Play Therapy, Emotional & Behavioral Support, Child Psychologists, NJ, New York City, New York State

Not very long ago, children were perceived as miniature adults with bad table manners. Eventually, their uniqueness was acknowledged, and the main pathways of childhood development were mapped out. Yet often times, when parents come to my office, they ask for ways to mold their child into a more academically and socially acceptable, family-tolerable being (all of the above as measured by the adult’s standards). And I do it: by the end of successful therapy, a child does become more acceptable by those standards. But I also consider therapy a success when parents start to use more complicated criteria when looking at their children. These criteria include an enhanced level of understanding and communication between a parent and a child, and an increased sense of self-worth, confidence, and initiative on the child’s part.

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The Conditions Our Child Psychologists Treat

  • We work successfully with frequent neuropsychological and psychological conditions of childhood, such as ADHD, mood disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and behavioral difficulties stemming from trauma history. 
  • We work collaboratively with families, educators, and healthcare professionals. 
  • We offer early childhood developmental evaluations that are done using observation of the child’s home and school behavior. Upon completion of these, the parents will have a roadmap of how to address all of their concerns in regards to child development.  
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Our Approach

Therapy with adults is by no means a straightforward enterprise, and therapy with children is even more multi-dimensional. Often, it includes talking, role-playing, doing art projects, singing, dancing, or simply sitting quietly and being present while the child is grappling with a difficult issue. All of that does not sound too scientific, does it?

Well, that’s because child therapy is not science by nature, but rather art. Even psychologists and educators who work in one of many strict paradigms will tell you that, without frequent departures from working by a manual, no progress is possible with children. Therefore, when looking for a therapist to treat your child, search for the one who does not have all the answers ready for you from the start.  We, the experts, love to feel all-important, but that is never what child therapy is about.

You have to look for a therapist who is willing to explore together with you and your child all possible routes of development, while keeping in mind that the ultimate destination of this journey is not a specific achievement, but a better adjusted and happier child and a more content family.          Dr. Irina Volynsky

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Who Benefits from Our Services?

  • Children with learning disabilities, attention deficit, or developmental concerns. TEMA offers Learning Disability Evaluations, an accomplished and skilled method of diagnosis. 

  • Families dealing with life transitions, domestic violence, or oppositional behaviors.

  • Children and teens struggling with body image, behavioral problems, or school-related stress.

  • Parents seeking clarity and a comprehensive treatment plan for emotional or behavioral health issues.

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Our Credentials & Local Expertise

Our team includes licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and experienced counseling services providers with extensive backgrounds in behavior analysis, child therapy, and mental health services. Based in Northern NJ, we understand local educational systems in Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Morris County, Passaic County, as well as New York City (Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island). 

Why Local Experience Matters

Choosing a child psychologist NJ who understands the local culture, education system, and healthcare access points can make a significant difference. Our familiarity with child counseling, school collaboration, and support groups allows us to offer services that are not only clinically sound but also personalized for each family’s real-world context.

OUR STAFF

Meet Our Therapists

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)

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NEWSLETTER

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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

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Email us at [email protected] for further queries.

What Conditions Do You Evaluate and Treat?

Our child therapist team provides assessment and support for a wide range of concerns including early developmental disorder signs, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum conditions, anxiety, mood difficulties, and behavioral issues. We also help children with social skills delays, emotional outbursts, school issues, and challenges related to significant life changes such as family transitions. When older children or teens experience substance abuse concerns or eating disorders, we coordinate care to support their emotional well-being safely and effectively.

Do You Offer Therapy for Young Adults or Teens?

Yes. We incorporate family dynamic support and parent-child guidance into treatment and also offer couples counseling when relationship issues are affecting the child’s environment. This approach helps parents and loved ones strengthen communication, rebuild balance at home, and create a more supportive foundation for the child’s quality of life and long-term emotional well-being.

What Kinds of Therapy Do You Provide?

TEMA Therapy uses evidence-based treatment approaches and therapeutic techniques tailored to each child’s unique needs. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy–informed skills, Motivational Interviewing for teens, emotional regulation strategies, and behavioral interventions. When appropriate, we coordinate medication management through our psychiatric team. Families who need flexible scheduling can also access online therapy options.

Do You Take Insurance?

We only take insurance as out-of-network providers. The reason for this is that we don’t want the insurance to dictate to us what to do in therapy, how much, and how frequently. We, as professionals, feel very strongly that this decision should be between the patient and the doctor or the therapist, without the third party intervening into this process. We have staff members who will work with you around your budget to make it affordable for you and/or for your children to undergo necessary psychological treatment. Because of their licensure requirements, some of our highly qualified junior clinicians currently work under the supervision of the clinical director. The perks of working with one of our junior clinicians, besides the lower cost for services, also include that our junior clinicians get hour-to-hour supervision from the director of the center, who is a licensed PhD psychologist with extensive experience in the mental health field. Hour-to-hour supervision means that, in addition to a session with this particular clinician, two people will put their heads together while puzzling over your case and drafting out ways to approach all of the pertinent issues. If there is a piece of the puzzle that will be better solved by a social worker, because, say, your anxiety stems not only from psychological problems but also from a dire housing situation, the clinician will get an “on a flight” consultation from one of our social workers and will provide you with available resources. So let me use the salespersoncliché here: it is two for the low price of one! Jokes aside, this model of work ensures that our center provides the best possible care for you and for your loved ones in the most cost-effective manner.

How do you support children managing ADHD or behavioral challenges at school and home?

For children experiencing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, hyperactivity disorder symptoms, or behavioral challenges, we begin with a thorough evaluation, sometimes including psychiatric evaluations or educational testing, to understand the child’s specific needs. We collaborate with teachers and schools to address academic concerns, reinforce social skills, and develop targeted therapy sessions that help improve the child’s behavior and functioning. These personalized interventions help children work toward their full potential both academically and emotionally.

Do you work with children facing eating disorders, chronic illnesses, trauma, or severe stress?

Yes. Children and teens managing eating disorders, chronic illnesses, traumatic experiences, panic attacks, or intense emotional outbursts receive integrated care that supports both their emotional and physical well-being. We work closely with families and outside providers when needed and use evidence-based techniques to help reduce distress, improve coping abilities, and strengthen overall quality of life.

How do I begin the process, and what age groups do you serve?

Getting started is simple. Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation, where we review concerns, discuss goals, and outline next steps. We serve children from early childhood through adolescence and young adulthood. Each therapeutic plan is tailored to developmental level, specific needs, and the family’s preferred style of support.

What If My Child Has Multiple Concerns?

It is very common for children to experience more than one challenge at a time, such as learning disabilities combined with behavioral problems or anxiety paired with attention deficit issues. We use thorough diagnostic evaluations to build a well-rounded picture of your child’s needs. Our clinicians coordinate care with educators and health professionals to ensure your child receives cohesive, customized support.

What makes your practice different from other child therapy providers?

TEMA Therapy brings together years of experience, a strong focus on Mental Health Care, and a commitment to using evidence-based techniques. Our clinicians provide coordinated support that may include therapy sessions, psychiatric evaluations, family involvement, and school collaboration. We understand how a child’s behavior is shaped by many influences, so we work closely with parents, teachers, and loved ones to ensure each child receives the right support needed for long-term emotional growth. Our holistic approach helps children build resilience, address Child Depression or anxiety-related concerns, and thrive across all settings.

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