Play Therapy Groups in St. Louis for Kids, Teens, and Parents

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Support, connection, and real-life skills—through play, relationships, and community.

At Bud to Bloom Play Therapy, the whole family can build confidence, stronger relationships, and lasting emotional skills with our play therapy groups. 

  • Maybe you’re unsure if your child is really ready for the social dynamics of Kindergarten and want to make the transition easier.

  • Maybe your pre-teen is having a tricky time with friends and peer dynamics in middle school. 

  • Or, maybe the tricky two’s have hit, and you’re constantly exhausted by meltdowns—and you’ve tried everything you know to do. 

You’re not alone.

Our therapy groups give you an understanding, compassionate place to grow in community. 

Families in St. Louis, Clayton, Webster Groves, Kirkwood, and nearby areas come to us when Google just doesn’t really get it and they’ve tried everything else.

Check out our current groups below, and let’s get you help today. 

Child and Pre-Teen Therapy Groups in St. Louis

Whether your child is starting Kindergarten or navigating the tricky teen years, it’s normal to need extra support. Check out our social skills groups and support groups for children and teens below.

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CHILD GROUP

Sister Circle: Fostering Connections and Confidence in Adolescent Girls

An in-person group for girls aged 10-12 seeking to build friendships and confidence.

THERAPIST LEAD: Lakaysha Shields, Teen Therapist in St. Louis
DATES: TBD
MEETING DETAILS: In person at Bud to Bloom   
COST: $250 per child/5 week group

Description: Is your daughter struggling to build lasting friendships or make meaningful connections? Does she often feel unsure of herself, afraid to be authentic, or find it hard to open up to others?

This ongoing group is designed to support tween and teen girls who are facing similar challenges. Through guided activities, open conversations, and shared experiences, girls will develop real connections, boost their self-esteem, and gain the confidence to be themselves. Our goal is to uplift and empower each girl, helping her feel seen, supported, and strong in who she is learning skills to navigate friendships.

CHILD GROUP

Back to School Confidence Club

An in-person group for children 6-7-years-old who are experiencing anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms.

THERAPIST LEAD: Maddie Damann, Blooming Therapist
DATES: July 6th, July 20th, July 27th, and August 3rd at 5 PM

MEETING DETAILS: In person at Bud to Bloom   
COST: Free!

Description: This group is a good fit for children ages 6 to 7 who often seem worried, overwhelmed by big feelings, hesitant in new situations or who could benefit from extra support building confidence in coping skills. It may be especially helpful for children who seem shy, struggle with self-confidence, feel overwhelmed at school, or have difficulty expressing emotions and managing worries independently.

Through play, stories, creative activities, and peer connection, children will build social emotional skills, practicing calming and coping strategies, strengthening confidence, and learn ways to better express feelings and navigate everyday challenges in a safe, supportive environment.

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CHILD GROUP

Ready, Set, Bloom!: Kindergarten Social Skills Group

An in-person group for children ages 5-6 seeking to improve peer and social skills in preparation for starting Kindergarten

THERAPIST LEAD: Emily Boehme, LMSW, Child Therapist
DATES: TBD
MEETING DETAILS: In person at Bud to Bloom   
COST: $250 per child/ 5 week group (that’s just $50/session!)

Description:

Are you looking for a safe, supportive setting for them to increase their social skills and peer development? If so, our Kindergarten Social Skills Group at Bud to Bloom would be the perfect fit! 

Led by a licensed therapist, this social skills group will help children build positive social skills with peers and build positive self concept.  Using play therapy skills, this group will allow children to explore healthy and positive peer development and help them to have a positive school year! 

Caregivers will have the opportunity to meet with the therapist upon the end of the group and will receive individual insights regarding their child's time in group and any necessary support your child may benefit from.

Therapy Groups for Parents in St. Louis, Missouri

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PARENT GROUP

Calm and Connected: A Group for Caregivers and Parents of Little Kids with Big  Behaviors & Big Feelings

A virtual support/educational group for parents of kids with big behaviors. Join the waitlist for our next group, coming Fall 2026.

THERAPIST LEAD: Molly Rush, St. Louis Child & Family Therapist
MEETING DETAILS: Virtual 90 minute group
COST: $400 per parent for the 8 week group or $600 for 2 parents

Description: This 8 week group is for parents and caregivers seeking guidance, understanding, and practical solutions in a supportive community! We will come together to learn key concepts on parenting your child's brain and usable parent strategies to keep calm and connect with your child. This group would be a great fit for caregivers of kids with big behaviors, trauma, attachment challenges, ADHD and foster and adoptive families.

Parents will get to connect with other parents with similar struggles and will learn strategies to regulate and care for themselves.

A Play Therapy Practice Rooted in Growth and Connection

As a St. Louis play therapy practice, Bud to Bloom is grounded in lifelong learning, cultural responsiveness, and deep respect for families. Whether your child’s preparing for kindergarten, your adolescent is navigating insecurity, or you’re burned out and needing support, our groups are designed to help your family bloom — together. 

Your Questions, Answered

Other Play Therapy Services

A white woman with glasses looks and smiles at a teen with orange hair. Teens with anxiety, peer challenges, and self-esteem troubles can grow in confidence with the help of a play therapist in St. Louis, Missouri.

Teen Therapy in St. Louis

Our teen therapy in St. Louis provides a supportive, judgement-free space where adolescents can process emotions, navigate identity, and build resilience during a time of major transition.

A Black dad smiles while holding his laughing child. Families struggling with conflict and misunderstanding can increase connection and clarity with the support of a trained therapist in St. Louis, Missouri. Let's get started today.

Family Therapy in St. Louis

Our family therapy helps strengthen connection and understanding. Whether your child or teen is struggling with behavior, or you’re noticing patterns from your own upbringing showing up in parenting, we help you move forward with clarity and connection. 

Three children laugh while sitting together. Kids can grow in communication and social skills with a social skills group in St. Louis Missouri, led by a trained play therapist.

Pediatric Play Therapy in St. Louis

Our child therapy in St. Louis helps children bloom into their best selves by having a space to process emotions, build skills, and grow more confident.