Nice to meet you

Child and adolescent clients I work with can expect to form a trusting therapeutic relationship where they feel free to explore feelings and life experiences, and practice new skills. I practice person-centered therapy, and rely on strategies from DIR/Floortime, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness practice, and CBT to explore thought/emotional/relational patterns, and work on behavior change. I provide home-visiting therapy in clients' homes, and also provide therapy at an integrated play and therapy space in Gowanus called PlayWell Brooklyn. If this sounds like a good fit for your child, teen, or young adult, feel free to reach out for a brief chat about your needs.

I have experience working with children and adolescents experiencing anxiety and depression, working through relationship and family system issues, struggling with substance use/addiction/self-harming behavior, and engaging in dangerous or destructive behavior. During the day, I am a school social worker with NYC's special education student population. Prior to my school work, I spent 5 years providing psychotherapy and care management support within hospital systems. I also spent a significant amount of time becoming a parent, which has influenced my work with child clients. Before social work, I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal, and AmeriCorps volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. My experiences in schools, healthcare, and development here and abroad have shaped my practice immensely, and can help when exploring career and life perspectives with adolescent clients.

I love my work, and look forward to establishing a great relationship with you and your child.

Check Costa out on Psychology Today!

Constantinos Kokkinos, LCSW

I am a Licensed Social Worker with experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, both individually and in groups. I received my Master's in Social Work from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, with a clinical focus on childhood trauma. While at Hunter, I completed my certificate in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.

I have clinical experience working with children and families struggling with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, grief/loss, self-harming behavior, and behavioral regulation. I have extensive experience working with children and youth with neurodivergence. Prior to being a clinical therapist, I spent 15 years as a theater and mindfulness educator, working in schools throughout New York City. In my work with children, youth, and their families, I practice person-centered, anti-oppressive therapy, and incorporate Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based stress reduction, and trauma-focused interventions to help children and their families reach their goals of behavioral change, creating insight and strengthening the family system.

I look forward to working with your child and family on the journey to explore challenges, enact changes, and feel safe, secure, and healthy.

Check Jackie out on Psychology Today!

Jackie Wolff, LMSW

With years of experience working with children and families across various settings, I specialize in supporting children facing emotional dysregulation, attention and hyperactivity disorders, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, anxiety, and other behavioral challenges. I also work with children who have experienced trauma, family disruptions, and other significant life changes. Through my work, I've found that children undergoing major life transitions often struggle to express their feelings, which can lead to behavioral challenges.

I am deeply committed to creating a safe and accepting space for children to communicate, explore, and process their emotions, often using play as a natural and effective means of expression. My approach is relational and child-centered, integrating a variety of interventions tailored to meet each child’s individual needs. It is important to me to collaborate with families to understand their child’s unique strengths and interests, and use those qualities to support them when challenges arise at home or in the community.

My background in schools has provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and guide families through the CPSE/CSE processes. I also work closely with teachers and related service providers to ensure that therapeutic interventions are coordinated and effective.

I look forward to connecting with you and your child, and working together to best support your family

Check Deirdre out on Psychology Today!

Deirdre Gavagan, LMSW

Our methods

PRACTICE

Person-centered therapy

A non-judgemental approach that accepts a child's reality and provides unconditional positive regard. Goals of this practice include increasing self-awareness, increasing clarity, improving self-esteem, and boosting the child's self-reliance.

Motivational Interviewing

A collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change. Explores and strengthens personal motivations for behavioral change.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

In cognitive therapy, the focus is on what people think, and how thought patterns affect feelings and behavior.

DIR/Floortime

A relationship-based therapy that follows the child's lead, emphasizes emotional development, individual differences, and trusting relationships

Therapy is a process, not a potion

ONLINE

Get help wherever you are

In addition to in-home and in-person therapy, we offer individual and group therapy virtually.