Children and Divorce, Step-Families

Childhood is far from easy, especially for children navigating divorce and step-family dynamics. At Tema Therapy, we provide specialized support for Children and Divorce, Step-Families, helping them cope with emotional turmoil, build resilience, and thrive in their new family structures. Our therapeutic approach offers a safe space for children to express themselves, develop individuality, and find stability during times of change.

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testing and evaluation

The Complex Reality of Childhood in Divorce and Step-Families

Being a child is no simple task. Adults often romanticize childhood as a time of endless joy, but the reality is far more complex. Children, especially those in step-families, face constant physical and emotional changes. They must adapt to new rules, rely on adults for decisions, and absorb vast amounts of information—all while learning essential life skills.

For children in divorced or blended families, these challenges are magnified. Approximately 50% of children today are raised by parents in conflict, going through divorce, or adjusting to new family dynamics. These children often feel caught in the middle, struggling to balance their developmental needs with the emotional fallout of their parents’ separation.

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.

Why choose Psymplicity 1

The Emotional Toll on Children

Children in these situations may act out at school or home, expressing their pain through disruptive behavior. Others may become overly quiet and compliant, internalizing feelings of guilt or fear. As one 7-year-old patient poignantly shared, “My dad left because mom and me…we were bad; now if I am bad, mom is going to leave me, too.”

These children often feel pressured to align with one parent or adapt to the expectations of a new step-family. This constant need to “choose sides” can hinder their ability to develop a sense of individuality, leaving them vulnerable to living according to someone else’s script.

How Therapy Helps Children Navigate Divorce and Step-Families

Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for children to process their emotions, explore their identities, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. At Tema Therapy, we focus on:

  1. Creating a Safe Space: A place where children can express themselves without fear of judgment or pressure to conform.
  2. Building Emotional Resilience: Helping children understand and manage their feelings during times of change.
  3. Encouraging Individuality: Allowing children to explore their own needs, interests, and personalities.
  4. Improving Communication: Teaching children how to articulate their emotions and navigate complex family dynamics.
Our approach

The Hidden Struggles of “Mature” Children

Children from divorced or blended families often appear more mature and socially attuned than their peers. While this may seem like an advantage, it often comes at a cost. These children spend so much time anticipating and managing adult conflicts that they miss out on crucial opportunities to develop their own identities.

In therapy, these children get the chance to step back from their roles as mediators or allies and focus on themselves. They learn to prioritize their own needs, build confidence, and create a strong sense of self—essential skills for becoming well-adjusted adults.

OUR STAFF

Meet our Therapists

For more online therapist profiles

Dr. Irina Volynsky

Clinical Director

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

Licenses: New York, New Jersey

Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian

Dr. Emile T. Berk

Psychologist

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

Licenses: New York, New Jersey

Languages: English

Irina Bashkirov

Mental Health Counselor

Specialty: Adult and child therapy

License: New Jersey

Languages: English, Russian, Hebrew

Andrew Roetman

Supervised Therapist

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

Languages: English and Spanish

Natalia Rowe

Language and Feeding Specialist

Specialty: Speech-Language/Disphagia Therapist

Licenses: New York, New Jersey 

Languages: English, Russian

Amaury Hernandez

Behavioral Conditioning Coach

Specialty: Sensory Integration, Emotional Regulation

Certificates: Personal Trainer, Sensory Integration, Parkour

Languages: English, Spanish

Natallia Khamenka

Therapist

Specialty: Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

Licenses:  New Jersey – pending

Languages: English, Russian, Belarusian

Zhanna Beyl

Social Worker

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

Licenses: New York, New Jersey

Languages: English, Russian

Katya Chizhova, LCSW

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

Supervised Mental Health Counselor

Speciality: Adult and Child Therapy. Group Therapy

Licenses: New Jersey – pending

Languages: English, Russian

Tamara Kapustina

Health Coach & Personal trainer

Specialty: Personal Trainer. Executing Functioning Trainer.

Languages: Russian, Ukrainian, English (Intermediate)

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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

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