Therapy For Kids & Teens

Therapy Helps Kids and Teens Build Skills and Feel Understood

Brooklyn, NY
FEATURED press

Therapy Helps Kids and Teens Build Skills and Feel Understood

At Park Slope Therapy, we know that every child and teen faces challenges—and every family deserves support. Our goal is to help young people build the tools they need to handle stress, big emotions, and the pressures of growing up.

For kids, therapy is like giving them a “backpack of skills” they can carry with them anywhere. We help them understand what’s behind their anger, anxiety, or frustration, so they can name their feelings, use words to express themselves, and choose healthier ways to cope instead of melting down or shutting down.

For teens, therapy offers something just as important: a safe space where they feel seen, heard, and appreciated for who they are. Rather than another adult telling them what to do, their therapist becomes a trusted ally—someone who listens, validates their struggles, and encourages their growth.

And for you as a parent, we make sure you’re not left out of the process. We’ll give you strategies and support so you can feel more confident in responding to your child or teen’s needs, and more connected to them in daily life.

Meet the Team

  • Alexandra Jacowitz, PsyD

    CO-FOUNDER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR

  • Ellen Jacowitz, LCSW

    CO-FOUNDER

  • Nell Ross, LCSW

    THERAPIST & CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

  • Sam Patel, LCSW

    THERAPIST

  • Harrison Pereyra, LMHC

    THERAPIST

  • Julia Shelzi, LCSW

    THERAPIST

  • Jaclyn Shlisky, PsyD

    EVALUATIONS SPECIALIST

You May Have Some Questions About Therapy For Children…

Will acknowledging that my child needs support affect their self-esteem? 

Recognizing that your child needs help is an integral part of parenting. It shows you love them deeply and want the best for them. What’s more, therapy can help them improve their self-esteem by giving them a set of tools for increasing their chances of success. This way, they’ll have strategies that they can use when they feel their confidence slipping. 

How often do parents get to meet with the therapist?

In many ways, counseling for children is also counseling for parents. During the first session, you’ll meet with the therapist to determine if they’re a good fit for your child and family. Throughout the course of therapy, we’ll continue to collaborate with you so that you’re always in the loop regarding treatment. You’re also welcome to have parenting sessions from time to time if necessary. 

Will my child always need to see a counselor?

No, they won’t. Counseling with kids and families is often short-term. Your child’s therapist will work with you and your family to determine the length and frequency of counseling. The children we see typically “graduate” therapy once they’ve mastered the skills they learn here. 

What if my teen doesn’t want to go to therapy?

We totally get the reluctance. Sometimes teens think a therapist will just be another adult telling them what to do. Our approach is the exact opposite. We’re here to help your teen get to know themselves better and find the answers that they hold within them. What’s more, there is no pressure to commit to therapy right away. We encourage your teen to try a session and see how they like it. Usually, the teens who see us are surprised at how much they benefit from just a few sessions. 

How will you keep my teen’s information safe?

Confidentiality is hugely important to us. For your teen to work through their struggles successfully, they need a place where they can talk about them openly and without fear of anyone else finding out. That’s what therapy provides.

What if other people judge me because my teen is in therapy?

In many ways, the stigma around therapy is a thing of the past. The current generation of teens is the therapy generation. For them, seeking therapy is admirable and talking about teenage depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues is normal. What’s more, no one else has to know about your teen’s time in therapy if you don’t want them to! 

Parenting Is Tough. You Deserve All The Support You Can Get.

We know how hard it is to raise a child nowadays and that’s why we’re here to help out. To connect with one of our child counselors, you can fill out the contact form, email us, or call 929-297-9753.