my masters degree in Clinical Mental Health and am working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
Feeling disconnected from those in your life? Wanting to gain insight into why you experience the thoughts and feelings you do? Have a desire to learn about the positive aspects of who you are? I will help you learn how to reconnect with others by exploring the reasoning behind your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I assist clients in discovering their strengths and gaining confidence in themselves.
I recently completed my masters degree in Clinical Mental Health and am working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
Feeling disconnected from those in your life? Wanting to gain insight into why you experience the thoughts and feelings you do? Have a desire to learn about the positive aspects of who you are? I will help you learn how to reconnect with others by exploring the reasoning behind your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I assist clients in discovering their strengths and gaining confidence in themselves.
I offer play-based child therapy and parent coaching that helps kids process trauma, grief, identity exploration, and life transitions.
Many parents come to me feeling worried, confused and burnt out. You might be wondering whether your child’s challenges are “just a phase,” navigating new ADHD or Autism diagnoses, or trying to make sense of behaviors that feel overwhelming when emotions run high. Maybe your child feels different, misunderstood, or is exploring their LGBTQ+ identity. You want to feel more confident, strengthen your relationship, and understand what your child is communicating beneath the behaviors. You’re doing your best — and you deserve support, too.
I offer play-based child therapy and parent coaching that helps kids process trauma, grief, identity exploration, and life transitions.
Many parents come to me feeling worried, confused and burnt out. You might be wondering whether your child’s challenges are “just a phase,” navigating new ADHD or Autism diagnoses, or trying to make sense of behaviors that feel overwhelming when emotions run high. Maybe your child feels different, misunderstood, or is exploring their LGBTQ+ identity. You want to feel more confident, strengthen your relationship, and understand what your child is communicating beneath the behaviors. You’re doing your best — and you deserve support, too.
Hey—warm welcome. I’m truly proud of you for taking the step to explore therapy. Finding the right therapist can feel daunting, and I’m honored you’re considering me to support you. As a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor, I strive to create a safe, affirming space to explore how you arrived at this point in your life, deepen insight into your thoughts and emotions, and work together to move forward, cope more effectively, and reshape how you engage with the world. Whether you are navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, mood disorders, identity-related stress, or other challenges, we will walk this path.
Hey—warm welcome. I’m truly proud of you for taking the step to explore therapy. Finding the right therapist can feel daunting, and I’m honored you’re considering me to support you. As a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor, I strive to create a safe, affirming space to explore how you arrived at this point in your life, deepen insight into your thoughts and emotions, and work together to move forward, cope more effectively, and reshape how you engage with the world. Whether you are navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, mood disorders, identity-related stress, or other challenges, we will walk this path.
See more therapy options for Saint Louis
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Saint Louis
- Brentwood
- Clayton
- Des Peres
- Kirkwood
- Ladue
- Maplewood
- Oakville
- Olivette
- Overland
- Richmond Heights
- University City
- Webster Groves
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.