Molly Rush, LCSW, Play Therapist in Training
Child Therapy and Parent Support in St. Louis
Helping your child feel understood, supported, and safe to grow while giving you the support you deserve!
Parenting isn’t easy, especially when you can see your child struggling. Maybe they’ve been more withdrawn, more reactive, or having big feelings that seem to come out of nowhere. Their behaviors or emotions may be telling you they need more support. Whether they’ve experienced trauma, are exploring their identity, or are neurodivergent, you want to help them , but aren’t sure how. Maybe you’ve wondered if something’s wrong, or if they’ve experienced something you don’t fully understand.
You’re Not Alone in This!
Many parents come to me feeling worried, confused and honestly burnt out. Maybe you’re wondering if your child’s challenges are “just a phase” or something more. You may be seeing behaviors that feel hard to manage, especially when emotions run high. Or maybe you’re concerned your child feels different or misunderstood especially after a new ADHD or Autism diagnosis. You may be concerned about your child not expressing their feelings or opening up to you about their challenges especially if they have experienced trauma, or are exploring their LGBTQ+ identity. On top of everything else, most of the parents I see are hoping to strengthen their relationship with their child and feel more confident showing up for their child, even in tough moments.
I get it, uncertainty can be overwhelming. You’re doing your best — and you deserve support, too
How Child & Family Therapy Can Help!
With the right support your child can learn how to express themselves, explore complex feelings and even unpack their trauma. Everyday I get the honor of holding space for children and teens, inviting them to show up as they are and use their first language of play to heal and grow. In family therapy i get the chance to help you and your child experience connection in the moment and work through challenging patterns in real time.
The Parenting Support You’ve Been Hoping For
Parenting is challenging! You are not supposed to have all of the answers! While you are most certainly the expert or your child, my training and experience allows me to do a kind of detective work (that parents frankly don't often have time for!) and I would love to be your child’s behavior detective. I know your child needs YOU, which is why I include parents in treatment.
I want parents and caregivers to know that I would love to include them in my work with their child; through parent-child sessions, parent coaching sessions, or regular parent consultations. Together, we can make a huge difference for your child and your family. Together we can work to understand what’s driving your child’s behaviors and which tools and startegies can work in those tough moments. I can help you to better understand your child;s new diagnosis and how you can adjust you parenting to meet their needs and make them feel understood and supported.
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
Molly specializes in…
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I have completed the Training for Adoption Competency as well as Level One Theraplay Training. Theraplay is a modality of therapy that specifically targets a child’s attachment to their caregiver, which can be hugely supportive for children who are adopted.
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I am trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities that help children process trauma, grief and loss. I am a passionate parent coach and love acting as a bridge of understanding for parents and children. I have a wealth of experience working with children who’s families are in transition, although it is my number one goal to center the child and give them a safe space to process and heal from challenging circumstances.
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Working with children who are neurodivergent is so meaningful to me. Behavior is communication, and where neurodivergent children may have different ways of expressing themselves, it makes a big difference to be able to decipher what a child is communicating through their behavior.
Many of my clients have expressed a feeling that something is wrong with them or they feel as if no one understands their experience; it's one of my greatest joys to hear and see them and work to expand that understanding to their support system.
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I bring identity exploration to all of my children and families, although this is of particular importance in my work with LGBTQIA+ youth and families. I also have experience with a variety of therapeutic modalities that help build client confidence and process traumatic events.
Training and Credentials:
MSW, The Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis
Trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Trained in Theraplay
Trained in Child Parent Psychotherapy
Trained in Play Therapy - in phase 2 of play therapy certification
