Toddler Therapists in Highland Park, NJ
Kere Loughlin-Presnal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Welcome! My belief in the healing potential of psychotherapy is grounded in the decades of research on attachment, trauma and the body, and relational neuroscience. Our early relationships and experiences, including trauma, form the lens through which we experience our day-to-day lives. By understanding distressing patterns in our here-and-now functioning as remnants of protective and adaptive functioning in early life, we can move towards change from a place of self-compassion and deep understanding.
Welcome! My belief in the healing potential of psychotherapy is grounded in the decades of research on attachment, trauma and the body, and relational neuroscience. Our early relationships and experiences, including trauma, form the lens through which we experience our day-to-day lives. By understanding distressing patterns in our here-and-now functioning as remnants of protective and adaptive functioning in early life, we can move towards change from a place of self-compassion and deep understanding.
Navigating the complex landscape of mental health challenges, whether personal or within your family, can feel overwhelming. My mission is to provide a supportive environment that not only addresses immediate challenges but also empowers you and your loved ones to achieve long-term relief and live more fulfilling, engaged, free, and balanced lives. I provide individual therapy to children, teens, young adults, and families dealing with a wide range of challenges, including anxiety disorders, Tourettes, OCD, PTSD, depression, severe emotional dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and comorbid learning and emotional challenges.
Navigating the complex landscape of mental health challenges, whether personal or within your family, can feel overwhelming. My mission is to provide a supportive environment that not only addresses immediate challenges but also empowers you and your loved ones to achieve long-term relief and live more fulfilling, engaged, free, and balanced lives. I provide individual therapy to children, teens, young adults, and families dealing with a wide range of challenges, including anxiety disorders, Tourettes, OCD, PTSD, depression, severe emotional dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and comorbid learning and emotional challenges.
We all want to be genuinely seen, heard and understood. Whether the pain stems from the past, major life changes or simply feeling lost, therapy is a safe place to express your feelings without the fear of judgement. It is an amazing way to partner up and connect with someone who will support you. In these difficult times, it is important to find someone who can hold space for you to help untangle the web of confusion that may exist within. I aim to create a safe, warm and therapeutic atmosphere. You will be met with someone with a genuine desire to understand and who strongly believes that there is always hope.
We all want to be genuinely seen, heard and understood. Whether the pain stems from the past, major life changes or simply feeling lost, therapy is a safe place to express your feelings without the fear of judgement. It is an amazing way to partner up and connect with someone who will support you. In these difficult times, it is important to find someone who can hold space for you to help untangle the web of confusion that may exist within. I aim to create a safe, warm and therapeutic atmosphere. You will be met with someone with a genuine desire to understand and who strongly believes that there is always hope.
Institute for Personal Growth
Psychologist, LCSW, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Thinking of therapy? Ask us for the first session free, no commitment. IPG has roughly 30 therapists over three NJ offices: Highland Park, Freehold, and Jersey City. Since 1983 we've combined compassionate care with high-level expertise. We provide individual, family, child, and relationship counseling for concerns ranging from depression to life transitions to marital strife. We have a special focus on the LGBTQ community, including transgender/GNC youth, but we see clients from all walks of life. We also have many other niche specialties such as sex therapy, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and eating disorders.
Thinking of therapy? Ask us for the first session free, no commitment. IPG has roughly 30 therapists over three NJ offices: Highland Park, Freehold, and Jersey City. Since 1983 we've combined compassionate care with high-level expertise. We provide individual, family, child, and relationship counseling for concerns ranging from depression to life transitions to marital strife. We have a special focus on the LGBTQ community, including transgender/GNC youth, but we see clients from all walks of life. We also have many other niche specialties such as sex therapy, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and eating disorders.
Have you ever said: "No one ever taught me how to be a parent or spouse?" Perhaps navigating the relationships at work is posing a challenge. I help clients look at patterns of communication and behaviors that aren't working and help them understand their origins. Together, we develop an understanding of what is causing the difficulties so that we may address them successfully. I've been a psychologist for 25 years, helping clients enhance their relationships with family members, friends and colleagues. While much of my work is with adults, I am also a child psychologist.
Have you ever said: "No one ever taught me how to be a parent or spouse?" Perhaps navigating the relationships at work is posing a challenge. I help clients look at patterns of communication and behaviors that aren't working and help them understand their origins. Together, we develop an understanding of what is causing the difficulties so that we may address them successfully. I've been a psychologist for 25 years, helping clients enhance their relationships with family members, friends and colleagues. While much of my work is with adults, I am also a child psychologist.
Renee Weiss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMFT, BCD
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904 (Online Only)
When I think of my work as a therapist, what lifts my spirit is the enormous potential of people for living a full life; a potential they are often unaware of. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Therapy helps to identify them and develop the tools to improve their lives. The goals: enhanced self-esteem, reduced tension, more expressiveness....a fuller life. Whether I work with the child, adolescent, adult, individual, couple or family, I find the work inspiring.
When I think of my work as a therapist, what lifts my spirit is the enormous potential of people for living a full life; a potential they are often unaware of. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Therapy helps to identify them and develop the tools to improve their lives. The goals: enhanced self-esteem, reduced tension, more expressiveness....a fuller life. Whether I work with the child, adolescent, adult, individual, couple or family, I find the work inspiring.
I began practicing in Maryland in 1978. I resumed practicing in New York in 2004 and added an office in New Jersey in 2013. My practice covers a broad age range from 2-90. I am most comfortable treating adults with a variety of mental health issues. I also see couples and do family therapy. In addition, I have done play therapy with children. I am also comfortable conducting psychological evaluations of children ranging in age from a year to 21 years. I am an expert in developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorders.
I began practicing in Maryland in 1978. I resumed practicing in New York in 2004 and added an office in New Jersey in 2013. My practice covers a broad age range from 2-90. I am most comfortable treating adults with a variety of mental health issues. I also see couples and do family therapy. In addition, I have done play therapy with children. I am also comfortable conducting psychological evaluations of children ranging in age from a year to 21 years. I am an expert in developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorders.
Amy DeLuca Litkey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Feeling understood is an important aspect of personal development and life satisfaction at any age. As a Columbia University trained therapist, I provide a warm and nurturing environment where children, adolescents, and adults feel supported and are better able to understand and manage their emotions and behavior. I offer a safe place for individuals to process and cope with transition and challenges such as relationship concerns, divorce, grief, and traumatic experiences. My passion is helping women, young adults and children meet their individualized therapeutic goals and live their lives to the fullest potential.
Feeling understood is an important aspect of personal development and life satisfaction at any age. As a Columbia University trained therapist, I provide a warm and nurturing environment where children, adolescents, and adults feel supported and are better able to understand and manage their emotions and behavior. I offer a safe place for individuals to process and cope with transition and challenges such as relationship concerns, divorce, grief, and traumatic experiences. My passion is helping women, young adults and children meet their individualized therapeutic goals and live their lives to the fullest potential.
Sara A Bortolon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904
If you are seeing this message, I am proud of you and know it is not easy for you (and/or your child) to be in this stage of life. Working with youth up to 18 years, the typical concerns my clients (and caregiver) express are behavioral challenges, attention difficulties, low self-esteem, interpersonal issues, mood, anxiety, trauma, family concerns and life cycle transitions. Therapy can provide assistance understanding emotions, behaviors and creating an emotional toolbox (coping skills) that they can access at times of distress to manage their symptoms.
If you are seeing this message, I am proud of you and know it is not easy for you (and/or your child) to be in this stage of life. Working with youth up to 18 years, the typical concerns my clients (and caregiver) express are behavioral challenges, attention difficulties, low self-esteem, interpersonal issues, mood, anxiety, trauma, family concerns and life cycle transitions. Therapy can provide assistance understanding emotions, behaviors and creating an emotional toolbox (coping skills) that they can access at times of distress to manage their symptoms.
Charlesetta (Charlee) Sutton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Quick Fixes - not possible with Charlee. "Know thyself and get through it, around it, into it and out of it" is incorporated in your therapy. Working together you uncover and discover what works and what you need to thrive. Your family of origin, spiritual well-being, socialization, staus in your community, family and work defined by you get included in the work. Begin to understand ways all of this and more contribute to what's happening to you in this moment. Working as a family, individual, couple or group therapist, the goal is to make it all better.
Quick Fixes - not possible with Charlee. "Know thyself and get through it, around it, into it and out of it" is incorporated in your therapy. Working together you uncover and discover what works and what you need to thrive. Your family of origin, spiritual well-being, socialization, staus in your community, family and work defined by you get included in the work. Begin to understand ways all of this and more contribute to what's happening to you in this moment. Working as a family, individual, couple or group therapist, the goal is to make it all better.
I have a diverse practice in which I work with adults, children, adolescents and couples who are struggling with a variety of different issues. These include depression, anxiety/panic attacks, relationship problems, school and behavioral issues, parenting challenges, ADHD, low self-esteem, stress, sexual orientation and gender identity concerns, struggles with spirituality, self-injurious behavior, adoption, dealing with medical problems, grief and loss, trauma, and coping with divorce and its aftermath. My ideal client is one who wants help and is feeling ready to do the work necessary to improve and enrich his or her life.
I have a diverse practice in which I work with adults, children, adolescents and couples who are struggling with a variety of different issues. These include depression, anxiety/panic attacks, relationship problems, school and behavioral issues, parenting challenges, ADHD, low self-esteem, stress, sexual orientation and gender identity concerns, struggles with spirituality, self-injurious behavior, adoption, dealing with medical problems, grief and loss, trauma, and coping with divorce and its aftermath. My ideal client is one who wants help and is feeling ready to do the work necessary to improve and enrich his or her life.
I am a firm believer in encouraging positivity, bolstering self-efficacy, and cultivating independence in others. My typical client is a child, adolescent, or young adult (age 3 to 29) who may be struggling academically, socially, or with developing effective emotional coping skills. Often, the individuals I see have difficulty with attention, concentration, organization, and with meeting the daily demands required of them at school. I also offer much support to parents who may be frustrated with their attempts at connecting with their kids and who are in need of guidance relating to discipline techniques and behavior management.
I am a firm believer in encouraging positivity, bolstering self-efficacy, and cultivating independence in others. My typical client is a child, adolescent, or young adult (age 3 to 29) who may be struggling academically, socially, or with developing effective emotional coping skills. Often, the individuals I see have difficulty with attention, concentration, organization, and with meeting the daily demands required of them at school. I also offer much support to parents who may be frustrated with their attempts at connecting with their kids and who are in need of guidance relating to discipline techniques and behavior management.
More Therapists Nearby
Curren M. Whitfield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
I understand that a child who struggles at home or school with strong emotions or behavioral challenges, requires a lot of time and attention, seems angry, withdrawn, sensitive, or just doesn’t seem themselves, may leave a parent feeling frustrated, worried and exhausted. You want your child to do well and be happy, but you're unsure what will help. It can be difficult to find the right resources to address: low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, behavioral outbursts, and difficulty maintaining positive relationships. I specialize in working with children ages 3+ to improve functioning and establish healthy family connection.
I understand that a child who struggles at home or school with strong emotions or behavioral challenges, requires a lot of time and attention, seems angry, withdrawn, sensitive, or just doesn’t seem themselves, may leave a parent feeling frustrated, worried and exhausted. You want your child to do well and be happy, but you're unsure what will help. It can be difficult to find the right resources to address: low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, behavioral outbursts, and difficulty maintaining positive relationships. I specialize in working with children ages 3+ to improve functioning and establish healthy family connection.
I enjoy working with children, teens, and young adults navigating challenges like trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, ADHD, autism, or the effects of sexual abuse. My clients may struggle with managing anger, coping with stress, or feeling misunderstood in multicultural contexts. Their goal is to find healthy ways to cope, feel empowered, and improve their emotional well-being. I create a safe space for my clients to develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. Let’s take that step together.
I enjoy working with children, teens, and young adults navigating challenges like trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, ADHD, autism, or the effects of sexual abuse. My clients may struggle with managing anger, coping with stress, or feeling misunderstood in multicultural contexts. Their goal is to find healthy ways to cope, feel empowered, and improve their emotional well-being. I create a safe space for my clients to develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. Let’s take that step together.
Brielle Wiley is a Licensed Associate Counselor in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2022. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from The College of New Jersey and a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The College of New Jersey. As a growing therapist, Brielle offers a non-judgmental and comfortable therapeutic space for her clients to flourish in. Being in this field, you hear various touching stories from the backgrounds of many individuals in whom you may or may not relate to.
Brielle Wiley is a Licensed Associate Counselor in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2022. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from The College of New Jersey and a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The College of New Jersey. As a growing therapist, Brielle offers a non-judgmental and comfortable therapeutic space for her clients to flourish in. Being in this field, you hear various touching stories from the backgrounds of many individuals in whom you may or may not relate to.
Jaunai Staton
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LAMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Edison, NJ 08817
Do you feel invalidated and misunderstood by the people in your life? Are past experiences making it difficult for you to build and keep healthy relationships? Life hasn't been easy. You're still grappling with the lingering trauma and grief from your past. Life’s painful experiences have affected relationships with your partner, children, parents, or friends. You've made efforts to improve your situation, but nothing seems to change. You might also feel like you are walking through your situation alone.
Do you feel invalidated and misunderstood by the people in your life? Are past experiences making it difficult for you to build and keep healthy relationships? Life hasn't been easy. You're still grappling with the lingering trauma and grief from your past. Life’s painful experiences have affected relationships with your partner, children, parents, or friends. You've made efforts to improve your situation, but nothing seems to change. You might also feel like you are walking through your situation alone.
It has been my professional privilege over the last 25 years to provide counseling to married couples, families and individuals who were struggling with various relationship challenges, personal crisis and family conflicts. I have also had to opportunity to provide extensive one on one personal counseling to many individuals who were struggling with depression, general anxiety, grief, anger issues, abusive relationships, sexual assault, and personal trauma. Many of these clients were wonderfully helped, healed, given new hope and were taught new relationship survival and coping skills that they are now able to use to enhance their relationships and personal lives.
It has been my professional privilege over the last 25 years to provide counseling to married couples, families and individuals who were struggling with various relationship challenges, personal crisis and family conflicts. I have also had to opportunity to provide extensive one on one personal counseling to many individuals who were struggling with depression, general anxiety, grief, anger issues, abusive relationships, sexual assault, and personal trauma. Many of these clients were wonderfully helped, healed, given new hope and were taught new relationship survival and coping skills that they are now able to use to enhance their relationships and personal lives.
Ruth Churak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, DSW
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Online Only)
Tired of being unhappy? Having difficulty in your relationships or watching members of your family struggle? Don't suffer from worry, depression, anxiety and uncertainty alone. You can take charge of your situation or guide your children to a better start in life. Sometimes we become overwhelmed and unsure of which direction to go. I can help you clarify your goals using different techniques and tools to help you make the small steps that lead to big progress. I foster an accepting, safe, caring, environment utilizing a variety of therapeutic methods to tailor therapy to fit your needs and situation.
Tired of being unhappy? Having difficulty in your relationships or watching members of your family struggle? Don't suffer from worry, depression, anxiety and uncertainty alone. You can take charge of your situation or guide your children to a better start in life. Sometimes we become overwhelmed and unsure of which direction to go. I can help you clarify your goals using different techniques and tools to help you make the small steps that lead to big progress. I foster an accepting, safe, caring, environment utilizing a variety of therapeutic methods to tailor therapy to fit your needs and situation.
In the counseling space, everyone is welcome with open arms! Whether you're dealing with trauma, anxiety, ADHD, or navigating the complexities of family dynamics, relationships, or adolescence, I will be here to support you every step of the way. My goal is to create a warm and inclusive environment where your wants and needs are heard and respected. Whether you're a child, teen, adult, or part of a family or couple, I tailor my approach to meet you where you are, providing guidance, understanding, and practical tools to help you thrive. Let's embark on this journey together, empowering you to unlock your full potential!
In the counseling space, everyone is welcome with open arms! Whether you're dealing with trauma, anxiety, ADHD, or navigating the complexities of family dynamics, relationships, or adolescence, I will be here to support you every step of the way. My goal is to create a warm and inclusive environment where your wants and needs are heard and respected. Whether you're a child, teen, adult, or part of a family or couple, I tailor my approach to meet you where you are, providing guidance, understanding, and practical tools to help you thrive. Let's embark on this journey together, empowering you to unlock your full potential!
I take the mystery out of therapy by working collaboratively with you. My role then tends to be like a coach or instructor. We set goals together. I do not make decisions for my clients. Rather we look for patterns in thinking, actions, and relationships that cause problems. We examine the positive and negative outcomes that cause people to get stuck in negative emotions. While we look to the past to learn how patterns are shaped, this treatment is present and future focused. It is more important to build on your strengths than to dwell on weaknesses.
I take the mystery out of therapy by working collaboratively with you. My role then tends to be like a coach or instructor. We set goals together. I do not make decisions for my clients. Rather we look for patterns in thinking, actions, and relationships that cause problems. We examine the positive and negative outcomes that cause people to get stuck in negative emotions. While we look to the past to learn how patterns are shaped, this treatment is present and future focused. It is more important to build on your strengths than to dwell on weaknesses.
See more therapy options for Highland Park
Nearby Toddler Therapists Searches for Highland Park
- East Brunswick
- Edison
- Metuchen
- Middlesex
- New Brunswick
- North Brunswick
- Old Bridge
- Piscataway
- Plainfield
- Sayreville
- Somerset
- Woodbridge
Toddler Therapists
What are the behavioral signs indicating a toddler might need counseling?
Common behavioral signs that a child may need counseling include high levels of emotional distress or anxiety, learning challenges, interpersonal conflict, anger, or social withdrawal. Any drastic changes in toddler behavior or self-esteem can be indicative that a child may benefit from therapy. Seeing a therapist at the early stages of any behavioral changes can be most impactful on behavior, as well as helpful to caregivers who may receive guidance on what symptoms to look for in their child in the future, even if therapy is not warranted at that time.
Can a two-year-old see a psychologist?
Children and adults of all ages can see psychologists and other forms of mental health professionals, such as counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers. Families seeking therapy for their toddler should just be aware that any guidance they seek should come from a professional who has specific experience working with young children, as well as the specific modalities that are appropriate for young children, such as play therapy.
What is the most effective type of therapy for toddlers and preschoolers?
In general, play therapy is the most effective and common form of therapy for young children. Play therapy helps facilitate behavior change by offering an age-appropriate way for children to express their emotions and develop more effective coping strategies. Toddlers with specific concerns may benefit from more specialized forms of therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for toddlers in families in which there is significant parent-child relational conflict.
What happens during therapy sessions for toddlers?
What occurs in therapy sessions for toddlers depends on the therapeutic approach being used by the therapist. Most toddler therapists will use some form of play therapy in sessions to encourage toddler engagement. In play therapy sessions, children are encouraged to use toys within the therapy setting to express their emotions; subsequent responses by the therapist and/or family members can help guide toddler behavior and behavior change. Toddler therapy sessions can also involve family therapy or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which can help improve parenting behaviors and reduce strain on families.