Discover how starting child therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
7 therapists available in Paramus
Drawing from my professional background and lived experience, I deeply understand how adverse life events can affect one’s identit...
About
Drawing from my professional background and lived experience, I deeply understand how adverse life events can affect one’s identity, relationships, and overall well-being, and I’m passionate about supporting others through their healing journey by offering empathy, guidance, and a safe space where they feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Kristina Feliciano is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 11 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in supporting individuals facing co-occurring disorders and dual diagnoses. Kristina uses a trauma-informed, holistic approach that integrates the mind-body connection to help clients navigate life’s challenges. She empowers individuals to overcome negative patterns, rediscover their strengths, and take meaningful steps toward lasting transformation.
Kristina earned her Master’s in Social Work from Ramapo College. She provides a safe and supportive space for clients to reconnect with their inner strengths, explore root causes of distress, and develop practical tools for change. Her work is grounded in respect, insight, and the belief that every person holds the potential for healing and growth.
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for change, Kristina is here to help. She partners with clients to explore barriers, build resilience, and move forward with clarity. With compassion and curiosity, Kristina walks alongside each client on their unique journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Education and training
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I strive to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space grounded in empathy where we can address your unique challenges and foster m...
I strive to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space grounded in empathy where we can address your unique challenges and foster meaningful change.
Tusharbala Sethy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 14 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of mental health and emotional well-being. She has worked in a variety of treatment settings treating clients with a diverse range of clinical needs including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, PTSD, trauma, intimate partner violence, grief, adjustment disorders, self-esteem issues, and other behavioral health disorders. Tusharbala aims to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients to begin their therapeutic process, work towards their goals, and feel supported through life changes.
Tusharbala has a Master’s in Social Work from New York University. She utilizes modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy, psycho-education, grief counseling, person-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing.
Working through life's challenges can often feel overwhelming. Whether you are dealing with moments of uncertainty, managing past experiences, or struggling with daily emotions, you do not have to face these alone. Tusharbala provides a compassionate environment and a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Reach out today!
As a man of color, I understand the struggles and needing to be resilient and overcoming barriers while normalizing the stigma of ...
As a man of color, I understand the struggles and needing to be resilient and overcoming barriers while normalizing the stigma of mental health.
Elijawon is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over nine years of experience in the mental health field. He has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, couples, and individuals with developmental disabilities. Elijawon is passionate about helping others navigate unique challenges to improve their quality of life and achieve their goals and dreams. Elijawon is an eclectic counselor that does not believe in being a "One-Trick Pony," as each approach applies to the individual's different needs.
Elijawon (Eli) completed his Masters of Arts in Counseling at Kean University. He has clinical counseling, case management, and school counseling experience working with many individuals. Elijawon utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness.
Everyone faces challenges and situations that they try to overcome. Elijawon is adamant about guiding individuals to their goals, is an empathetic and active listener, and provides the resources to educate and empower others. If you are ready to take that leap of faith and gain new strategies to cope and conquer, please reach out and schedule an appointment!
As a therapist, I strive to empower individuals to make positive and sustainable changes in their lives, while providing a safe an...
As a therapist, I strive to empower individuals to make positive and sustainable changes in their lives, while providing a safe and non-judgmental space in which personal growth can occur.
Ilana Epstein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Jersey with 8 years of experience working in the mental health field. Ilana aims to provide clients with a safe, non-judgmental environment, one that will offer clients the space they need to begin working towards their personal goals, while learning how to effectively manage and prioritize their mental and emotional well-being. Ilana has worked within a wide variety of treatment settings and has experience treating a diverse range of clinical needs, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, LGBTQIA+ issues, and substance use disorders. Her practice style is upfront, honest, and compassionate, and she will work with you to determine the best therapeutic approach to effectively address your current concerns and treatment goals.
Ilana received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. Through her educational background and professional experience, she understands the many circumstances that contribute to making us unique — culturally, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Ilana aims to guide clients through their unique mental health journey by providing them with the individualized support that they need to grow. Some of the therapeutic approaches she uses to navigate these areas include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy (PCT), and motivational interviewing.
There are times when we all could benefit from extra support, when the challenges we are facing may feel daunting and insurmountable. Ilana strives to empower individuals, and to assist them in recognizing the abilities they have to create positive changes in their lives, while supporting them as they embark on their mental health journey. Ilana will be there to offer help and support along the way.
I believe everyone has the capacity for growth, healing, and creating a life that feels more aligned....
I believe everyone has the capacity for growth, healing, and creating a life that feels more aligned.
Briana Mahaffey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of experience and a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and create meaningful change. She has experience working in mental health with individuals across the lifespan, - from children to adults. Briana specializes in working with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, PTSD, ADHD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Briana received her Master’s of Social Work from New York University. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and a humanistic perspective that centers each client’s unique experience.
With a deep commitment to exceptional service, Briana believes in putting clients first, always. She strives to build lasting relationships by truly understanding each client’s needs and delivering thoughtful, personalized solutions. She strives to create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where her clients feel empowered to grow.
*Clients 11 years old and under must be seen for in-person sessions.
I understand that taking the first step toward therapy can be hard, and I am here to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you ...
I understand that taking the first step toward therapy can be hard, and I am here to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow.
Michelle Hillock is a Licensed Associate Counselor with over 5 years of experience in mental health and 2 years in clinical practice. She has worked with teens, adults, and seniors and specializes in helping individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, relationship issues, attachment concerns, and self-esteem. Michelle’s ideal clients seek support in understanding themselves, building emotional resilience, and making meaningful changes to improve their well-being.
Michelle received her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She creates meaningful change by using cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and person-centered therapy.
Michelle believes therapy is a collaborative process and offers warmth, support, and genuine care as you explore your strengths and challenges and gain clarity. She is here to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth. Take the first step by calling the office or scheduling a session online!
Erica Pena is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of New Jersey serving children, adolescents, adults, couples, a...
Erica Pena is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of New Jersey serving children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families from diverse and multicultural backgrounds.
Erica completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Lock Haven University and received her Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling and Psychology from William Paterson. She utilizes various evidence-based approaches, such as relational, collaborative, strength-based, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, solution-focused, and emotionally-focused approaches to assist clients along the change process.
Erica seeks to establish a therapeutic environment that embodies creativity, flexibility, and awareness to meet the needs of every unique individual and couple. She sees therapy as a collaborative effort with clients in identifying goals and potential solutions to alleviate emotional distress, improve communication skills, strengthen self-care strategies, and promote renewed sense of purpose.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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Therapy for children often helps the children and caregivers to focus on how to help the children find ways to cope with their emotions in age-appropriate ways, and provide support for the caregivers to be more attentive to their child's needs.
I teach that children have emotions just like adults do! Children have the same emotions as we do as adults, but often don't have the language to be able to verbalize their feelings. In therapy for children, tools often focusing on helping children to verbalize their feelings to their caregivers, and develop coping strategies that they can understand to know how to express their feelings in healthy ways.
I know a client is making progress when the child is able to recognize their feelings more effectively, and the caregiver is able to respond to their child's needs.
Caregivers can spend time outside of therapy to bond more with their child in an emotional way, such as using certain games to help their child communicate more, or facilitating family meetings at home to help the child feel like they have the opportunity to say what's on their mind.
Caregivers should be prepared to give an overview as to what behaviors they have observed with their child in recent history, and discuss any interventions they have utilized so far. This can include interventions through the child's school, discipline at home, or behavioral modification activities that they have tried, and discuss the effectiveness of these interventions. This will help give your therapist an idea of where they can start the work with you and your child.
Child therapy, also known as counseling for kids, helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst kids include behavioral issues, trauma, bullying, depression, and anxiety. All ages of children can attend and benefit from child therapy at Thriveworks Paramus.
Child therapy works by using multiple techniques tailored to fit the child’s needs based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve play therapy for younger kids or cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks child therapists in Paramus, NJ have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.
Child therapy is a type of therapy meant for clients within a specific age group, while play therapy is an approach to therapy that helps children with self-expression and stress relief, among others. Play therapy is a technique that is often used in child therapy to help children express what’s running through their minds when they do not have the words to express their thoughts and emotions. It can get children to express what’s wrong, what might be causing unwanted behaviors, or what they might need in a way that is accessible to them so that therapists can then work to treat the issue.
It’s not always obvious when a child should see a therapist for their behavior, though in the midst of challenges like divorce, loss, bullying, and other mental health conditions, it’s often a good idea to seek it out. Common behaviors that can indicate a need for child therapy include separation anxiety, bedwetting (at inappropriate ages), and agitation/excessive irritability — especially if it reaches a point of physical violence.
Cognitive behavioral therapy at Thriveworks in Paramus, NJ is one of the best types of therapy for children. However, it can be administered in child therapy sessions in a variety of ways that are more accessible to young minds, such as play therapy.
Child therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of child therapy depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child therapy sessions will last for several months.
At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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