Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Children
on the Upper West Side
When worry gets loud, families start working around it—extra reassurance at bedtime, avoiding certain situations, and staying within arm’s reach. These responses are loving and understandable, and while they can soothe a child in the moment, they can also unintentionally make anxiety or OCD worse over time.
We use CBT with clear, gentle pacing so kids and parents learn how to be brave and face their fears, bit by bit. Sessions are in person on the Upper West Side (near Central Park) or online anywhere in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.
For a fuller view of our CBT services, see Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
When CBT Can Help Children
If your child struggles with morning separation or school refusal, bedtime battles, or “stay with me” reassurance that never seems to end, CBT can help.
We also address rituals and “just-right” feelings, panic attacks, specific fears, perfectionism that hinders school performance, social anxiety, withdrawal, and the tummy aches or headaches that often accompany worry.
How CBT Helps (Kid-Friendly & Practical)
We teach the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behavior in simple language—using pictures, games, and small, real-life steps.
Brave behavior is built gradually with a clear ladder, and we celebrate tiny wins so motivation grows.
Kids learn a handful of body-calming skills (breathing, grounding) that they can use when they feel worried at school and at home. Parents are involved too, learning ways to support their children in practicing their skills outside of session.
CBT Tools We Use
For anxiety and OCD, we use Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) with clear safety and pacing—planned practices, never surprise challenges. In ERP, children gradually face the fears they have been avoiding, starting from a level that feels manageable.
For worry/rumination, we teach flexible thinking, positive self-talk and quick ways to label anxious thoughts and let them go in the moment.
For sleep and daily routines, we establish simple anchors for mornings and bedtime, and utilize visual plans to help routines go more smoothly.
When hair-pulling or skin-picking – Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors – are part of the picture, we use Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) treatment to identify and improve the child’s relationship with factors that trigger the picking and pulling. Children learn to redirect their hands to other activities, like using a sensory toy, and the urges become easier to ride out.
Parent Role & SPACE-Informed Support
Parents are key to lasting change.
Together, we identify ways your parenting behaviors may have changed to accommodate anxiety —such as extra reassurance, sleeping in your own bed, or avoiding certain situations—and replace them with supportive statements and planned responses.
You’ll communicate care (“I know this is hard”) and confidence (“I also know you can handle this”) while setting gentle limits around rituals and avoidance.
Brief weekly parent coaching helps gains stick between sessions. When parent-only work is the right first step, we may draw on our SPACE approach (see SPACE Therapy for Childhood Anxiety).
School Collaboration (When Helpful)
With your consent, we coordinate with teachers and counselors to ensure that skills are demonstrated in the classroom.
We share practical strategies for attendance plans, transitions, and testing moments, and can suggest 504/IEP accommodations that match the therapy plan.
Recommendations remain simple, making follow-through realistic on busy school days.
Measuring Progress (So Gains Are Visible)
Progress shouldn’t be a guess.
We track reassurance requests, rituals, avoidance behaviors, recovery time after spikes, and participation in school and extracurricular activities.
Each week, we review what’s improving and adjust our steps to maintain momentum and fit your actual schedule.
Our Team & Supervision
Your child will work with licensed psychologists who are experienced in CBT, ERP, and HRT for children. Treatment is individually supervised by Tamar Gordon, PhD (20+ years in CBT) so you always know you’re getting expert attention.
In-Person on the UWS & Secure Telehealth in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
We’re in a quiet office near Central Park, close to the 1/2/3 and B/C lines. Many families use a hybrid plan—office visits for kids and secure video for parent coaching, or weeks when activities make travel hard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child have to undergo exposures immediately?
No. We begin by learning the pattern and establishing a solid foundation of support. Exposures are planned with you and your child, introduced gradually, and paired with tools so practice feels doable—not overwhelming.
How much are parents involved?
We vary the level of parent involvement with the child’s age. The younger your child is, the more often we want to see you and work with you directly. You’ll receive regular parent sessions and skills to use at home, and we’ll outline when to step back so that your child’s coping skills can grow.
How long before we notice changes?
Most research therapy protocols in studies are 12-16 sessions. Every person is different, and treatment is individualized. While we may work with a family or individual for longer than 4 months, we usually expect to see at least some progress within that time frame.
Can this work alongside medication or school supports?
Yes. With your permission, we coordinate with pediatricians/psychiatrists and school teams so everyone uses the same plan.
Do you treat hair-pulling or skin-picking?
Yes. We blend ERP with HRT and practical environment tweaks. If BFRBs are the primary concern, see Skin Picking & Nail Biting Counseling.
Start With One Conversation
Call (917) 972-5671 or request an appointment.
Location
241 Central Park W # 1D, New York, NY 10024
Phone: (917) 972-5671
Email: info@gordontherapygroup.com
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed