Counseling for Teens

Because You’re Never Too Old to Play

Teenagers often get a reputation for being “closed off” or “difficult to reach” in therapy, but that doesn’t mean they’re unreachable. At Bud to Bloom Play Therapy, we believe therapy should meet teens where they are. And sometimes that means ditching the couch-and-clipboard vibe for something more playful, creative, and engaging.

Here’s how we use developmentally appropriate therapy techniques for adolescents that actually work and why play isn’t just for little kids.

Why Our Teen Therapists use Creative and Play Based Approaches

If you’ve ever asked a teenager, “How are you feeling?” and gotten a shrug, a grunt, or “fine,” you’re not alone. Many teens struggle to open up in traditional therapy settings, especially when expected to maintain eye contact or discuss emotions directly.

That’s where play-based and creative therapy techniques come in. These approaches offer emotional distance, reduce pressure, and allow teens to process their experiences in a safer, more comfortable way.

Counseling for Teens That Fosters Real Engagement

Our therapists use a variety of approaches to help teens open up, grow, and thrive. Some of our go-to therapy techniques for adolescents include:

Music, Art, and Games That Reflect Their Interests

Whether it’s creating a playlist to check in, painting out emotions, or bonding over a game of Uno, we use creative outlets to make therapy feel relatable. We love how using a teen’s interests works in two ways, iit helps build a strong relationship and also supports the therapy itself.

Understanding your teen’s interests is one of our favorite things. It helps us plan sessions and activities that feel real and familiar. It also helps teens feel welcome and safe—like they can bring all parts of themselves into the room: their hobbies, their struggles, their playlists, and everything in between.

Metaphors and Stories for Problem Solving

Teens often feel more open to exploring challenges when we use metaphors. That might mean using a story, piece of art, or a character instead of talking directly about a tough issue. This creates emotional distance while also encouraging problem-solving and deeper reflection.

Tools like sandtray, storytelling, and expressive arts let teens build insight in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming. Teens don’t always want to talk directly about their feelings, but they might be able to share them through a drawing, game, or character. This gives them space to be honest, without pressure.

Playful Modalities That Build Trust and Safety

Teens benefit from play just like younger kids do. Play activates the brain’s systems for learning and healing. It helps teens build emotional regulation, connection, and resilience in ways that talk therapy alone may not.

• Facilitates Communication: Play gives teens new ways to express themselves. It helps them share in a way that feels easier and more comfortable than just words, so they don’t have to rely on saying “I’m fine.”

• Fosters Emotional Wellness: Play is also fun. It gives teens a way to relax, blow off steam, and feel good. It’s a space to practice positive coping skills.

• Enhances Social Relationships: Play helps build relationships. It deepens the connection between therapist and teen and takes the pressure off. It also gives teens a chance to practice social skills they can use outside the office.

• Increases Personal Strengths: Play-based therapy builds self-regulation and resilience, two skills that help teens manage life’s ups and downs.

This is based on Charles Schaefer’s Therapeutic Powers of Play.

Additionally, We Offer Evidence-Based Therapy Based on Your Teen’s Needs!

We have therapists trained in:

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This approach helps teens who have experienced trauma. It teaches them coping skills while creating a safe space to share their story. TF-CBT also includes parents so you can learn ways to support your teen along the way.

• AutPlay Therapy: AutPlay, created by Dr. Robert Jason Grant, is made for neurodivergent children and teens. It’s a play-based and affirming approach that gives kids space to work through unique challenges that may come with autism and ADHD while feeling seen, supported and accepted.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps teens understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. It teaches practical tools to shift unhelpful thinking and build better emotional and behavioral habits.

The Benefits of Creative Therapy for Teens

Using creative and play-based therapy techniques with adolescents can lead to:

• Greater emotional regulation

• Increased self-awareness

• Improved communication skills

• Stronger therapeutic relationships

• Reduced anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges

And just as importantly, it gives them a space to be themselves, without judgment, which is critical for teens going through a challenging time!

Privacy Matters: Supporting Teens While Honoring Their Independence

We get it, you want to know how your teen is doing. But we also know that one of the biggest reasons teens shut down in therapy is because they worry everything will be reported back to their parents.

At Bud to Bloom, we strike a careful balance. We honor teen privacy, creating a space they can trust. We don’t share the details of sessions without their consent, unless there’s a safety concern. (In those cases, we always communicate openly and quickly with you.)

That doesn’t mean you’re left out. Far from it.

How We Involve Parents

Our therapists work closely with parents, offering insight, support, and strategies to help you strengthen your relationship with your teen. This might look like:

• Parent-only sessions to explore challenges and parenting stress

• Coaching around connection-based approaches

• Tools to help you create emotional safety at home

• Gentle support for your own fears, guilt, or confusion

You’re still a vital part of the process. We just want your teen to feel like therapy is their safe space—not another place where they have to perform or please.

Learn About Our Team of Teen Therapists  in St. Louis 

Teens Deserve Therapy That Works

At Bud to Bloom Play Therapy, many of our therapists specialize in working with tweens and teens, see who may be a good fit here. We’re not afraid to get creative, laugh a little, and use out-of-the-box tools to build trust and help your teen feel safe and seen.

Because you’re never too old to play, and you’re never too old to heal. 

 Learn more about our Teen Therapy Services (link  to teen therapy page) 

Ready to Help Your Teen Thrive?

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