Helping Professionals Interview Series: Play Therapy with Jasmine Berger, LCSW
We had an exciting opportunity to interview Jasmine Berger, LCSW of Bud to Bloom Play Therapy and are thrilled to share more about Jasmine and her practice with you!
Jasmine has specialized training in understanding and helping St. Louis kids and St. Louis families through play! Jasmine is able to offer St. Louis kids a space to playfully learn, build coping tools and process trauma in a safe space. Read more below to learn about Jasmine, her approach and how to connect with Bud to Bloom Play Therapy!
Why did you choose to become a therapist in St. Louis?
I originally came to St. Louis for school! I went to WashU for undergrad and then went to the Brown School of Social Work. Once I graduated, I had grown to love St. Louis and saw it as home. I decided to open Bud to Bloom Play Therapy in the city as I saw a disparity in services offered in the city versus what was available in the county. I wanted to make child mental health services more accessible in the city.
What kind of treatment do you provide?
I provide play therapy to children and families. I work with children struggling with big behaviors, life transitions, and trauma. I also specialize in treating foster and adoptive youth. I treat all these groups using play, which allows me to engage kids and families in a new way that may allow for more comfort and ability to process. I am specifically trained in Theraplay, Child Parent Psychotherapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, each of these incorporates playful approaches. Theraplay is a play-based therapy that strengthens caregiver-child relationships. Child-Parent Psychotherapy is a therapy for young children who have experienced trauma. Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is also a treatment for childhood trauma.
What ages do you work with?
I typically work with children 2-16 years old.
What can parents expect to leave with after working with you?
Parents can expect to leave with a better understanding of their child and their behaviors. I am a big believer that we need to understand behavior in order to address it. Parents will also leave with a strengthened connection with their children, as I believe incorporating parents is key in the treatment of children.
How long have you been working with anxiety in St. Louis?
I have been working with children in St. Louis for 7 years, and have loved it. Many of the children I have worked with have struggled with anxiety.
Who are your favorite types of clients to work with?
I enjoy working with foster and adoptive families who are looking to deepen connection and address their child's behaviors. I am passionate about working with children who have experienced trauma and life transitions. When working with these children, I am always so grateful to also work with their grown-ups and help them to learn and heal alongside their child.
What happens during a first appointment with you?
Our first appointment is always a parent-only intake, this can be in person or virtual. This is a session where parents or caregivers can talk freely and frankly about what is bringing them to therapy and important background information. In this session, I will recommend a treatment approach and help you understand my role in the process.
Could you talk a little about your approach and how it plays into your work with people recovering from anxiety?
I love to incorporate teaching skills into play therapy to help children learn ways to combat their anxiety in playful and engaging ways! I also use art and play to help children identify and learn about their anxiety and build self-awareness.
What do you wish people knew about getting treatment for anxiety disorders?
I wish people knew that getting help for their child does not make them a failure, it's brave and compassionate to ask for help!
How can people learn more and contact you?
People can contact me at Budtobloomplaytherapy.com or by reaching out via email at info@budtobloomplaytherapy.com.
You can also connect with Bud to Bloom Play Therapy via social media at:
Curious to learn more about getting treatment for anxiety? Wondering if you need to connect with a therapist in St. Louis? Contact Compassionate Counseling St. Louis to set up a free 15-minute phone consult. We’ll talk about what’s going on and best next steps - and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll connect you with other wonderful St. Louis-based therapists, like Jasmine!
Compassionate Counseling St. Louis provides specialized anger management and anxiety therapy in St. Louis for kids, teens, and college students. We work in Clayton, MO and serve kids, teens, and college students throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Ladue, University City, Town and Country, Webster Groves, Creve Coeur, Kirkwood, Richmond Heights, and Brentwood.