
General Therapy
As a parent, you want a clinician who possesses both the ability to recognize the unique, amazing parts of your child and the knowledge to help them build skills to maximize independence, happiness, and success. At North Star, we utilize evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to compassionately address concerns that emerge for children, adolescents, and young adults. Our clinicians are highly creative and flexible, creating an engaging therapeutic environment to foster growth in youth.
Our therapy services are offered via telehealth (for teens, young adults, or caregivers) or in our office in Edison, New Jersey.

ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can affect a child’s school performance, behavior, relationships, and self-esteem. Evidence-based treatment, including behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, helps children improve focus, self-control, and organization. Therapy teaches practical skills such as following routines, managing impulses, and strengthening problem-solving abilities, while also supporting parents with effective strategies. Our work with children can address the following concerns:
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Inattention and difficulty focusing
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Impulsivity
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Hyperactivity
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Difficulty following directions
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Emotional regulation challenges
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Problems with organization and time management
Anxiety
Childhood anxiety can significantly impact a child's daily life, affecting their school performance, social interactions, and overall well-being. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment that helps children understand and manage their anxiety by identifying and challenging negative thought patterns. Through structured sessions, children learn coping strategies such as relaxation techniques, gradual exposure to feared situations, and cognitive restructuring to reframe anxious thoughts. CBT empowers children to develop problem-solving skills and build confidence in handling anxiety-provoking situations. Our work with children can address the following concerns:
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Separation anxiety
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Generalized anxiety
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Social anxiety
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Bedtime anxiety
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Fear of specific objects or situations

Autism
Though many individuals with autism spectrum disorder receive services from school, home-based agencies, job coaches, or other professionals, some may need additional support in the form of individual psychotherapy. This one-on-one work with a compassionate psychologist who is well-trained in autism treatment can provide consistent support and skill building that complements services in other settings.
Infused with a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with autism, we employ science-based methods such as behavioral skills training and cognitive behavior therapy to address concerns. Our treatment sessions can focus on any of the following for children, adolescents, or adults with autism:
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For newly diagnosed individuals, psychoeducation about autism and what it means to them
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Developing social and communication skills at school, work, or home
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Navigating relationships with family, friends, or romantic partners
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Learning to cope with difficult emotions such as anger, anxiety, or sadness
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Managing distress related to a need for sameness, repetition, or order
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Increasing flexibility
Challenging Behavior
If your child engages in challenging behavior like tantrums or aggressions at home, caregiver training may help teach you skills to feel confident in managing those challenges. We provide training using behavioral approaches demonstrated through research to be effective in addressing child behavior and decreasing caregiver stress.
Children with behavioral concerns may have been diagnosed previously with oppositional defiant disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. Working closely with your therapist, you will learn to identify the reasons for your child's behavior, problem solve ways you can use to reduce the likelihood of challenging behavior, and learn to teach new skills to your child. Some of the topics covered during the course of parent training may include the following:
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Preventing escalation of behavior
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Developing daily schedules
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Reinforcing the behavior you want to see
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Teaching communication
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Teaching new skills

Emotion Regulation
Many children and teens struggle with emotion regulation. This difficulty may be related to their neurodivergence, as we see greater challenges with emotion regulation among children and teens with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or other developmental differences. Children who struggle with managing emotions may experience frequent outbursts, frustration, mood swings, or difficulty calming down once upset. Drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and elements of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), we help children and teens:
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Identify body sensations related to emotions
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Build communication skills with parents
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Strengthen problem solving skills for use preventatively and in the moment
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Practice coping skills to calm emotions
Executive Functioning
Many individuals experience challenges with executive functioning, which includes areas such as organization, time management, and planning. These skills can impact daily life, academic performance, and workplace success. By uing problem-solving strategies, utilizing visual supports, and building routines, individuals can gain independence and confidence. Examples of applications of executive functioning that coaching can address include:
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Following a routine for home care and hygiene tasks
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Identifying strategies that help with homework completion
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Managing work tasks and deadlines for long-term projects at school or work
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Planning to access the community to support health and build independence

Mood Disorders
Mood disorders can significantly affect an individual's daily life, impacting their energy level, motivation, relationships, and overall sense of well-being. Evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), help youth better understand their emotions and build skills to manage their mood-related challenges. Through therapy, children, adolescents, and young adults can learn to identify the thoughts and feelings that influence their mood, develop healthy coping strategies, and increase engagement in activities that are meaningful to them. Our work can address the following concerns:
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Depressed or persistently low mood
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Irritability or frequent mood swings
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Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
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Low motivation or energy
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Negative self-talk or low self-esteem
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Difficulty with emotion regulation
Sleep, Feeding, & Toileting
For young children, challenges with sleep, feeding, and toileting can be common. Some of these difficulties can persist as they age. Because these functions are so central to a family's daily routine, challenges in these areas often cause significant stress for children and parents. With careful coordination with medical professionals, behavioral approaches can be helpful in helping your child make gains in these pivotal areas, increasing child and parent confidence. Some areas that can be addressed include:
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Difficult bedtime routines or difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
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Limited tolerance for a variety of different foods
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Challenges with toilet training
Tics and Tic Disorders
Individuals with motor and/or vocal tics, including Tourette syndrome, may experience distress due to the social, emotional, and functional impact of tics on their daily life. Through one-on-one psychotherapy sessions with a clinician who has an understanding of the challenges and experiences of individuals with tics, we utilize evidence-based techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT) to aid in managing tics and navigating day-to-day challenges. Our treatment sessions are designed to focus on the following areas for children and adolescents with tics and/or Tourette syndrome:
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Educating individuals and their families about tics and their impact on daily functioning
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Developing strategies to manage tics in various settings, including school or home
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Enhancing self-awareness and coping skills to reduce the impact of tics on daily life
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Addressing social and emotional challenges, such as dealing with stigma or feelings of frustration
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Building confidence and resilience in managing symptoms
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Strengthening family communication and support in understanding and navigating the condition

