Hey Athlete: You’re Allowed to Love Your Sport and Feel Burnt Out

Hey Athlete You’re Allowed to Love Your Sport and Feel Burnt Out from a St. Louis area child therapist.

Let’s get real: being a young athlete can feel amazing…and also, kind of exhausting. You love your sport—or at least, you used to.You’ve got drive, discipline, and big goals.You’ve made friends, had cool wins, and grown stronger than you ever thought possible. And yet… You might also be: This blog is for you—the kid or … Read more

From the Sidelines to the Heart: How Parents Can Emotionally Support Young Athletes

Blog post cover with youth soccer team huddling with text "From the Sidelines to the Heart How Parents Can Emotionally Support Young Athletes" from a St. Louis area child therapist.

If you’re parenting a child or teen in competitive sports, you’ve probably already heard about the mental health challenges that can come with it—burnout, pressure, anxiety, and self-doubt. You might have nodded along, recognizing moments where your child seems a little more irritable, withdrawn, or overwhelmed than usual. But now you might be asking: “Okay, … Read more

Faking Happiness? The Pressure on Teens to Seem Happy

Jumping teen looking happy with text "Faking Happiness The Pressure on Teens to Seem Happy" from a St. Louis area therapist for teens. Get help with teen counseling and therapy for teens in Ballwin, MO here.

Have you ever looked at your teen and wondered, “Is she really as happy as she seems?” You’re not alone. Recently, a mother shared with us, “My teen daughter seems to be faking happiness.” This statement echoes a growing concern among parents of teens in Ballwin, Kirkwood, Chesterfield, and throughout the St. Louis area. Today’s … Read more

Summer Jobs and Internships: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Teens Thrive in Competitive Work Environments

Professional handshake with text overlay: "Summer Jobs and Internships Guiding Teens Through Competitive Work Environments" Therapy for teens and families in St. Louis, MO is here in Ballwin and Lake St. Louis, MO.

Summer jobs and internships are more than just a rite of passage—they’re a training ground for adulthood. Whether your teen is flipping burgers, interning at a local nonprofit, or launching a side hustle, these experiences teach resilience, financial literacy, and problem-solving skills that classrooms can’t replicate. But navigating the job market as a teenager can … Read more

When College Kids Come Home: Adapting to a Full Nest Again

Groups of college aged students looking happy with text "When College Kids Come Home Adapting to a Full Nest Again". STL Therapists for moms, teens, families and more can help in Ballwin and Lake St. Louis, MO.

Picture this: your teen returns home from college, and suddenly your quiet house feels full again—now what? While having your child back under your roof can be joyful, it often comes with growing pains: conflicting schedules, shifting boundaries, and the delicate balance between nurturing independence and maintaining household harmony. Here’s how to navigate this transition … Read more

Navigating Graduation: Embracing Major Life Changes with Confidence

Caps thrown into air with text "Navigating Graduation Embracing Major Life Changes with Confidence". Get young adult therapy for life transitions with a St. Louis area therapist here!

Graduation is a milestone that marks both an ending and a new beginning. Whether you’re finishing high school or college, this transition is filled with excitement, uncertainty, and a wide range of emotions. For many in Ballwin, Kirkwood, Chesterfield, and throughout St. Louis, graduation is more than just a ceremony–it’s a major life change that … Read more

Emotional Resilience: Helping Teens Bounce Back from Life’s Setbacks

Photos of teenagers with text "Emotional Resilience Teaching Teens How to Bounce Back from Life’s Setbacks" Ballwin therapists for teens and parents of teens can help you feel more balanced and equipped for the teenage years.

Life is full of twists and turns.  For teenagers navigating these challenges, setbacks can feel especially difficult. From academic pressures and friendship drama to disappointments like rejection or failure, these experiences can take a toll on their well-being. That’s why teaching emotional resilience and helping teens adapt, grow, and emerge stronger from adversity are essential … Read more

The Pressure to Be the Perfect Teen: Why Therapy for Gifted Kids Is So Important

Group of teens in school, posing and smiling for the camera. Text reads "The Pressure to Be the Perfect Teen Why Therapy for Gifted Kids Is So Important". Teen Therapy in Ballwin, MO can help your teenage boy or girl find balance and support outside of school.

It’s not uncommon for parents of gifted kids to marvel at their child’s intelligence, dedication, and work ethic. These teens seem to have it all together: they get good grades, excel in extracurricular activities, and maintain a “perfect” image. But behind the polished exterior, many high-achieving teens are struggling with immense pressure to maintain that … Read more

Navigating Teenage Mental Health: How Therapy Can Be a Lifeline for Boys

Photo of a teen boy smiling at the camera with text "Navigating Teenage Mental Health - How Therapy Can Be a Lifeline for Boys" from a therapist for teens in Ballwin, MO.

Being a teenager is like riding a roller coaster – there are ups, downs, and unexpected twists. For teen boys, this ride can be especially intense, with social expectations, school pressures, and figuring out who they are as they shape their identity. Mental health struggles are common among teen boys, but they often go unnoticed … Read more