Amanda Willis, LMSW
Supporting children, adolescents and families in St. Charles, Missouri
Virtually across Missouri
Helping kids feel heard and families grow together
If you’re here, chances are you’ve been trying to connect with your child and not getting much back.
You ask, “How was school today?” and get a shrug, a “fine,” or one-word answers on repeat.
You can tell something’s going on, but every time you try to check in, it feels like you hit a wall.
A lot of parents describe this as a low-level worry that never really turns off.
Your child is right there, but emotionally they feel a little out of reach.
You might wonder
if you’re asking the wrong questions
if you should push more, or
if you’re supposed to just give them space.
Under the supervision of MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW, MO Lic. #2005025550
It’s hard to know what the “right” move is when you care so much.
You’re probably already doing a lot.
You reassure them, offer ideas, ask questions and keep showing up even when it feels awkward or ineffective. And still, it can feel like you’re guessing.
What many kids need in moments like this isn’t another solution or lecture, but a place where they feel safe, understood, and genuinely listened to.
Hi, I’m Amanda.
I’m a therapist who works with kids who tend to keep a lot inside, and with parents who want to support their child without pushing, fixing or accidentally turning a conversation into an interrogation.
I take a playful, patient and curious approach to therapy. That means we go at your child’s pace, we use humor and play when it’s helpful, and we focus on helping kids feel comfortable opening up in their own way. Along the way, I support families in feeling more connected, and a little less like everyone is walking on eggshells.
I work mostly with elementary and middle school–aged kids who do best in a space that feels warm, safe, and low-pressure. Therapy is a place where kids don’t have to have the “right” words or answers. They just get to be themselves and know that what they think and feel matters.
My approach to working with children
Kids don’t communicate like adults. Sometimes their feelings come out through play, behavior, silence or big reactions that seem to come out of nowhere. In therapy, I meet kids where they are and use play, conversation and connection to help them express what’s going on in a way that feels natural and not intimidating.
A playful approach doesn’t mean therapy is all games and no skills. Play often helps kids relax enough to talk about hard things, confusing friendships or feelings they don’t quite have words for yet. It’s often where the real work happens, just without the pressure to “sit still and talk.”
I believe kids do best when they feel known, not judged or evaluated. Therapy isn’t about fixing your child or correcting their personality. It’s about building a relationship where they feel safe trying new ways of communicating, speaking up for themselves, and taking emotional risks with support.
How therapy can help
When therapy is a good fit, changes usually happen gradually and in ways that feel meaningful. You might notice your child opening up more, asking for help instead of shutting down, or feeling more confident speaking up with friends and adults. Some kids get better at handling big emotions. Others start navigating social situations with a little more ease.
These changes don’t happen overnight. If they did, parenting would be way easier and therapy would be much shorter. Growth takes time and patience. With support and understanding, the skills your child builds in therapy often start showing up outside of sessions, at home, at school and with friends.
Parents often tell me they notice small shifts first. A situation that didn’t spiral the way it usually does. Those moments add up.
Support for parents
Parents are a huge part of a child’s growth. I know how much you want to help your child and make things easier for them. That instinct to jump in and fix things comes from love, even when it occasionally backfires.
Many parents discover that what their child really needs isn’t a quick solution, but someone who will listen, show empathy, and slow things down. This can be hard, especially when your brain is already ten steps ahead trying to prevent future problems.
In my work, I support parents in finding a balance between guidance and curiosity. We talk about how to respond in ways that build connection instead of power struggles. This often means learning when to step in, when to step back, and when to just sit quietly and listen, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Parent support isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about learning, adjusting, and giving yourself some grace along the way.
What it’s like to work together
Families who tend to be a good fit for my work understand that real change usually happens in small steps, not overnight breakthroughs. Together, we talk about what you and your child tried between sessions, including the things that didn’t work at all.
We focus on effort, notice small wins, and stay patient as growth unfolds. Therapy isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, learning, and building confidence over time.
One of my favorite parts of this work is hearing about the moments in between sessions. The slightly easier conversation. The time your child spoke up when they usually wouldn’t. The moment you paused before reacting and thought, “Okay… maybe this is different.”
Who I tend to work best with
I work best with families who are open to reflection and growth, even when things feel messy. Parents are often thoughtful, engaged and willing to learn alongside their child, even if they feel unsure at first.
The kids who tend to benefit most from my approach are those who feel things deeply but have a hard time expressing it. They often need reassurance that their thoughts and feelings are welcome and that they don’t have to have everything figured out.
Let’s connect
Reaching out for support can feel like a big step. If you’re here, it likely means you care deeply about your child and want to support them in a way that feels thoughtful and aligned.
If you’re looking for a therapist who will meet your child with warmth, playfulness, and empathy, and support you in building connection without pressure or rushing, I’d be glad to work with your family.