Social Skills Therapy for Children on the Upper West Side
Friendships shouldn’t feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. For some children, connecting with peers can feel confusing and frustrating, especially when they don’t understand why their efforts aren’t working. If your child struggles to make friends,gets “too loud” at recess, or melts down when games don’t go their way, we can help them build the skills needed to form meaningful relationships.
Our approach s skills-based and gentle, meeting each child where they are at. In session, kKids learn new skills, set small goals to try during the week, and come back ready to build on their progress.
We see families in person on the Upper West Side, near Central Park, and via secure telehealth anywhere in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.
If you’d like more background on our approach and credentials, meet our child psychologists on the Upper West Side.
When Social Skills Therapy Makes a Difference
Some kids watch from the sidelines and can’t quite jump in, while others barrel in, miss social cues, and end up in conflict. Anxiety can make it hard to participate in group work, attend parties, or interact at recess altogether. Often, these patterns persist over time and can lead children to approach social interactions expecting the worst. If this sounds familiar we’ll meet your child exactly where they are and help them take one small step at a time.
How We Work
We break social tasks into tiny, doable pieces. First, we model. Then we role-play. Then we plan one real-life try: ask to join a game, take a turn, recover after a “no.”
We draw on CBT principles to help kids read the room, think flexibly, and manage big feelings so they can stay in the game.
Sessions are active. We use visuals, games, and simple scripts so kids can learn new ways of interacting that work for them.
Kids practice starting conversations, keeping them going, and shifting topics without dominating.
They learn how to join and leave play without derailing it, how to take turns and be a good sport, and how to handle teasing without it spiraling out of control.
We coach assertive—yet kind—language for asking, declining, and setting limits. Just as important, we teach repair: what to say and do after a mistake so they can return to the group.
Parents in the Loop
Progress moves faster when parents have practical tools.
We’ll show you how to notice and reinforce brave tries, give short prompts that actually help, and set up home practice without power struggles.
If anxiety is part of the picture, we use research-informed parenting work to dial back over-accommodation while keeping your child supported. You’ll leave each session knowing exactly what to try at home that week
Partnering with School
With your consent, we coordinate with teachers and counselors to ensure that skills are carried over.
That might look like a quick plan for lunch or recess, a visual for transitions, or a straightforward strategy for group projects and presentations.
The goal is consistency: the same language and steps across home, school, and session.
Making Progress Visible
We track what matters in everyday life: attempts to join in group activities, time spent recovering after conflict, target phrases used, and invitations made.
Each week we review roadblocks, tune the plan, and celebrate small wins—because confidence grows from proof, not pep talks.
Who You’ll Work With
Care is delivered by licensed child psychologists who specialize in pediatric CBT and behavior therapy. Treatment is closely supervised by Tamar Gordon, PhD, —who has over two decades of experience helping kids build skills that last
In-Person on the UWS & Secure Telehealth in NY, NJ, and CT
Our quiet office is located near Central Park, with easy access to the 1, 2, 3, and B/C lines. We also offer telehealth for New York families, including parent-only coaching and select child sessions. Many families prefer a hybrid setup for convenience and momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer groups? How are kids matched?
At times, yes. We consider age, goals, and fitness so that kids can practice with similar peers who need the same skills.
How involved are parents in sessions?
Very. In parent sessions, we coach you on the best ways to support your child at home and in school.
How soon might we notice changes?
It varies. Many research protocols are 12-16 sessions, so we expect to see some improvement in that time frame. However, every family and child is different, and how long we work together will depend on your individualized treatment plan
Can you coordinate with the school or other providers?
Absolutely—with your consent. We align with teachers, pediatricians, OTs, SLPs, or tutors so everyone uses the same playbook.
Start Here: Build Social Skills That Last
Let’s map your child’s trickiest moments and choose a few steps you can use this week—on the Upper West Side or via secure video anywhere in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Book an appointment and start building social skills that last.
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