Bethany Ottens, CIT, Play Therapist in Training
Child Therapy and Parent Support in St. Louis
Helping your child build resilience, regulation skills, and confidence in their own strengths, so your family can find more calm and connection
Your child is bright, funny, and full of heart. But some days, it feels like their anger takes over everything. One small "no" turns into screaming, slammed doors, or hitting. Maybe they've just started a new school, moved to a new home, or come into your family through foster care or adoption. Maybe they've been diagnosed with ADHD or anxiety, or they just can't seem to slow down long enough to tell you what's wrong. You're doing everything you can, and you're tired.
What Looks Like Anger Is Often Something Else
Many of the parents I work with are exhausted, second-guessing themselves, and worried about what all of this is doing to the rest of the family. You might be wondering if your child will grow out of it, whether you're being too strict or not strict enough, or why the strategies that work for other kids don't work for yours.
Here's something I see again and again: anger is often a child's way of protecting themselves from feeling sad or scared. When a child doesn't feel safe expressing those softer feelings, anger shows up instead. Your child isn't trying to give you a hard time. They're having a hard time.
It's hard to ask for help at any age, and that includes parents. But everyone deserves support, and you don't have to figure this out on your own.
How Play Therapy Helps
Play therapy meets each child exactly where they are: emotionally, developmentally, and behaviorally. Young kids don't have the words yet to explain what's going on inside, but they can show us through play. In the playroom, your child gets to express feelings safely and practice new ways of handling them.
I create an empathetic, radically accepting space where children feel seen just as they are. From there, we work on building regulation skills, strengthening resilience, and helping your child discover the strengths they already have. When kids feel accepted, they can grow, and even heal.
Support for You, Not Just Your Child
You are the most important person in your child's life, and real change happens when the whole family is supported. I work alongside parents and caregivers to help you understand what's driving your child's behavior, respond in ways that build connection instead of power struggles, and feel more confident in the hard moments.
What families can look forward to: a child who can name their feelings instead of exploding, calmer transitions and routines, more confidence and self-expression, a stronger bond between you and your child, and more peace at home.
You're Taking the First Step to Helping Your Child Bloom
We know reaching out can feel overwhelming. But you don't have to figure this out alone. We're here to walk with you, listen without judgment, and help you and your child find your way forward.
Start today. The early years are when children build the foundation for managing emotions for life. Your child's struggles don't define them, and you have the power to help them grow.
How to Get Started
1. Reach Out
Take the first step by contacting our Client Care team. We’ll listen to your family’s needs and match you with the therapist who’s the best fit. From there, we’ll get your parent intake scheduled.
2. Your Intake Session
In this 60-minute session I like to meet with parents to give them a chance to speak frankly about their concerns. I will get to know you and your child, hear your story, and work with you to create a personalized plan for care for. This is your chance to feel heard and supported from the very beginning.
3. Begin the Journey
Your child’s therapy officially begins. Through play, connection, and support, your family will take steps toward growth, healing, and blooming into your best selves.
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