Meet Our Team of Play Therapists in St. Louis
Play. All. Day.
Through hands-on sessions with our highly trained and specialized play therapists in St. Louis, we’ll help your child feel more confident in how they express and carry themselves - and you feel more confident in connecting with and supporting your child.
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Jasmine Berger
She/her
Founder of Bud to Bloom Play Therapy
LCSW, Registered Play Therapist, Foundational Theraplay PractitionerHi! I’m Jasmine Berger, the founder of Bud to Bloom Play Therapy. I created Bud to Bloom in 2021 and ever since, I’ve been dedicated to helping children and families navigate challenges with compassion and expertise. My goal is to create a safe, nurturing space with a team of play therapists in St. Louis, where kids can express themselves and heal through the power of play.
I specialize in working with children facing trauma, attachment issues, and behavioral concerns, providing tailored support to help them thrive. I’m committed to making play therapy more accessible to all families, and love using play to foster connection and trust between parents and children. -
Molly Rush
She/her
Play-Based Therapist for Children & Teens
LCSWHi! I’m Molly. I believe that therapy can help children and their families to become the best version of themselves. With a Master’s in Social Work and extensive experience in child and family services, I specialize in creating safe, supportive spaces for children to express themselves and heal.
At Bud to Bloom, I work with kids facing trauma, attachment issues, and behavioral challenges, including neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ children who may feel isolated in their school environment or need a place to process and express their feelings. I also support children who want to understand their LGBTQIA+ identity, navigate challenges related to their identities, and manage anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. I’m dedicated to empowering all families in St. Louis with the tools and support they need for a healthier, happier future.
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Joelle Williams
She/Her
Play-Based Child and Family Therapist
LMSW
She has been working with children and families for over 10 years. Joelle received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science at the University of Missouri-Columbia and her Master of Social work at Washington University in St. Louis.
Joelle loves to serve families and support children in developing healthy attachment. She also specialized in maternal mental health and families.
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Carmen Murphy
She/Her
Play-Based Therapist for Children & Families
LCSWHi! I’m Carmen and my goal is to empower children and families to thrive together, fostering lasting growth and healing. I specialize in early childhood play-based therapy and family support, creating a safe space where children can express themselves and develop emotional resilience through play.
I have extensive experience working with early childhood clients, particularly those aged three to five, assisting children and families in addressing trauma, social-emotional challenges, and behavioral concerns. Additionally, I support elementary-aged children in navigating significant life transitions, whether related to school, home, or community.
A core principle of my practice is to meet clients where they are, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities in St. Louis have a safe and supportive environment to express themselves and pursue personal growth.
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Irene Travis
She/her
Blooming Play Therapist
MSW Student Intern
Hi! I am Irene, a MSW student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. In December of 2023, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Social Work. During my undergraduate years, I balanced academics with my passion for sports, serving as a dedicated member of the women's softball team for five rewarding years.
As a master's level intern here at Bud to Bloom I am looking forward to utilizing the powers of play to help children grow! I am focused on continuing to build my knowledge base on different therapeutic styles and working closely with children and families to foster safe and trusting relationships for healing to take place!
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Emily Boehme
She/her
Blooming Play Therapist
MSW Student Intern
Hi! I'm Emily and I am currently working towards my MSW at UMSL. Throughout my education, I have found a passion in helping kiddos and caregivers navigate this complex world we live in. I look forward to making connections with all of you. Fun Fact: I am a dancer and love to add movement into my play with kiddos!
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Patty Lachowiez
Social Media Intern
Hi! I am Patty, a Social Media Intern at Bud to Bloom. I'm here to help build a community and connect with families through our Instagram and Facebook pages.I love sharing stories, updates, and moments that bring our community closer together!
OUR MISSION
Our play therapists in St. Louis empower families to connect and heal through the power of play - because we believe every child can bloom.
What’s IN at Bud to Bloom
Nurturing Individual Strengths
We focus on the unique strengths and potential of each child, encouraging them to thrive beyond their challenges.Inclusive Support
Our practice embraces diversity, providing a welcoming environment for all families, including adoptive, foster, blended, and LGBTQIA+ families.Family Involvement
We believe in the power of family and ensure caregivers are actively involved in the therapeutic process for holistic healing.Connective Parenting
We’re here to help you understand and address the root causes of your child’s behavior, allowing for deeper connection and healing.
What’s OUT at Bud to Bloom
Labeling and Limiting
We reject the notion of reducing children to their diagnoses, believing in their ability to grow and bloom beyond any label.One-Size-Fits-All Approaches
Every child is unique, so we tailor our therapy to meet the specific needs of each individual and family.Generalizing
Play therapy isn’t something we’re dabbling in - it’s all we do, ensuring expert and focused care for young clients.Punitive Techniques
We avoid punitive methods that increase punishment and can harm a child’s self-concept, focusing instead on supportive and nurturing techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
What High School Did You Go To?
Just kidding, we love ‘em all - Bud to Bloom Play Therapy is proud to provide play-based therapy to St. Louis City and St. Louis County, including Ballwin, Brentwood, Clayton, Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, Florissant, Maryland Heights, Kirkwood, Ladue, Maplewood, Richmond Heights, South County, and beyond.
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Play therapy and play-based therapy are a way of helping children process and heal through, you guessed it, playing. Rather than talk therapy, which requires that kids be able to say how they feel and describe their experience (which is hard for even grown-ups!), we get hands-on in sessions so children can show us their story through pretend play, games, stories, and more. Play therapy is an evidence-based option that supports your child and your whole family in healing.
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In order to ensure the most focused care for our families through a smaller caseload for each provider, we are not in-network commercial insurance plans.
We accept credit cards, debit cards, HSA/FSA, and Home State Health Medicaid. Many of our families have success with applying for out–of-network reimbursement for our services! Learn more here.
For information about Good Faith Estimates, click here. -
Yes! Unlike a more “traditional” talk-based model, play therapy is more engaging for children and takes the pressure off of them to answer questions or make verbal connections. Many of our kiddos aren’t sure about therapy in the beginning, and begin to look forward to seeing their therapist over time as they get comfortable!
Let’s Bloom Together
Choose an option below to learn more about how our play therapists in St. Louis can help your child and family blossom!
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Play Therapy for Children
For children with big behaviors and big feelings, and/or early childhood trauma.
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Therapy for Teenagers
For tweens & teens who need support processing and managing their emotions
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Family Therapy
For parents who want to learn how to support their unique child, and enjoy parenting again.