Why Children and Teens Are More Anxious, Depressed, and Stressed Than Ever — And How Parents, Schools, and Therapy Can Help Across the country, children and teenagers are experiencing higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress than ever before. As a St. Louis therapist at Pearlman & Associates, I see this every day in our work with kids, teens, and families. Many parents feel confused or overwhelmed. Schools are trying to support students while navigating increasing behavioral and emotional challenges. And young people often feel pressured, misunderstood, or unsure how to cope in healthy ways. This rise in youth mental health concerns is well-documented by organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health ) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth) . The good news is that there are effective strategies, supports, and therapeutic tools that can help kids feel better and regain confidence. Below is a deeper look at why today’s children struggle, what parents and schools can do, and how therapy and healthy coping skills can make a major difference. Why Children and Teens Are More Anxious and Depressed Today There is no single reason—rather, it is a combination of cultural, social, biological, and environmental factors. Social Media Pressure and Unrealistic Comparison Sites like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat create a world where kids constantly compare themselves to others. Organizations like the Child Mind Institute (https://childmind.org/topics-a-z/ ) highlight how social media impacts body image, self-worth, and mood. Kids feel pressure to be perfect, look perfect, and perform perfectly. Even emotionally healthy children can develop anxiety, insecurity, and depression from the comparison trap. Academic Pressure and Fear of Failure Many students believe their future success depends on their grades, test scores, and achievements. This leads to chronic worry, burnout, and performance anxiety. Teens frequently tell me in therapy that they feel “never good enough” no matter how hard they try. Overstimulation and Lack of True Downtime Kids rarely get quiet, calm, unstructured time. Screens, activities, social media, homework, and constant notifications keep the brain “on” at all times. Without pauses and rest, anxiety becomes the default state. Post-Pandemic Emotional and Social Delays Even though daily life has moved forward, emotional development was disrupted. Many students still struggle with social skills, confidence, separation anxiety, and school avoidance. Family Stress and Environmental Anxiety Children absorb the stress of the world around them. When families experience financial strain, work pressure, illness, or emotional overload, kids often internalize that stress—even if adults think they’re shielding them. Reduced Real-Life Social Interaction Kids spend less time building face-to-face social skills. Without opportunities to practice communication, conflict resolution, and reading social cues, social anxiety becomes more common. Increased Exposure to Unhealthy Coping Strategies Vaping, alcohol, marijuana, overeating, and digital addictions provide fast emotional escape—but ultimately make anxiety, depression, and mood regulation worse. Research from SAMHSA (https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health ) reinforces this pattern across youth populations. What Parents Can Do to Help Their Child or Teen Parents have more influence than they realize. You don’t need to fix every problem—your presence, empathy, and guidance are already powerful. Normalize Talking About Emotions Ask open questions like: “How are you really feeling today?” “What part of your day stressed you out?” “What do you need from me right now?” Point them toward reliable emotional education resources like the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_Youth/Facts_for_Families.aspx ). Model Healthy Stress Responses Show your child what healthy coping looks like by: Taking walks Practicing deep breathing Using mindfulness Taking breaks from screens Kids learn emotional regulation from watching adults. Limit Screens & Social Media in Healthy Ways Not as punishment—but as protection. Use structured routines, phone-free bedtime, and monitored accounts. The American Psychological Association offers helpful guidance: https://www.apa.org/topics/child-development/stress . Build Predictable Routines Kids feel calmer when life feels consistent. Morning, after-school, and bedtime routines provide emotional safety. Teach Healthy Coping Skills Instead of Numbing Skills Healthy coping: Journaling Exercise Music Talking to a trusted adult Creative outlets Breathing exercises Grounding techniques Unhealthy coping: Vaping Drinking Drugs Isolation Overuse of screens Self-harm Resources like HealthyChildren.org (https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Pages/Building-Resilience.aspx ) offer parent-friendly strategies. Validate First, Solve Later Avoid minimizing feelings (“You’re fine,” “It’s not a big deal”). Use validation instead: “I hear you.” “That sounds tough.” “I’m here with you.” Validation builds trust and encourages openness. Seek Professional Support When Needed Children often open up more to a neutral therapist than to a parent. Therapy teaches real-world emotional and behavioral skills that last a lifetime. For local support, parents can learn more about child therapy in St. Louis here: https://stlmentalhealth.com/child-teen-therapy/ How Schools Can Support Anxious and Struggling Students Schools play a major role in helping students feel safe, understood, and capable. Teach Emotional and Mental Health Skills Classrooms that integrate coping skills, mindfulness, and emotional awareness help students build lifelong tools. The CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth ) strongly supports school-based mental health programs. Create Trusted Adult Relationships Kids who have even one safe adult at school experience better emotional outcomes. Provide Predictability and Clear Expectations Clear routines and structures reduce anxiety and behavioral issues. Use Trauma-Informed Practices Instead of reacting with punishment, trauma-informed schools respond with: Calm tone Predictable consequences Problem-solving Co-regulation More about trauma-informed support: https://stlmentalhealth.com/trauma-therapy/ Expand Access to Counseling Services School-based counseling combined with community therapy provides comprehensive support. The Benefits of Therapy and Counseling for Children & Teens Therapy helps kids understand their emotions, learn coping strategies, and develop confidence. At Pearlman & Associates, therapy often includes: A Safe Space to Talk Therapy offers non-judgmental support where kids can share honestly. Understanding the Brain and Emotions Kids learn how stress, anxiety, and the amygdala affect thoughts and behavior. More about anxiety therapy: https://stlmentalhealth.com/anxiety-therapy/ Building Healthy Coping Strategies Therapists teach grounding techniques, communication skills, mindfulness, and problem-solving. Improving Family Communication Therapy often strengthens relationships at home. Family counseling info: https://stlmentalhealth.com/family-counseling/ Preventing Long-Term Mental Health Struggles Early intervention protects a child’s emotional future. If Your Child Is Struggling, We Are Here to Help Pearlman & Associates – St. Louis Mental Health & Counseling 📍 […]
10 Reasons to See a Therapist — What to Expect and How Counseling Can Help You Feel Better From A St Louis Therapist Reaching out for support is one of the strongest and healthiest choices a person can make. In my work as a St. Louis therapist at Pearlman & Associates, I see every day how therapy helps people reduce anxiety, manage depression, improve relationships, and build the emotional skills they never learned growing up. Whether you are dealing with stress, ADHD, trauma, or relationship struggles, therapy gives you a space to breathe, understand yourself, and grow. If you have ever wondered whether talking to someone could actually make a difference, here are 10 reasons to consider seeing a therapist—and what you can expect along the way. 1. You Don’t Have to Manage Anxiety Alone Anxiety can make your mind race, your stomach tighten, and your sleep disappear. Therapy teaches you how to challenge anxious thoughts, calm your nervous system, and understand the brain science behind worry. Many people who seek St. Louis therapy say the biggest relief is simply not feeling alone with their fears anymore. 2. Therapy Helps You Understand Depression, Not Just Fight It Depression can drain your motivation, energy, and joy. A therapist helps you understand the patterns that keep you stuck and offers practical tools to rebuild daily structure, shift your mindset, and reconnect with things that matter. Therapy makes depression feel manageable, not mysterious. 3. Stress Management Becomes a Learnable Skill Life moves fast, and most of us are never taught how to slow down. In counseling, you learn ways to pause, regulate your emotions, and protect your mental bandwidth. Whether your stress comes from work, parenting, or daily overwhelm, therapy gives you strategies designed for real life—not just theory. 4. ADHD Support that Goes Beyond “Try Harder” Many adults and teens with ADHD feel misunderstood. Therapy helps you understand executive functioning, build structure, manage time, reduce distractions, and work with your brain instead of against it. People who come to St. Louis counseling for ADHD support often say therapy finally makes everything “make sense.” 5. Relationship Guidance That Actually Works Whether you’re dealing with conflict, communication issues, or emotional disconnection, therapy provides tools to break unhealthy cycles and strengthen your relationships. A therapist helps you understand each person’s emotional needs, stress responses, and communication patterns so you can rebuild trust and connection. 6. Therapy Helps You Break Old Patterns from Trauma or Past Experiences Even when you feel “over” something, your body may still react to past experiences. Therapy helps you understand triggers, build safety, challenge old beliefs, and take control of your story. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means no longer being held hostage by the past. 7. A Therapist Gives You a Safe, Non-Judgmental Space Many people don’t have anyone in their life who listens without interrupting, fixing, or judging. A therapist’s office is your space to talk openly, explore emotions, and be completely honest. This alone can be deeply healing, especially for those who grew up without emotional support. 8. You Learn Skills You Can Use Every Day Therapy is not just talking about feelings—it is learning skills that change your life. These may include grounding techniques, communication strategies, time-management tools, cognitive reframing, mindfulness, and boundary setting. Clients tell us that these tools help them at work, at home, and in relationships. 9. Therapy Improves Your Physical and Emotional Health Stress, anxiety, and depression show up in the body: headaches, stomach issues, sleep problems, low energy, and more. Therapy helps calm the nervous system, reduce adrenaline spikes, and support healthier habits. When your mind feels better, your body often follows. 10. You Don’t Have to Wait Until Crisis to Get Help Many people think therapy is only for when things are falling apart. In reality, you can start any time—when you’re curious, overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for growth. Early support prevents bigger problems later and creates long-term emotional strength. What to Expect in Your First Session Your first therapy session with a St Louis Therapist is simply a conversation. You don’t need to prepare anything or know exactly what to say. We typically talk about: What brings you in What you’re hoping to change What has or hasn’t helped in the past Your strengths and support system Most people feel relief after the first session because they finally feel heard and understood. How Therapy Helps You Move Forward Therapy is a partnership. You bring your lived experiences; the therapist brings professional tools, strategies, and emotional support. Together, you build a personalized plan to help you feel better, think clearer, communicate more effectively, and live with more confidence and peace. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, ADHD, or general stress, therapy gives you a path forward—one step at a time. Ready to Start? Pearlman & Associates Is Here to Help If you’re looking for a supportive, professional, and relatable St. Louis therapist, our team would love to help.Pearlman & Associates – St. Louis Mental Health & Counseling📍 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, Creve Coeur, MO 63141📞 314-942-1147🌐 https://STLmentalhealth.com More information about mental health therapy counseling: 1. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)https://www.nimh.nih.gov/ 2. Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)https://adaa.org/3. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)https://www.nami.org/4. Centers for Disease Control – Mental Healthhttps://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/5. American Psychological Association (APA) – Therapy Overviewhttps://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy6. Child Mind Institute – ADHD & Anxiety Resourceshttps://childmind.org/7. SAMHSA – Trauma & Mental Health Resourceshttps://www.samhsa.gov/ 1. Pearlman & Associates – Home Pagehttps://stlmentalhealth.com/ 2. Individual Therapy Serviceshttps://stlmentalhealth.com/individual-therapy/3. Anxiety Counselinghttps://stlmentalhealth.com/anxiety-therapy/4. Depression Counselinghttps://stlmentalhealth.com/depression-therapy/5. ADHD & Executive Function Supporthttps://stlmentalhealth.com/adhd-therapy/6. Trauma-Informed Counselinghttps://stlmentalhealth.com/trauma-therapy/7. Couples & Family Counselinghttps://stlmentalhealth.com/couples-family-counseling/
The Power of Pause The power of pause, pausing is one of the most effective mental health strategies for calming the nervous system, reducing conflict, and improving emotional regulation. It is especially powerful for people who move fast, experience anxiety, have ADHD or executive function challenges, or come from trauma or survival-based backgrounds. When stress hits, adrenaline floods the body, the amygdala reacts first, and IQ can temporarily drop by forty to fifty points. Pausing gives the brain enough time to come back online so the prefrontal cortex can think clearly again. Below are ten meaningful ways to use the pause as a therapeutic tool for emotional regulation, trauma recovery, ADHD support, and healthier relationships. 1. Pause before reacting Why: Your first reaction often comes from emotion, not clarity.Brain research: Under stress, the emotional centers of the brain override the logical centers.Try this: Take one slow breath before speaking.Mental health benefit: Builds healthier communication and reduces anxiety-driven responses. 2. Pause before responding to texts or emails Why: Quick reactions can damage relationships or escalate conflict.Brain research: Adrenaline reduces perspective and lowers problem-solving ability.Try this: Set your device down and walk away for sixty seconds.Therapy insight: Helps reduce impulsivity, especially for ADHD brains. 3. Pause when you feel disrespected Why: Feeling attacked can trigger a survival response, especially for people with trauma histories.Brain research: The amygdala fires rapidly and the thinking brain temporarily shuts down.Try this: Ask yourself, “What else could this mean?”Counseling benefit: Prevents conflict escalation and supports emotional safety. 4. Pause before correcting a child Why: Children mirror a parent’s nervous system. Your pause regulates theirs.Brain research: Escalation spreads quickly through emotional contagion.Try this: Drop your shoulders and soften your voice before responding.Parenting benefit: Creates safety, reduces power struggles, and models emotional regulation. 5. Pause before making a big decision Why: Emotional decisions often follow impulse rather than core values.Brain research: Stress disrupts the prefrontal cortex, which manages long-term thinking.Try this: Step away and revisit the choice after ten minutes of calm.Therapeutic use: Supports healthier coping and reduces regret-based choices. 6. Pause during conflict Why: Slowing down prevents a conversation from becoming a win-lose struggle.Brain research: Deep breathing reduces cortisol and increases executive functioning.Try this: Breathe in for four seconds and out for six. Repeat three times.Mental health benefit: Keeps communication constructive and grounded. 7. Pause when you feel overwhelmed Why: Overwhelm signals that your nervous system feels unsafe or overloaded.Brain research: Naming emotions reduces amygdala activity and increases regulation.Try this: Say, “I feel overwhelmed and I can slow this moment down.”Therapy benefit: Builds emotional awareness and reduces panic symptoms. 8. Pause before assuming the worst Why: Under stress, the brain fills in missing information with fear.Brain research: Humans naturally default to negative interpretations for survival.Try this: Ask, “Is there a more generous explanation?”Counseling insight: Reduces anxiety, rumination, and cognitive distortions. 9. Pause to check your body Why: Your body signals stress before your mind notices.Brain research: Physical tension activates the nervous system’s threat pathways.Try this: Relax your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and breathe deeply.Clinical benefit: Supports grounding and reduces trauma-related physiological responses. 10. Pause to choose who you want to be Why: Your reaction influences the outcome and the relationship.Brain research: Visualization activates neural pathways tied to self-control and emotional regulation.Try this: Imagine the calmest version of yourself responding, then follow that image.Therapy benefit: Supports values-based behavior and long-term emotional growth. A Final Thought The power of pause is tiny but powerful. It creates space for your nervous system to shift out of survival mode and into clarity. In that space, you can think, choose, connect, and lead yourself with intention. The pause is not hesitation. It is self-control, emotional intelligence, and wisdom in action. Helpful Resources on the Power of Pause & Brain Science Harvard Center on the Developing Child: How stress affects the brainhttps://developingchild.harvard.edu Greater Good Science Center: Emotional regulation skillshttps://greatergood.berkeley.edu National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): ADHD and executive functioninghttps://www.nimh.nih.gov American Psychological Association: Trauma and stress responseshttps://www.apa.org Written by Dr. Bryan Pearlman, Pearlman & Associates — STLmentalhealth.com — 314-942-1147 — bryan@stlmentalhealth.com — 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141 power of pause pause response therapy ADHD emotional regulation trauma informed therapist stress brain counseling amygdala hijack coping skills St. Louis therapy St Louis Therapist St Louis Counseling St Louis Mental Health executive functioning strategies mental health tools for anxiety parenting and behavior support Pearlman & Associates counseling Samantha Pearlman, LCSW Sydnee Maberry, LCSW Lena Pearlman, LCSW Rebecca Dougherty, LCSW
Free Bullying Book – How To Be An Anti-Bully – By St Louis Therapist – Dr. Bryan Pearlman Provided free of charge by DSMHW.org – a mental health non-profit and Pearlman & Associates – a mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur seeing kids, teens & families for anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, ADHD, and more (we have therapy appointments available this week and we offer a sliding scale for those in need). For more information, contact 314-942-1147 or bryan@STLmentalhealth.com. Download at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zMsuEl9j091Ivrlme8Yy2oHnEvj3bWrA/view
10 Ways to Help Your Child or Teen See How Amazing They Truly Are As a St. Louis therapist who works with children, teens, and families every day, I often hear young people describe themselves through a distorted lens. Social media, bullying, body image concerns, and perfection culture can make even the strongest kids feel “not enough.” Cognitive distortions—those sneaky, automatic negative thoughts—can convince them they are failing, behind, or unlovable. The truth is far different. Kids and teens are incredible—but sometimes they need help seeing it. Here are ten therapist-backed ways to help your child or teen recognize their worth and build lasting confidence. 1. Catch Cognitive Distortions in the Moment When kids think, “Everyone is better than me,” gently challenge it. Ask, “What evidence do we have?” Kids learn that feelings aren’t facts.For more on cognitive distortions, see resources from the National Institute of Mental Health:https://www.nimh.nih.gov (dofollow) 2. Focus on Strengths, Not Flaws Instead of obsessing over what went wrong, help them name three things they did well today. Confidence grows from repeated recognition of strengths. 3. Show Them How Social Media Distorts Reality Teens often compare themselves to filtered, curated perfection. Talk openly about editing apps and unrealistic images. The American Psychological Association shares guidance for families navigating social media:https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media (dofollow) 4. Build a Daily “Awesome List” Encourage them to write down one thing they like about themselves every single day. Over time, this creates a powerful counter-voice to self-doubt. 5. Teach the “Compare Only to Yesterday” Rule Teach them that the only fair comparison is who they were yesterday. Improvement is in their control; other people’s highlight reels are not. 6. Reinforce That Body Diversity Is Normal Body dysmorphia grows when kids believe there is only one way to look. Emphasize the beauty of diverse bodies and focus on health, strength, and appreciation—not appearance. 7. Create Safe Spaces After Bullying If bullying happens, validate the pain and remind them that another person’s cruelty does not define them. The StopBullying.gov resource center provides helpful tools:https://www.stopbullying.gov (dofollow) 8. Practice Positive Self-Talk Together Kids learn from what they hear. When you model statements like, “I made a mistake, but I’m learning,” they internalize self-compassion. 9. Celebrate Effort More Than Outcome Praise trying, sticking with hard things, and showing resilience. This builds internal motivation and reduces perfectionism. 10. Connect Them With a St. Louis Therapist When Needed Sometimes a child or teen needs professional support to work through anxiety, depression, bullying, negative self-image, or trauma. St. Louis counseling can help them develop healthier thinking patterns and rediscover their strengths. At Pearlman & Associates, our therapists specialize in helping children, teens, and families build confidence, challenge negative thoughts, and embrace who they truly are. Contact Pearlman & Associates – St. Louis Mental Health Therapy Website: https://www.STLmentalhealth.com Phone: 314-942-1147 Email: bryan@stlmentalhealth.comLocation: 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, Creve Coeur, MissouriServices: Children, teens, adults, couples, and familiesSpecialties: Anxiety, depression, bullying, trauma, self-esteem, social media stress, relationships Dr. Lena Pearlman, LCSW Rebecca Dougherty, LCSW Dr. Bryan Pearlman, EdD, LMSW Samantha Pearlman, LCSW Sydnee Maberry, LCSW
St. Louis Therapy: 10 Life-Changing Benefits of Counseling That Can Transform Your Mental Health Therapy is one of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, or simply feeling overwhelmed, talking with a trained professional can open the door to healing, clarity, and renewed hope. At Pearlman & Associates, a leading St. Louis therapy practice, we believe every person deserves support, understanding, and a safe place to grow. Here are 10 life-changing benefits of therapy that can truly transform your mental well-being: A safe space to be fully heard. Therapy gives you a private, non-judgmental environment to process thoughts and emotions openly. Improved emotional regulation. Learn proven tools to manage anxiety, calm stress, and regain control of your mind and body. Relief from anxiety & depression. Evidence-based strategies help reduce symptoms and rebuild stability, strength, and confidence. Healthier relationships. Therapy strengthens communication, boundaries, and connection with the people who matter most. Greater self-awareness. Understanding your patterns leads to healthier choices and a deeper sense of identity. Healing from trauma. Compassionate therapy helps you process painful experiences so they no longer dictate your present. Stronger coping skills. From grounding exercises to reframing negative thoughts, therapy equips you with tools you can use daily. Support through major life changes. Career transitions, breakups, grief, parenting challenges—therapy helps you navigate them with confidence. Reduced long-term stress. Early support prevents issues from escalating and improves long-term emotional health. A happier, healthier life. Therapy builds resilience and gives you the roadmap to long-term well-being. About Pearlman & Associates Our team includes Lena Pearlman, LCSW, Rebecca Dougherty, LCSW, Samantha Pearlman, LCSW, Sydnee Maberry, LCSW, and Dr. Bryan Pearlman—a compassionate group of St. Louis therapists specializing in anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationships, and other St. Louis mental health concerns. We work with kids, teens, adults, couples, and families and take a warm, client-centered approach. We offer therapy in-person in Creve Coeur and online for anyone in Missouri. Appointments are available this week, and we offer a sliding scale for those in need. If you’re searching for a therapist near me, ready to begin counseling, or simply need support, we’re here to help. 📞 314-942-1147 🌐 STLmentalhealth.com 📧 bryan@STLmentalhealth.com A healthier, calmer, more hopeful life is possible—let’s take the first step together. Therapy bios available at: https://STLmentalhealth.com/our-team
Thank you for your interest in the free mental health & parenting books! Below please find links to the books (please feel free to download and read as many as you would like): ADHD Is My Superpower Book: Anxiety Cheat Code Book: Conflict Book: Maslow Before Bloom Book: Whatever It Takes Book: How To Be An Anti-Bully Book (pre-release copy – book to be released late 2025): These have been made available through the generosity of donors to DSMHW.org and the support from the St. Louis mental health therapy practice – Pearlman & Associates (STLmentalhealth.com). Lastly, if we can be of assistance to you or your family, please reach out to us at: 314-942-1147 or bryan@STLmentalhealth.com. Our therapists have appointments available as soon as this week.
Choosing the right therapist can be one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make for your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief, or simply feeling stuck, the right therapist can help you find clarity, healing, and growth. If you’re located in or around St. Louis, Missouri, and looking for a trusted, experienced, and compassionate provider, this guide will help you understand what to look for and how to take the next step. At Pearlman & Associates, we specialize in personalized, evidence-based therapy for individuals, children, teens, couples, and families across the St. Louis area. We believe that finding the right therapist—not just any therapist—is key to meaningful and lasting change. Step 1: Know What You Need Before you search for a therapist in St. Louis, take a moment to reflect on why you’re seeking therapy. Understanding your needs can help you narrow down the type of provider, therapy approach, and format that’s right for you. Here are some common areas people seek support for: Anxiety or chronic worry Depression or sadness that won’t go away Relationship conflict or couples therapy Trauma or PTSD Grief and loss Low self-esteem ADHD or executive functioning challenges Parenting support Life transitions or stress Once you have clarity about your concerns, it becomes easier to look for a St. Louis therapist who specializes in those areas. Step 2: Search for Licensed Professionals When researching therapy providers, it’s critical to ensure the therapist is licensed in Missouri. Common mental health credentials include: LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Licensed professionals have completed extensive education, supervised clinical experience, and passed state licensing exams. At Pearlman & Associates, our clinicians are licensed and experienced therapists in Missouri, offering high-quality therapy tailored to each client’s unique needs. Step 3: Prioritize Fit, Comfort, and Connection One of the most important factors in the success of therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist. Feeling emotionally safe, respected, and understood allows you to open up, build trust, and do the work that leads to healing. During an initial intake session or consultation, ask yourself: Do I feel comfortable sharing with this person? Does the therapist listen and validate my experiences? Do I feel seen and not judged? At Pearlman & Associates, we prioritize empathy, connection, and a safe space where clients of all backgrounds feel supported and accepted. Whether you’re coming to therapy for the first time or returning after a break, we’ll meet you with care, professionalism, and compassion. Step 4: Consider Therapy Format (In-Person vs. Online) Today’s therapy landscape includes both in-person therapy in St. Louis and online therapy for Missouri residents. Each option has its advantages: In-person therapy allows for deeper connection in a traditional setting. Our modern offices in Creve Coeur offer a warm, calming environment. Telehealth therapy is convenient and accessible, especially for clients with busy schedules, health concerns, or transportation challenges. We offer secure online therapy sessions across Missouri. At Pearlman & Associates, we offer flexible therapy options, so you can choose the format that works best for your lifestyle. Step 5: Look at Specialties and Approaches Therapists may use different therapeutic models depending on their training and your goals. Some common, evidence-based approaches include: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) – helpful for anxiety, depression, and negative thought patterns. Mindfulness-Based Therapy – focuses on staying present and managing stress. Trauma-Informed Care – honors your story, builds safety, and avoids re-traumatization. Strength-Based Therapy – builds confidence and identifies inner resilience. Ask potential therapists what approaches they use and why. A good therapist will be open about their methods and how they can support your specific goals. Step 6: Evaluate Logistics (Insurance, Cost, Availability) Practical considerations are also important: Insurance – Check whether the provider accepts your plan or offers private pay options. Cost – Many therapists offer sliding scale fees. Availability – Consider their office hours, wait times, and frequency of sessions. At Pearlman & Associates, we aim to make therapy accessible. We accept several insurance plans and offer out-of-pocket options for clients without coverage. Our admin team can help verify benefits and answer any questions you have. Step 7: Read Reviews and Recommendations Online reviews, referrals from your physician, or recommendations from friends can also help guide your search. Look for therapists in St. Louis who consistently receive praise for being warm, effective, and client-centered. We’re proud of the strong reputation our practice has built in the St. Louis mental health community. Many of our clients come through word of mouth—people telling others about the change, clarity, and healing they’ve experienced with us. Why Pearlman & Associates? Located in the heart of St. Louis County, Pearlman & Associates is a highly regarded mental health therapy practiceoffering a wide range of services for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We bring together a team of experienced LCSWs who are passionate about helping clients live better, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. We specialize in: Anxiety and depression treatment Trauma and PTSD therapy ADHD and executive functioning support Couples and family counseling Grief and loss LGBTQ+ affirming therapy Self-esteem and identity work Support for healthcare providers and professionals Whether you’re looking for short-term support or long-term growth, we’re here to walk beside you. Final Thoughts The search for the right therapist in St. Louis doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By clarifying your needs, checking credentials, and seeking someone who makes you feel safe and seen, you’re already taking courageous steps toward better mental health. At Pearlman & Associates, we believe that therapy is not just for when something is wrong—it’s for when you’re ready to grow. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, hurt, or just know that something needs to change, we’re here to help. Let’s Take the First Step Together Contact Information:Samantha Pearlman, LCSW & Sydnee Maberry, LCSW📞 Phone: 314-942-1147📧 Email: receptionist@stlmentalhealth.com
Back-to-School Stress: What Parents Can Expect in the First Few Weeks (and How to Help) By Samantha Pearlman, LCSW & Sydnee Maberry, LCSW – Pearlman & Associates, St. Louis Mental Health Therapists 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141 | 314-942-1147 | STLmentalhealth.com The backpacks are packed, the hallways are buzzing, and the school year is officially underway here in St. Louis. For many families, the first few weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind of emotions—excitement mixed with nerves, new routines, and plenty of growing pains along the way. At Pearlman & Associates, we often tell parents: expect the adjustment period. Kids don’t flip a switch from “summer mode” to “school mode” overnight. Anxiety, stress, fatigue, and social challenges are all normal in these early weeks. The key is knowing what’s typical, what to watch for, and how to help. Here are 15 things you may notice—and how to support your child through them. Tired kids – Early mornings and long days take a toll. Expect crankiness and meltdowns. Prioritize early bedtimes, even on weekends, to help reset their sleep cycle. Stomachaches and headaches – Stress often shows up physically. If your child frequently complains, acknowledge their discomfort, then teach calm-breathing or grounding techniques to ease the tension. Emotional ups and downs – It’s common for kids to hold it together at school, then fall apart at home. Samantha Pearlman, LCSW, notes: “Your child may seem like two different kids—the one who copes all day and the one who unravels at home. Home is their safe place, so expect bigger emotions there.” Forgetfulness – New schedules mean kids may forget homework, lunches, or gym shoes. Instead of punishment, help them create checklists and routines to build confidence. Increased screen cravings – After a long day, many kids want to escape into their phones, YouTube, or gaming. Set gentle but firm boundaries on screen time and encourage outdoor play, downtime, or family connection instead. Hunger and mood swings – Kids burn through energy fast. Balanced snacks and steady hydration can help avoid after-school “hanger.” Social stress – Friend groups shift, and navigating lunch tables can feel intimidating. Sydnee Maberry, LCSW, says: “Ask open-ended questions like, ‘Who did you spend time with today?’ instead of pushing for details they may not be ready to share.” Academic jitters – Even strong students may worry about keeping up. Praise effort over grades and remind them it’s normal to take time adjusting to new expectations. Resistance in the mornings – Tears, slow-moving kids, or arguments are common. Keep mornings calm by prepping clothes, lunches, and backpacks the night before. Less talking, more listening – Kids may not want a long lecture after school. Sometimes the best thing parents can do is sit close, listen, and let them decompress without pressure. Sunday night anxiety – Worries often spike before a new week. Create relaxing Sunday rituals—family dinner, quiet reading, or a calming walk together. Testing limits – Some kids push back against new teachers, rules, or routines. Respond with consistency, empathy, and clear expectations rather than harsh punishments. Signs of bigger struggles – Normal adjustment stress usually eases in 2–3 weeks. If your child shows ongoing sadness, avoids school, or struggles to function day to day, it may be more than typical stress. Parents’ own stress – Back-to-school transitions impact the whole family. Give yourself grace and remember that your calm presence helps your child feel grounded. Knowing when to seek help – Samantha Pearlman reminds parents: “If anxiety or depression is interfering with your child’s daily life, therapy can make a huge difference. You don’t have to wait until it gets worse to reach out.” Final Thoughts The first few weeks of school are often messy—full of tears, laughter, growth, and adjustment. That’s normal. With patience, good sleep, healthy meals, limited screens, and plenty of listening, kids and teens usually settle into their new routine. But if your child continues to struggle with anxiety, stress, or depression, professional support can provide the tools they need to thrive. At Pearlman & Associates, we work with children, teens, and families across the St. Louis area to navigate school stress, build coping skills, and improve mental health. 📍 Pearlman & Associates – 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141 📞 314-942-1147 🌐 STLmentalhealth.com Article also appeared in Creve Coeur, Missouri Patch
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