Child Therapy and Child Counseling in Bergen County, NJ

Is your child struggling with emotions, behavior, or relationships? Our licensed Bergen County therapists here at Dr Stephen Oreski & Associates specialize in helping children and their families build stronger, healthier connections.

The parent-child relationship shapes your child’s future happiness and resilience. But today, kids face pressure from peers, social media, and technology—making it tough to navigate emotions and challenges alone.

Common Reasons Parents Seek Child Therapy:

• Trouble with friends, siblings, or classmates
• Emotional outbursts at home or school
• Difficulty adjusting to change
• Low self-esteem or experiences with bullying
• Overuse of technology or gaming
• Grief from losing a friend or loved one
• Struggles with authority figures
• Exposure to violence or community stress
• Parental separation or divorce
• Concerns about alcohol or drug exposure

If any of these sound familiar, our child therapy services in Bergen County can help.

Why Choose Dr Stephen Oreski & Associates?

• Decades of Experience: Our licensed therapists have a long track record of helping Bergen County kids and families navigate challenges like ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning differences, and more.
• Evidence-Based Approaches: We use proven methods including CBT, REBT, mindfulness, play and art therapy, EMDR, IFS, and somatic processing.
• Individual & Group Options: From one-on-one sessions to social skills groups, we match each child with the right support—after a careful clinical interview to ensure the best fit.
• Family-Focused: We work closely with parents, offering coaching and consultations to reinforce communication, boundaries, and resilience at home.
• Collaboration with Local Schools: We partner with educators and school counselors to help your child succeed both in and out of the classroom.
• Accessible Care: Choose in-person visits at our welcoming Bergen County offices in Hackensack, Teaneck, Paramus, Ridgewood, Ramsey, and Oradelll—or opt for convenient tele-counseling.

Comprehensive Child Therapy Services in Bergen County, NJ

When it comes to supporting your child’s emotional and behavioral health, Bergen County offers a wide range of child therapy services tailored to meet your family’s unique needs. Our experienced team provides both individual and group therapy for children and adolescents, using proven approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), mindfulness, and a variety of creative modalities including play and art therapy.

For children who could benefit from extra support in building relationships, we offer social skills groups. These groups help kids and teens learn practical strategies for making and keeping friends, building confidence, and navigating tricky social situations. Before joining a group, each child participates in a clinical interview so we can ensure the best fit for their needs.

We also understand that challenges at home and school often go hand-in-hand. That’s why we work closely with families, providing parent coaching and consultation to reinforce positive communication, set healthy boundaries, and foster resilience. As your child faces transitions like divorce, grief, bullying, or exposure to stressors such as peer pressure and academic demands, our therapists are here to help both children and parents through it.

For younger clients, we prioritize a warm, accepting environment that encourages expression through laughter, play, and open conversation. Utilizing tools like EMDR, somatic processing, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) models, our therapists address anxiety, trauma, anger, low self-esteem, and behavioral challenges. We’re also skilled at collaborating with schools and educators to help your child thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Our therapists bring extensive backgrounds in child psychology, including decades of experience supporting children with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning differences, and social-emotional needs. Whether your family is seeking short-term goal-oriented support or ongoing therapy, we’re equipped to help you navigate every stage of childhood and adolescence.

We are committed to providing accessible care, offering in-person sessions at our warm and welcoming offices in Bergen County locations including Hackensack Teaneck, Paramus, Ridgewood, Ramsey, and Oradell as well as convenient tele-counseling options.

No matter where your child is on their journey, we’re here to partner with you—so your child can feel good about themselves and build the tools they need for lifelong well-being.

If you’d like to talk more about the services we offer or see if we’re the right fit for your family, our team is here to answer your questions.

The Value of an Integrative Approach for Complex Childhood Challenges

Every child is unique, especially when it comes to navigating challenges such as anxiety, OCD, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorders. That’s why an integrative approach—using a blend of evidence-based therapies tailored to each child—is so important.

Instead of relying on a single method, our team combines techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), mindfulness, and creative therapies such as art and play. This allows us to meet children where they are, address their distinct needs, and adapt strategies in real time as they grow and change.

Children with complex emotional or developmental needs often benefit from having flexibility in their support—sometimes talking things out works best, while other times, movement, art, or structured routines are more effective. By integrating different approaches, we can help children build coping skills, develop resilience, and make meaningful progress in school, relationships, and daily life.

Ultimately, an integrative framework means your child gets a care plan that evolves with them—ensuring they always have the right support as they discover their strengths and navigate their challenges.

How Humor, Acceptance, and Play Support Growth

When it comes to working with younger children, our therapists recognize that sitting and talking isn’t always the most natural way for kids to open up. This is why we intentionally weave humor, acceptance, and play-based activities into our therapy sessions.

• Humor helps break the ice and ease nerves, making sessions feel safe and inviting. Laughter can lighten difficult moments and allow kids to express themselves more easily.
• Acceptance is at the heart of our approach. We create a non-judgmental space where children feel heard and understood—just as they are. This support encourages them to freely share their emotions, even the tough ones.
• Play therapy uses toys, art, storytelling, and games to help children communicate when words fall short. Through creative expression, they work through challenges, develop healthy coping strategies, and build confidence—all while feeling engaged and respected.

Through these techniques, therapists foster genuine connections with children, paving the way for meaningful growth and positive change.

Partnering with Schools to Support Your Child

Our therapists recognize that a child’s well-being extends far beyond the home—what happens at school can play a pivotal role in their mental health and development. That’s why we maintain close communication with educators, school counselors, and support staff, as needed and permitted, so your child receives consistent care across all aspects of their life.

Here’s how we work with schools and educators:

• Collaborative Planning: With your consent, we consult with teachers and school counselors to share helpful strategies and insights that support your child’s emotional and academic growth.
• Coordinated Support: Our therapists may help design behavior support plans or recommend accommodations that make classrooms more comfortable and accessible for your child.
• Workshops and Resources: We offer guidance and resources to schools on topics like conflict resolution, stress management, and positive peer interactions—skills that benefit all students.
• Ongoing Communication: We believe in teamwork and regularly check in with educators to monitor progress and adjust strategies as your child’s needs evolve.

Every child’s situation is unique. Whether they need extra support adjusting to school life, managing stress, or navigating friendships and academic expectations, our holistic approach ensures no one falls through the cracks. Together, we create a supportive bridge between home and school , fostering confidence, resilience, and a happier experience for your child.

How We Support Your Child—and You

Children express distress in many ways: acting out, withdrawing, falling behind in school, or shutting down emotionally. At Begen County Therapist, our experienced, locally licensed clinicians use evidence-based methods—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, art, and play therapy—to help your child express emotions, build self-confidence, and develop healthy coping skills.

We understand the unique pressures facing children in our community—from local school transitions to the fast-paced digital world. Our therapists work closely with both children and parents to:

• Identify stressors unique to Bergen County families
• Set healthy boundaries and routines at home
• Improve communication between parents and children
• Foster resilience and emotional growth

Every plan is tailored to your child’s age, needs, and your family’s goals.

Child and Family Therapy Options

We understand that every child’s needs are unique, and sometimes individual therapy isn’t the only answer. That’s why we offer a range of supportive family and group therapy options designed especially for children and adolescents. These services create a safe and engaging space for children to learn about themselves, connect with others, and develop new skills for healthier relationships.

For many young clients, participating in therapy groups can be a game-changer. Our evidence-based social skills groups are especially helpful for those who want to make and keep friends but may have trouble finding their footing. In these groups, children and teens practice communication, emotional regulation, and problem-solving in a relaxed, accepting environment—often with a good dose of humor and play to encourage participation and comfort.

Family therapy sessions are also available to support the whole family system. When families come together, children have the opportunity to express themselves openly and parents can learn new strategies for fostering connection at home. These sessions emphasize understanding, acceptance, and the opportunity for every family member to grow, both individually and together.

We thoughtfully assess each child’s needs and interests before placing them in any group, ensuring the best possible fit for a rewarding and supportive experience.

Parental Support for Mental Health

We understand that being a parent comes with its own set of emotional challenges. It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain while trying to support your child—especially when facing stressors like academic pressure, changes at home, or behavioral issues.

That’s why our approach includes supporting both parents and children. Our licensed counselors are here to help you navigate your own mental health needs alongside your child’s well-being. During sessions, we can address:

• Managing parental stress and anxiety
• Strategies for effective communication with your child
• Tools for setting and maintaining healthy boundaries
• Ways to model coping skills and resilience at home

Our therapists are dedicated to creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space for both you and your child. We believe in empowering parents by providing guidance, resources, and practical techniques to help your family thrive together. Whether you’re struggling with your own emotions, seeking advice on parenting strategies, or simply want to feel more connected to your child, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Experience Matters—Locally Trusted Care

Our team is made up of Bergen County-based, fully licensed therapists who are passionate about supporting families in our area. We’re proud to serve the Bergen County community for over 4o years, and many local families have trusted us to help their children thrive. (Ask about our client success stories—shared with permission.)

What Parents Say

“Our son’s confidence has grown so much since starting therapy here. We’re grateful for the caring, professional team who truly understands  families.” — Ridgewood Parent

No matter where your child is on their journey, we’re here to partner with you—so your child can feel good about themselves and build the tools they need for lifelong well-being.

Take the First Step—Free 15-Minute Consultation

Worried about starting therapy? We invite you to a free, no-obligation 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your concerns and answer your questions.

Call us today at (551) 579-4441 or book your appointment online.

Let’s help your child feel good again—right here in Bergen County, New Jersey.