Lexi Bratton

St. Louis Child Therapist

Compassionate, Play-Based Therapy for Children, Teens, and Families in Missouri

Helping kiddos find their voice and learn strategies to help with big feelings while walking alongside families

Child Therapy in St. Louis

Childhood is such an important, joyful time where imagination is fostered and strength is found, but sometimes there are things holding a kid back. 

Maybe your child is:

  • Having big behaviors at home or school

  • Struggling with fitting in, their identity, or making friends

  • Dealing with big worries or anxieties that prevent them from having carefree fun and learning

  • Trying to manage struggles related to attention, executive functioning, or ADHD related symptoms

As a parent, sometimes it can feel impossible to help your child when they are struggling. You want them to be happy, confident, and capable, but you don't know how to get there.

Tape, scissors, sticky pads, and other tools are on a table. Children can expand their coping skills and become more regulated with the help of a trained play therapist in St. Louis Missouri. Let us help you today!
An Asian girl plays with a bunny and dollhouse. Want your child to have an age-appropriate way to process trauma? Play therapy meets them where they are, in a fun but impactful way. Get started with St. Louis play therapy today.
A Black family plays together happily. Families can feel closer and have less conflict with the compassionate support of a trained play therapist in St. Louis, Missouri.

You're Doing Great!

Never forget that.

Parents who love their children and try their best are providing an amazing foundation for connection and growth to develop.

Parenting is not easy, many parents feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and heartbroken by the challenges their child is facing.

Asking for help doesn't mean you are failing! It means you're a parent who wants their child to succeed. 

I would be honored to walk alongside you and your child, providing unconditional positive regard, empathy, warmth, and silly and imaginative fun.

What Play Therapy Can Do for Your Family

Play is a person's first language.

Children communicate, learn to regulate their emotions, and develop a sense of self through play. I believe it’s important to provide a judgment-free space where children can explore their sense of self, learn to self-regulate, and process big emotions and what may be driving them. Through the language of play, children are provided the space and safety to heal and grow. I love to watch kids go from Bud to Bloom as they learn to listen to themselves and how to feel confident, safe, and exceptional.

Through imagination, play, creativity, and movement, your child can:

  • Safely express big emotions

  • Build their sense of self and independence

  • Learn tools for navigating anxiety and worries 

  • Build confidence and social skills

  • Learn to accept and love themselves

How do you involve parents?

You may be thinking "Okay, so this helps kiddos, but what about me?" and I'm here to remind you that you are not alone. It is human and normal to need help.

Play-based therapies can help parents understand the why behind their child's behaviors, learn tools to try at home, and build stronger bonds and attachments with their children.

At Bud to Bloom we believe that parental involvement is paramount to therapeutic change. I can work with parents to help them discover more about their kids, manage this crazy thing called life, and feel their own sense of worth and value.

I believe that through collaboration, problem solving, and support, parents can heal and help their families heal. That is why I encourage families to really take a part in the process, by being present and invested, you and your child can build a stronger connection full of love and support. 

Why Lexi?

As a child therapist in St. Louis, I support children 6-14 with:

  • Trauma and hard experiences

  • Low self-esteem

  • Anxieties and worries

  • Big behaviors and big feelings

My approach is silly, fun, creative, and supportive.

I believe that through fun and laughter, children grow into their best selves. I love to make up goofy stories with kiddos, play pretend, color and paint, and listen to music and shake those wiggles out!

Who Is Lexi?

I recently completed my LMSW and am passionate about helping kids work through big traumas, emotions, and behaviors. I have experience with working with children in schools and am great at supporting kids through the challenges school may create. I am a dog mom and when I'm not in the office, I'm probably with my dogs. I love to create arts and crafts and sing my heart out, and don't forget about my weekly board games! I believe that you never outgrow play, and I take time to be goofy and silly with those around me every day. 


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. 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.

Learn more about:

Child Therapy, Family Therapy,‍ ‍Parent Support