Our Mission and History

TEMA Therapy is a multi-lingual center created to serve the various needs of people and families who consider being multi-cultural or multi-lingual as a part of their identity. The founder of this facility, Dr. Irina Volynsky, had multiple experiences of being asked to evaluate children and adults whose native language was not English, who were misdiagnosed, and were not receiving appropriate help. Upon further consideration, the barrier presented was not only about the language but also about the different cultural context in which norm and pathology were understood differently.

Book An Appointment Now!

pexels mikhail nilov 6973194

Culture Matters

For example, a child who emigrated from a rural area of one of the Middle East countries does not necessarily manifest a learning disability when he is struggling to read at the age of eight. His cultural expectations are such that this is the age when he would have just started learning the very basics of reading, had he stayed in his native country.

Those expectations apply to him in many subtle ways and, therefore, his struggles in the US school should be understood (and worked with) very differently as opposed to those of a third generation New Yorker, who has been exposed to various enrichment classes with the focus on literacy starting at 18 months of age. From an understanding that such cultural discrepancies often create wrong diagnoses, and, even worse, wrong treatment paths, the idea of a center that would put the notion and the knowledge of multiculturalism as its founding stone was created.

About TEMA Therapy

TEMA Therapy offers Diagnostics & Testing services for anyone wishing to learn more about their symptoms, find their possible causes, and get guidance on their next steps.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our unique approach to assessment and testing.

Testing And Evaluation

Beyond One-Size-Fits-All

So here we are at TEMA Therapy Center, an ever-growing team of people who know how it feels to be on the crossroads of different cultures and different languages; a team of people who have extensive training in cultural sensitivities and no less extensive first- hand experiences in dealing with different cultures as professionals, as individuals, and as parents. Our mission is to provide quality mental health services for you and your children. Even though we will most likely communicate with your children in English, as it is often their language of preference, our services will be informed by the knowledge of your native language, your culture, and your background. If it sounds like all psychologists should be aiming for this…well, that’s what we thought, too.

Our mission and history have shaped our approach as a multicultural and multilingual center. We believe that tapping into your culture, language, and family roots can significantly enhance your journey toward growth and healing. Our mission is to integrate cultural sensitivity into every evaluation, ensuring that each client’s background is acknowledged and respected.

OUR STAFF

Meet Our Therapists

For more online therapist profiles

Dr. Irina Volynsky, PhD.

Clinical Director

Specialty: Clinical psychologist working with adults, children and families. Testing and Therapy

Licenses: New York, New Jersey PSYPACT

Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian

Dr. Emile T. Berk, PhD.

Psychologist

Specialty: Clinical psychologist performing testing for adults, adolescents, and children.

Licenses: New York, New Jersey PSYPACT

Languages: English

Irina Bashkirov, LPC

Licensed Professional Counsellor

Specialty: Adult and child therapy. Group therapy for adults

License: Licensed Professional Counsellor

Languages: English, Russian, Hebrew

Andrew Roetman

Supervised Therapist

Specialty: Therapy and testing performed under the supervision of clinical director

Languages: English and Spanish

Natalia Rowe, CCC-SLP

Language and Feeding Specialist

Specialty: Speech-Language/Disphagia Therapist, PROMPT Therapist

Licenses: New York, New Jersey 

Languages: English, Russian

Amaury Hernandez

Behavioral Conditioning Coach

Specialty: Sensory Integration, Emotional Regulation, Competitive Sports Training

Certificates: Personal Trainer, Sensory Integration, Parkour

Languages: English, Spanish

Zhanna Beyl, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Specialty: Psychotherapist working with teens, adults, couples, and families 

Licenses: New York, New Jersey

Languages: English, Russian

Katya Chizhova, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Specialty: Psychotherapist working with the elderly and people with acute and chronic medical conditions

Licenses: New York, New Jersey

Languages: English, Russian

Darina Konstorum, APC

Associate Professional Counsellor

Speciality: Psychotherapist working with children, teens, and adults. Group therapy for adults.

Licenses: New Jersey

Languages: English, Russian

Tamara Kapustina

Coaching

Specialty: Health & Wellness Family Executive functioning Coach.

Languages: Russian, Ukrainian, English (Intermediate)

Book An Appointment Now!

Please fill out the form so that  we can connect to you and help you address your questions.

0 +

Happy Clients​

0 +

Years Experience

0 +

Expert Therapists

1

Location

NEWSLETTER

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list and get up to 25% off your next appointment

Who benefits from our service?

I can't thank Tema Therapy enough for their incredible support in managing my ADHD. The therapists here are compassionate, knowledgeable, and understanding. They took the time to truly understand my struggles and provided me with effective coping strategies. The therapy sessions have made a significant positive impact on my life, helping me regain focus, improve productivity, and boost my self-esteem. Tema Therapy is a game-changer for anyone seeking assistance with ADHD.

Emily R

Tema Therapy has been an essential part of my journey in overcoming anxiety disorders. The therapists are empathetic, patient, and highly skilled in providing the right tools to manage anxiety effectively. The sessions were tailored to my specific needs, and the techniques I learned have been instrumental in reducing panic attacks and daily anxiety levels. While there's always room for improvement, I can confidently say that Tema Therapy is a place where anxiety disorders are truly understood and addressed.

Jason L

Tema Therapy has been a ray of hope in my battle against depression. The therapists here create a warm and nurturing environment, allowing for open and honest discussions. Their compassionate approach helped me feel safe while exploring the root causes of my depression. Through their guidance and evidence-based techniques, I've experienced significant progress in my emotional well-being. Tema Therapy is a beacon of light, reminding us that recovery from depression is possible.

Samantha H

Tema Therapy provided me with invaluable support during the most challenging period of my life—grieving the loss of a loved one. The therapists demonstrated exceptional empathy and understanding, creating a safe space for me to express my emotions and navigate the complexities of grief. Their expertise in grief counseling helped me find healthy coping mechanisms, allowing me to gradually heal and honor the memory of my loved one. Tema Therapy is an oasis of compassion during times of profound loss.

Daniel M

Tema Therapy has been instrumental in unlocking my true potential despite learning disabilities. The therapists here possess an in-depth understanding of different learning challenges and provide personalized strategies that cater to individual needs. Their patience, encouragement, and innovative techniques have empowered me to overcome obstacles and succeed academically. Although progress can take time, Tema Therapy has proven to be a transformative resource for individuals with learning disabilities, offering a path towards brighter futures.

Olivia K

English