Therapy for Children, Teens, Women & Parents in Bergen County, NJ & Beyond

🦃🎄🕎⛄️ Check out the #replay from Our Instagram Live with @dr.jessica.mccarthy of @elements_psych and @karakushnir_therapist of @aworkofheart_counseling as they discuss all things holiday expectations, boundary setting and ways to set you and your family up for a successful (and hopefully more peaceful!) holiday season! Check it out and let us know what you think! #holidays #holidaystress #therapistsofinstagtam #bergencountymom #njtherapists #survivingtheholidays

Another Thanksgiving reel about #boundaries this time focusing on #eatingdisorderrecovery and #fatphobia that can emerge at the dinner table - nobody should be commenting on what you or your child are eating. PERIOD. FULL 🛑 That being said, we all know an "almond mom" or two that has a hard time with keeping unhelpful or harmful thoughts to themselves. Here is an example of how you can stick up for your kid this holiday season - this can also look like: 🩷 shutting down any commenting on bodies period 🩷 no negative self talk about our own bodies 🩷 being mindful that food is not a reward or something you have to restrict - 🩷 that if you're having a hard time with your body image, projecting that into your kids in any way is unfair and can do damage - be mindful of how you speak this holiday season

Sometimes our extended family can really want physical connection with our kids - that doesn't mean they are entitled to it. It's not rude to decline physical contact, it actually teaches kids about consent AND can help prevent abuse later on in life. Our very own @the.momchat demonstrates some helpful tips here for how to navigate this, including: 🩷 set expectations ahead of time if you can! 🩷 be calm in response 🩷 you can explain as much or as little as you want about why your child is or is not engaging with them 🩷 friendly reminder to extended family - a child's way of interacting with you is way more about them and their comfort than what you want - it's likely not even about you or your relationship with them. When you respect a child's bodily autonomy you make yourself an even safer and loving presence in their life

"The gut reaction to self reflect is the mark of a good parent." 🎤 🤯 Okay, so maybe this isn't so earth shattering for you. But here is the deal - good parenting doesn't mean getting it right all the time. It means you are willing to show up, roll up those sleeves, and eat a slice of humble pie every now and then. We CANT always get it right - but when we are willing to self reflect (and take feedback from our kids or others who love and support us/our children) we stand to be the greatest parents ever, because we are willing to show up with loving intention. That is magical parenting 🙌 #parenting #momsofinstagram #bergenmom #bergenmama #bergencounty #allendalenj #oradellnj #support #reflection #anxiousmoms #perinatal #postpartum #parenthood #learning #njmom #njdad #fatherhood #generationaltrauma #healing

SAVE THE DATE 📅 We are SO pumped to share we are hosting a Sensory Friendly Sound in December with @saddleriversong - be sure to follow Ms Carly for when registration opens 🩵🎤🙌

As a practice we strive to be welcoming and inclusive of all at our practice! We want to acknowledge transgender awareness week as a result to honor the lived experiences of trans youth who are struggling with their identity and looking for spaces to understand themselves. Some great resources that support trans youth and their families as well as advocate for policies to protect them: 🩵 @trevorproject 🩷 @pflag 🩵 @translifeline 🩷 @transyouthequalityfoundation 🩵 @aclu_nationwide 🩷 @gender_inclusive_schools

With the holidays coming, the team at @aworkofheart_counseling has started putting together some videos on examples of how to handle family members who may push boundaries or buttons! Up first - a relative who takes issue with your kids' behavior (pssttt...we're talking especially about our neurospicy kiddos who may struggle with their volume, not want to sit at the table to eat, or simply engage in activities in ways that other adults may find different/strange). We hope this reel gives you some examples of things you might feel comfortable saying to a relative who doesn't get it. You may *want* to say something way more intense than this but we hope the reels we share this month to kick off our Thanksgiving boundaries series give you tangible ideas for scenarios you may encounter this holiday season NOTE: this is strictly a parody and not based on any of our relatives or any real clients but based on themes and struggles we hear about in our offices! Instagram isn't therapy 🩵✌🏻 #parenting #millenialmoms #genx #boomers #authoritarianparents #authoritativeparenting #generationaltrauma #neurodivergence #autism #adhd #neurospicy

Congrats to @the.momchat on your NYS licensure coming through! Officially able to see clients in both NY & NJ 🩵

November is #menshealthmonth - did you know that 1 in 10 dads experience postpartum depression, anxiety, and other mood/anxiety disorders? Swipe to learn more and help end the stigma on men seeking mental health care 🩵 #ppd #ppa

Stress can be range from minor (and even a little helpful!) to chronic and toxic! This Stress Awareness week, take some time to reflect on ways you can destress and slow down 🩵

Caregiving is hard work! Many Americans are feeling the squeeze of being the "sandwich generation" right now, aka being squeezed in caregiving roles between their children and their aging parents. But caregiving is also really challenging for: 🩵 new parents with infants and toddlers 🩵 special needs parents 🩵 adult children caring for aging parents 🩵 siblings caring for a disabled sibling 🩵 spouses caring for an ill partner 🩵 children who are unexpectedly thrust into parentified roles If you could use support to navigate caregiving, reach out to our office who is here to help you through ➡️ link 🔗 in bio to set up an appointment or call us at 551-233-2310 #mentalhealth #caregiving #support

Halloween 🎃 is supposed to be a fun holiday but we all know it can also bring about a decent amount of stress, guilt and anxiety! Swipe to read some important reminders this trick or treat 👻 day, and don't forget that 1 holiday doesn't define your parenting journey or your child's relationship with you.

A huge CONGRATS to @karakushnir_therapist on the news that she is now officially certified as an EMDR Therapist! The requirements for this rigorous certification include: - Completing an EMDRIA approved Basic Training (20 hours + 10 hours of consultation) - Conducting at least 50 EMDR sessions with 25 clients - 20 hours of EMDR consultation with an EMDR Consultant™ in EMDR - 2 Letters of Recommendation from Colleagues - 12 hours of EMDRIA Continuing Education Credits Kara will need to continue to pursue continuing education in EMDR every 2 years (12 hours) to maintain her certification, and hopes to continue to use this modality to support trauma survivors and those struggling with anxiety related to trauma, including children, adults and women in the perinatal period. "Thank you to all of my clients who have trusted me to provide them care while I pursued this certification! This is the highest level of certification possible for me through EMDRIA at this time, and I am grateful to be able to provide sound, evidence based care through EMDR." ❤️ #emdr #traumatherapy #emdriaapproved #certified #emdrcertifiedtherapist #perinataltrauma #medicaltrauma #njtherapist

We are so excited to be offering this FREE group on November 13th at Blooming Buddies in North Haledon! Join us for a complimentary group for mom and littles (0-12m) focused on postpartum mental health/support and learning ways to regulate that not only support your wellness but your baby's! Registration is free, but required! Link in bio for A Work of Heart/QR code to join! #postpartumsupport #perinatalmentalhealth #ppd #ppa #pocd #supportmoms #thevillageexists

It's still such a *pinch me* moment when I realize my book is being purchased across the country! Today I sent a shipment to an incredible family owned book store in NJ, and the feeling of joy was palpable. I wrote this book so other moms who were feeling just like I had - struggling in early motherhood, or even with their second or third babies - knew they weren't alone. The reception this little "book for mama's disguised as a children's book" has received has been incredible and I'm beyond excited to keep sharing it! If you haven't snagged a copy yet, head to the link 🔗 in the bio and grab one today (and maybe gift one to a mom or mom to be in your life who could stand to learn the power of trusting yourself and your strength in motherhood!!) I wrote this book not just for the moms, but our babies - reading this book to my own son has been quite emotional and I hope it resonates with you in a deeply personal way #postpartum #childrensbookauthor #trustyourself #pocd #ppa #ppd #perinatalmentalhealth

@oradellkids and @grpublicschoolsnj raffle winners for Amazon gift cards! Check your inboxes later! 🩵 ☕️

We had such a fun morning at the @oradellkids 5k this morning! We are so proud of our therapists who ran in the race and all of the amazing runners 🏃🏻 and we're grateful to be a sponsor + share our services with the community 🩵 our therapist, @angelabuck_lcsw also brought her puppy Reynolds- therapy dog 🐕 in training! #communityfirst #oradell #riveredge #paramusnj #forthekids #mentalhealth #families #support #localresource

October is also #ADHD awareness month and as a practice that supports kids, women and parents we talk about the importance of understanding ADHD and how it affects people differently quite often! We also lovingly refer to ADHD'ers as "neurospicy" to reduce stigma and challenge stereotypes that people with ADHD are less intelligent are capable. In fact, we're encountered some of the most brilliant and amazing kids and adults with adhd! Hope you learn something new about this diagnosis today 🧠 . . . #adhd #adhdawareness #adhdwomen #adhdmom #neurodivergent #neurospicy #executivefunctioning

The 17 diapers trend I am beginning to see on social is so disheartening - the fact that a new mom got so much 💩 for literally struggling to take care of her child because she herself may be struggling, is deplorable. We need to do better. If you want to see content that supports new moms, give us a follow. And if you're in NJ, reach out for support 🩵 we will never judge you for what you're carrying

Today we shine a light on all of the babies lost too soon and their parents, who deserve to be held with the utmost love and support 🩵 🕯️ we will be lighting a candle in honor of all of them today

It's that time of year! @201magazine Best of Bergen nominations are open and we would be thrilled and forever grateful if you'd consider nominating A Work of Heart Counseling for best "Alternative/Complimentary Medicine Service" under the "Health & Beauty" category! The link 🔗 is in our bio and 👇🏼 below for you to do so 🩵 your support means the world and we are so grateful to our clients and community for their trust in us! https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/local/201-mag/2024/10/01/best-of-bergen-2025-poll-vote/75394699007/ . . #bestofbergen #mentalhealthcare #maternalmentalhealth #pediatricmentalhealth #pediatrics #pregnancy #postpartum #perinatal #womenshealth #womenandchildren #support #bergenmom

If you haven't, you have to head to the link in our story or @kdelventhal_lcsw and listen to her podcast episode 🎧 with @inspiredbyjacqueline - their conversation is so important, especially during #pregnancyandinfantlossawareness month given that so many women navigating infertility have experienced loss in many forms. We need to honor and include #infertilitywarriors in the perinatal mental health space and help them find providers trained by @asrm_org and @postpartumsupportinternational - parents deserve that 🩵 head to the link below 👇🏼 and have a listen! 👂 https://open.spotify.com/episode/1HBo9Zeu3XOryWSV9ag5Lm?si=SbiJ47seQnmbfnQIE3o9Kw&t=897

OCD recovery is possible - it just means different things to different people! 🩵

It's world mental health day 🩵 how can you be kind to your mind? #mentalhealthawareness #maternalmentalhealth #pediatrics #perinatal #postpartum #pregnancy #infertility #ocd #anxiety #childhoodtrauma #depression #griefandloss #throughthedarkness

We are so grateful to our clients when they share their experiences with us! 🩵 we strive to be a safe, affirming and inclusive space for families.

We are going strong with our posts for #ocdawareness and wanted to share some facts about #pediatricocd including how it looks and how it's treated! Swipe to read and learn more 🩵 Did you know we have several therapists on our team trained in the diagnosis and treatment of ocd? Reach out if this post resonates and you'd like your child to be seen! . . . #bergencountymoms #bergencountynj #bergenmama #parents #parenting #anxiety #obsessions #compulsions #fear #supportkids #ocdkids #iocdf @iocdf @pandasnetworkofficial

One of the things I believe in wholeheartedly is that trauma is more pervasive than we realize and that folks living with #ocd who also have experienced trauma (and I'd argue, far more so - in fact according to the National Institute of Health up to 41% of people with PTSD may also have OCD, and up to 19% of people with OCD may also have PTSD) are more common than the exception. what is even more concerning is how few clinicians truly know how to treat them both well, and the need for this to change so that people can be diagnosed and treated sooner and more effectively - especially new moms who experience both! It's why integrative care and nuanced therapeutic approaches are critical for folks with both diagnoses (in my opinion). The sad part is, diagnosis for both takes far too long on average which means people are suffering. We have to do better! If you're unsure if you have either diagnosis, there's no better way to find out than to start seeing a therapist trained in #ocd and #ptsd 🩵

#OCD awareness month requires us to shine a light 💡 on #perinatalocd aka OCD During pregnancy and postpartum! Swipe to learn more and dispel some myths 🩵 shoutout to @iocdf and @postpartumsupportinternational for 2 of the great graphics in this slide deck!

October is #ocdawareness month and we will be sharing a ton of info and resources on OCD - ranging from pediatric to perinatal - this week! 🩵 #ocd #anxiety #intrusivethoughts #mood #perinatalocd #postpartumocd #goodmomshavescarythoughts

You never know what it feels like to parent an #autistic or #nonspeaking child, and it comes with celebrating the smallest wins and feeling the pain of the biggest blows. This morning when my son saw his classmate and yelled "Hi (name)!" his peer walked up to him, made brief eye contact and kept going. My son didn't care, he was so happy he was there. I had a brief exchange with his mom, and as soon as I shared how much my son tells me he's excited to see her son, I could feel the sting. My son can talk, hers isn't communication verbally. It was likely painful. It also reminded me how critical it is to make those awkward and hard moments valid while acknowledging that while a child doesn't speak it doesn't mean they have any less value or worth. This brief exchanged was maybe 60 seconds on our respective ways, but I suspect it stuck with her, as it did with me, for various reasons. I hope she knows the value we see in her son, and that more parents venture out to remind the parents of non speaking littles how welcome they are. Inclusion and connection matter and are massive. 🩵 #autism #nd #autismparenting #disabilityparenting #intellectualdisabilities #developmentaldisabilities #bergenmama

Sometimes we think #grief is supposed to look a certain way. I have recently been reflecting on this a lot - I have several clients navigating grief journeys and I often reflect on my own experiences with loss and how I grief when I'm thinking about their care + what they need out of therapy. Today I was missing someone important and took the time out of my day to remember them and it made me wish I could visit my grandpa. He gave me great life advice with his Archie Bunker vibes and business savvy. He died in 2020, and I miss our chats with coffee. I think maybe that's why it's one of my "things", coffee was always in the pot in my house growing up, and we'd chat over a cup call the time. Today, I let myself miss him and brought the coffee. I'm sure people thought it was a tad odd to see a grown woman sitting with coffee and talking to a headstone, but I don't really care. Grief has no image - it is so nuanced in its shades, we cannot determine it for anyone but ourselves. In your loss journey, whether it be a pregnancy or infant loss, the loss of a child, a parent, sibling, grandparent or friend - know that however you choose to grieve or connect with loved ones, I will never judge you. Spirituality has a huge place in grief, and we honor what that looks like in every form - including cemetery cold brew and chats about life. 🩵 #griefandloss #pail #griefhasnoend #griefhasnocorrectway

October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month 🩵🩷 we want you to know you are not alone and that help is out there. Trauma informed and grief focused therapists with specialized training in perinatal loss are here to support you at our practice. #perinatalloss #infantloss #stillbirth #stillborn #stillamama #stilladad

Check out our latest newsletter sent out this morning! Make sure you're subscribed at the link in our bio 🩵🩷🧡

We have a winner! Thank you to @bergenmomsnetwork and @therocklandcountymoms for having us as sponsors and helping destigmatize mental health! 🩵

Just had the most amazing chat with @thebirthtrauma_mama on the intersection of #OCD and #Trauma today - 🩷 still absolutely taking in that I get to have these conversations and support new parents every day. I am so grateful she was willing to share my book as a resource with her listeners! If you are interested in getting a copy of the book before the episode airs, head to the link in bio and grab one on Amazon! #postpartumocd #postpartumanxiety #postpartumtrauma #ptsd #birthtrauma #bergencountynj #mentalhealthformoms

We had a great morning with @bergenmomsnetwork and @therocklandcountymoms sharing out all we offer to kids, teens and parents in Bergen County and beyond! So nice to see so many other businesses that came especially some we know, like @elements_psych @bls_physical_therapy @speechtherapyconnections and @saddleriversong and meeting some new ones like @iam.charmed and @partygirlbraids - thank you for all you did! Shout out to my team and especially Susan and Kristen who came to share all we do 🩵

I recently had somebody challenge me on how hard it must be to be a therapist. "You just listen to people talk all day. How hard can that be?" I take my job so incredibly seriously, and I also recognize it is a privilege to sit with people in the depth of their pain, fear, and grief. As a practice that supports children and adult adults, we hear and see things that so many do not. We get a front row seat into some of the hardest moments of people's lives and we pick up the pieces that the front line folks encounter in hospitals, DCPP calls, and in the grown up kids who were never identified as experiencing trauma because they and their family hid it so well. Therapy is a sacred space and the most important part of the therapeutic process is the relationship with your therapist. I made this reel because it's so important that you know that we recognize the sanctity of your lived experiences, honesty and trust in us. With a grateful heart, thank you for trusting us. And thank you to every other therapist doing the hard work 🩵 #therapy #mentalhealth #anxiety #trauma #ptsd #ocd #depression #autism #adhd #parenting #burnout #compassionfatigue #complexptsd

I was sitting in bumper to bumper the other day when I felt the urgency sink in...then I paused and thought, why is this traffic here? Road work? A detour? It was an accident. This really made me pause - we are often in such a rush and in our urgency to get to the next thing we can become so irritated when we are forced to slow down. Guess what - it doesn't serve us to always go so fast. I thought of all the times I felt frustrated I had to wait a little longer in a waiting room, or sat in the traffic, or just felt inconvenienced by something. I recognized how so often the people on the couch across from me were part of what caused the slow down - the accident, the diagnosis, the loss, the child having a meltdown. And while I've also been these people - many of us have - we still sometimes neglect to slow down and pause to recognize our gratitude for our inconvenience when we aren't the one in the room or the car. When you're rushing through life these days and are forced to a halt, consider if maybe the universe is giving you a chance to witness the reality that you aren't living and how lucky you are to not be that person right now. You never know what someone is carrying, what the therapist or doctor held space for before you walk in, or what that cop giving you a ticket for helped clean up just hours before. Perspective matters, and so does kindness. So the next time you're held up, your coffee isn't exactly how you want it, or you are running late, consider that maybe you're right on time or in a lucky position to have that be your greatest challenge of the day. Let this be a Wednesday reminder to slow down, be gentle with yourself and others, and recognize how grateful we can be when we consider how our inconvenience might be a mirror for our privilege. #thoughtsfromthecouch #therapist #njmom #bergenmama

Take a minute to notice what you need to hear - it isn't any less important if you say it to yourself 🩵 it just means you recognize your greatness and worth Our self talk can reflect and/or become our inner worth, and we can instill this inner wealth to kids with how we speak to them #affirmations #mentalhealth #bergencountynj #therapist

Movement & Mental Health: a conversation on the mind/body connection when it comes to preparing for birth, postpartum and healing from trauma. You can never have too many people in your village, but having folks who understand the mind-body connection is critical! Thank you to all who tuned in and we hope you'll find this helpful if you watch the replay 🩷🏃‍♀️

Join practice director @karakushnir_therapist of @aworkofheart_counseling and exercise specialist / licensed massage therapist, Rachael of @alignmovement_therapy discuss the connection between mental and physical health, how pain can signal more than just physical distress or injury, and how connecting with your body in somatic forms of therapy can actually mitigate pain! We will be specifically chatting about why this is so important for women as well! Join us tomorrow at 2:30pm via IG LIVE! 🩷✌🏻🏃‍♀️

Congrats to our winner!

Sometimes we just need to do SOMETHING to make us feel the slightest bit better, cleaner, organized and more aligned. One of my go to strategies is to clean out my purse. Not only does it make me feel better but it literally helps me function better because I can find things! It's a form of behavior activation for #depression because it literally accomplishes a responsibility and also a want/major accomplishment for many all at once. It can also alleviate anxiety by making one feel more centered and organized. It also doesn't hurt to laugh at the random squishy or other item you find in there! 🤣 it doesn't have to be your purse - can also be a backpack, diaper bag, briefcase, cross body, locker, a drawer or your closet! So clean out the purse 👜 you will be glad you did! #selfcarehacks #glimmer #smallthings #mentalhealth #maternalmentalhealth #perinatal #postpartum #parenthood #mom #momlife #depression #anxiety #ndparenting #bergencounty #bergenmama #postpartumdepression

Come stop by the @ramseyfarmersmarket today to meet with some of our therapists, grab some resources and goodies and enter to win a free raffle! We are so proud to be a sponsor of this amazing community organization every year and grateful we could come share our resources with kids, teens and new moms!

Back to school time 🚌 is a big transition and with that can come big feelings! Something we cannot stress enough at A Work of Heart is the importance of us not just taking care of little people, but also their big people, so they can take care of their littles with greater confidence and effectiveness! One very important strategy for this is co-regulation! This is the process of taking time to first regulate ourselves and then supporting regulating with (modeling and practicing) various techniques that support soothing the nervous system. Why this matters so much? A regulated child can hear you more, will collaborate with you more effectively, and will feel less shamed or agitated. This is crucial to fostering healthy communication and problem solving as a team rather than creating power struggles, crying, or arguing. So next time your child is having hard time (Remember that - not giving you a hard time!) try one of these strategies! . . . #coregulation #traumainformedparenting #emdr #dbt #tfcbt #parenting #modernparents #collaborativeproblemsolving #parentsupport #mentalhealth #bergencountymoms #bergencountynj #allendalenj #oradellnj #supportnotshame

Real talk as we remember 9/11. We need to honor the nuances of grief, trauma and pain. They can intersect in a twisty painful dance, and the only way through is through. So let's make the journey a little easier by being kind and mindful more than on anniversaries but also, especially on anniversaries of all kinds❤️🤍 💙 #grief #trauma #neverforget

September is a month of so many important things including #natioanlrecoverymonth - while we aren't a practice that specializes in substance use, we encounter it in our teen and adult clients more than we hope. #selfmedicating is far too common, and we hope to both educate and empower our clients to access more adaptive coping skills. It's never too late to get help!

💛 you CAN make a difference in the life of a child battling cancer - here is how! 🔗 link in our bio to donate to @friends_of_jj - a 501c3! #childhoodcancerawareness #pediatriccancer #fcancer #gogoldforchildhoodcancer #gogold🎗 #gogoldinseptember

💛September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month and we have been invited to participate in an incredible initiative facilitated by @friends_of_jj - please swipe and consider donating to this amazing cause! The link 🔗 is in our bio! Just $50 will bring joy to a child battling cancer at @memorialsloankettering - we can't do this without you. A huge shoutout to @jesspressplaypod for making me aware of this amazing organization so that I could help participate in their work in some small way. Mental health matters, and small gifts and activities, resources and tools can make a big impact in the life of a sick child 🧒 🩷🩵

Back by popular demand! Postpartum Unplugged - a group for new moms to gather and get support! Link is in bio to register 🩵 #postpartumsupport #connect #mentalhealthmatters

This #suicidepreventionawarenessmonth we are sharing some resources specific to talking about suicide and resources to access help if you're in crisis. Help is out there and you are not alone! Please reach out to one of these lines if you need support, and follow along for important PSAs and insight into suicide prevention

A beacon of hope for new moms, and a pillar of excellence in perinatal wellness in our office, Bergen County and across the state, we are so proud to share that @erinsmithlcsw also recently joined the @psinjchapter board as the secretary - she is an integral part of keeping communication flowing between board members, and she's been absolutely crushing it during trainings and outreach efforts to promote perinatal mental health initiatives in our state. Congratulations, Erin! We are so proud of you! 🫶🏻👏🏻

"Very excited to share that as of August 1st, I stepped into the role of Chair of @psinjchapter as a volunteer and support to the work being done by PSI NJ! If you aren't familiar with PSI, please head to their website at postpartum.net to learn about all of the free resources available to new parents and training opportunities for providers to enrich their work in perinatal mental health! You can read more about how my personal and professional experience led me to this path as I share in my excitement, moving from Education & Training chair, to Chair of the Board. As we know, parental mental health is in crisis in our country and it's so important that we support the mental health of parents at the beginning of their journey🩵" - Kara Kushnir, LCSW, PMH-C

Being a parent is HARD - and with youth mental health in crisis in this country, it's no shock parents are struggling too. A big part of our philosophy at the practice is that we must also support the parents of the kids we serve in order to help families be healthy in totality. We cannot look at kids as separate entities from their families but part of a greater system. Parents are a foundation of a family system and whether it's a mom, dad, grandparent or a relative doing the parenting, parent is a verb and a noun that demands significant responsibility. If you are a parent struggling, please reach out. We see you. We hear you. Your needs are just as valid as anyone else's 🩵 we're here to support you, too. #parents #maternalmentalhealth #strugglingmom #strugglingdad #mentalhealthawareness #families

Huge thank you to @valleyhospitalnicu @valleyhosptial for allowing us to come in and offer a Lunch & Learn today in partnership with @partnership_mch and @psinjchapter 🩵 it was wonderful to share resources and information with your #NICU and #laboranddelivery nurses and social workers! We can't wait to continue supporting your families and staff! As a former NICU mom of Valley, and birth trauma survivor, training a team on things I've experienced and saying thank you for all they did to help me through was truly healing. It was a full circle moment to leave my book behind for NICU moms to read, and I never expected the emotion I felt when I toured the new, incredible NICU and saw the eyes of familiar nurses who I will never forget. While my nicu journey was brief it was unexpected and changed me, and I'm grateful to the support and warmth I received. Giving back is healing. 🩵 #support #pmhd #pmads #ppa #ppd #birthtrauma #recovery #postpartum

Be mindful. Be demure. Be cutesy. 💖 Take the time for yourself however and whenever you can, because doing too much ain't the look, moms and dads 😉 . . . #selfcare #selfcareisntselfish #parents #mom #dad #postpartum #parenting #njmom #demure #mindful #millenialmom #millenialdad #slowdown #takecare #practicewhatyoupreach @bergenmomsnetwork @therocklandcountymoms @njmom

This time of year is where we all start to get ready to go back to school 🏫 and a lot can come up for both kids and parents! Swipe to read some tips to help you prepare 🩵 #mentalhealth #backtoschool #septemberiscoming #childtherapy #teens #kids #njtherapist #njchildtherapy

We are so excited to announce the re-launch of a monthly support group specifically for parents of children with disabilities! Being facilitated by @the.momchat - Brittany Gallagher, LCSW, PMH-C of @aworkofheart_counseling this group will offer space and support to parents of kids with disabilities from birth to 21 years old. Registration is required and space is limited - there is no commitment, each session will run monthly and have a drop in fee. Given the group is a support group and not therapy, anyone can join in the US, though we will often have more resources for parents in NJ/NY! #parentingjourney #disabilityinclusion #disabilityparenting #iepmeeting #parentsupport #neurodiversity #cerebralpalsy #downsyndrome #adhd #autism #autismmom #dadlife #momlife @bergenmomsnetwork @bergen_life @newjerseyfamily @bergenliving_bvm Link in bio to register and below: Calendly.com/kara-kushnir-lcsw/parentsupport

Another example of why I wrote this book 📕 today I took a few copies of the book to the post office 💌 and while there the man at the counter started asking me about. He shared that his wife had #PPD 20 years ago with their 3rd child, and she was so ashamed to talk about it, especially since it was her 3rd - "she knew how to do this! Why?!" it took her 3 years to get the help she needed. As a dad and husband, he knew she needed help and he wanted the best for her. He said if more moms had known the resources and this was shared, we could've saved lives. He's completely right. You never know who needs to know they're doing their best and you see it - that's what gifting this book can do. Cheers to the 3 mamas I sent this to this morning - I hope it reminds you of your greatness 🩵 @livingfullaftered @courage_in_time happy mail coming your way 🤗 #ppd #ppa #postpartumjourney #getpostpartumsupport #mama #mamasthoughts #parentingjourney

As I sat here making my bagged salad and microwave potatoes for dinner, I felt that familiar voice: The ***inner critic*** judging me for this meal and how little I put into it, how it's so similar to what we have eaten this week, and for wanting to keep it simple because I am exhausted 😴 We all have that inner critic! Turns out, women and moms often have very loud ones. We are here to remind you that doing your best (hello nourishment via bagged salad) is more important than being "the best" (whatever TF that means?!) This is one small example, I get it. But think about how many small decisions you agonize over on the daily - bet you are WAY more acquainted with that critical inner voice than you realize. It sounds like self doubt, anxiety, obsessing, depression, and more. The good news is, you don't have to keep that mindset, and we are here to help you learn how to make the shift. DM us if you'd like to learn more about how we can help you! We are happy to verify insurance benefits at no obligation or charge, and we serve women in NJ, PA, FL & SC as well as their kids 👩‍🦱👩🏼‍🦳👩🏻‍🦱👩🏾‍🦱👧 🧒 👦 #motherhood #expectations #feminist #womensupportingwomen #goodenoughmother #postpartum #fourthtrimester #stress #anxiety #ocd #njtherapist #therapistnearme #bergencountymom #parenting #parent #begentlewithyourself #innercritic #partswork #ifs #emdr #trauma

I am still getting *pinch me* vibes as I flip through this short book - not because I think it's so great (though I am swooning over @bridgetbickdraws illustrations forever and how beautifully she captured the narrative I had in mind), but because when I read this I know two things: 🩵 I have been able to create something that would've helped me, and may help countless other moms as they begin their journey - If it helps just one, then it's all worth it 🩵 this wouldn't have been possible without the brave women who shared themselves with me- both friends/ family and clients. I am in awe of you every day Consider grabbing a copy - it may be good for your soul, and it may be a comfort and provide hope to a new or expectant mama when she needs it on a dark sleepless night when she's doubting herself. 🔗 in bio and below ⬇️ Mama's Thoughts: https://a.co/d/0jEYmTv #pregnancy #postpartum #perinatalmentalhealththerapist #postpartumdepression #postpartumanxiety #ppa #ppd #ppocd #ocd #obsessivecompulsivedisorder #trauma #birthtrauma #nicumama #hope #healing #motherhood #matrescence #mamasthoughts

A few of us at @aworkofheart_counseling recently watched some hilarious clips of parody therapy sessions but it got us thinking about what therapy should not look like (yet often does). After hearing some pretty awful stories from people recently about experiences with providers in various fields (healthcare of all kinds!) we wanted to demonstrate how therapy should NOT sound - if any of this looks or sounds familiar, please don't walk - RUN! You deserve to work with someone who hears you and validates your experience. When you know better, you can seek better! Have you had negative experiences similar to any of these with a provider before?

‼️ New Social Skills Group forming for Fall! ⏺️ Grades 3-6 ⏺️ Allendale/Oradell office TBD! ⏺️ Neurodivergent Affirming, group is appropriate for children who are speaking or can actively utilize AAC to participate ⏺️ Each session will involve Games and Activities to foster communication, play and relationships ⏺️ Email admin@aworkofheartcounseling.com to join our interest list! #childtherapy #neurodiverse

The moment we've been waiting for - 🥁 it's finally here!!! "Mama's Thoughts" is available now on Amazon! This is a book inspired by @karakushnir_therapist experiences, personally and professionally, in perinatal mental health and wellness - created so that every new mom can begin to see herself through her baby's eyes and trust herself 🩵 . This book is an easy read at bed time, and simultaneously a call to witness to the struggles of new moms everywhere, as well as how important it is for them not to miss their greatness through the eyes of their babies. I have had the privilege of speaking to countless new moms in their journey towards becoming a mother - I hope the nuanced diversity of maternal experiences in these pages provides validation, insight and a light for you on your own mama journey. Know you are so much more than you might believe or give yourself credit 🩵 when you read the pages to your child, know you'll be reading them to yourself, just as much! . Consider gifting this book to an expecting mom, a new mom or even yourself! I think you'll see yourself in the pages 🩵 special thank you to every client who in some way informed this book, my son for showing me the way, and the powerhouse of women who demonstrate the greatness of motherhood on a daily basis. This one is for you 🩵 link 🔗 is in bio to purchase now! 🤗 Mama's Thoughts: https://a.co/d/8BtAsWz If you would like to leave a review, DM me for an author's copy - I will be able to share them on a limited basis 🤗 #childrensbook #parentingbook #postpartum #parenting #ppa #ppd #postpartumdepression #postpartumanxiety #newmom #fourthtrimester #believeinyourself #ocd #scarythoughts #goodmomshavescarythoughts

Congratulations @karakushnir_therapist and @kdelventhal_lcsw on being named NJ Kids Top Docs for over 4 years in a row! Thank you to all of our clients who have trusted us with their care/their children and nominated us 🩵

Have you ever wanted to have the space to talk and get out of your house, but felt like you shouldn't or weren't allowed to bring baby with you to a doctors appointment? That's what separates us from other kinds of care and providers - your baby is always welcome here. One of the best parts of my job is developing a safe space for new parents where - if they need (and ONLY with their permission or at their request) I can take some of the care of baby off their plate for an hour so they can just talk and process. I have the capacity to give you attention and great clinical care while rocking a baby - and being able to see that you can be cared for while baby is still being cared for can set in place a very powerful image and reminder that that is possible and allowed. YOU matter mama - don't ever let child care struggles stop you from seeing us at @aworkofheart_counseling 🩵 babies are welcome 🤗

It's International #SelfCare day! How are you honoring it?! Let us know below ⬇️

Summer brings the stress of trying to occupy kids who aren't in school/too little for camps or other programs...thus what happened to me this morning and led to this recipe! COLD BREW FOR MOMS: 1. Make any coffee of your choice - drips, espresso, pour over 2. Get preoccupied with 537 other tasks to do 3. Get interrupted to stop your toddler from unintentionally un-aliving themselves 4. Find figurines in your now room temp/slightly cold, brewed coffee 5. Give up and go to your local coffee shop. My favorite is @pourcityroasters - where I'll actually get the best cold brew I can (and NEED) to function after a long day ✌🏻 ☕️ 🩵 There ya have it! Also, I hope this made you chuckle - we just have to laugh through life sometimes, it is very good medicine 🩵 #therapisthumor #momlife #njkidstopdocs #njmom #bergencountymom #caffeinatedmama #bergencountycoffee #bergenmama #rocklandmoms #waynemoms #bergencountytherapist #postpartum #toddlermomlife #momsrunoncoffee

Hanging out today at @wrtsbergen for a FREE family night at the gym and resource fair! Stop by for fun and a chance to win a gift card 🩵 Excited to be here with some amazing providers: @yourzenbabysleep @flourishchiropractic @thegoodnight_nurse @speechtherapyplusllc @bls_physical_therapy

Congratulations to @karakushnir_therapist on this recognition from @njbiz as one of the 2024 people to watch in healthcare this year! Kara has worked tirelessly to support the mental health of children, teens, pregnant and postpartum parents, and to drive change in various volunteer positions, including serving on the board of @psinjchapter - head to the 🔗 in bio to read more 🩵 #healthcare #mentalhealth #perinatalmentalhealth #postpartum #author #childtherapist #teentherapy #njmom #njkidstopdocs #bergencountynj #bergenmama #northjersey

Today in our #swifties group our girls made some worry stones/stones of strength - each made 1 to keep as a reminder for themselves of something they can hold and ground with or look at and send any hard stuff/big feelings to, and the other they made to place somewhere in their neighborhood or somewhere important to them so that they could share the kindness and positive emotions they would want to feel more of on a hard day - kinda like Tay would do! 🫶🏻 #fearless #kindness #girlsgroup #swifties

After seeing #insideout2 I have some thoughts to share - what do you think about these insights and what did you think about the movie? Share your feedback below! ⬇️ . . . #insideout #therapistreacts #njkidstopdocs #trauma #emdr #anxiety #joy #nobadparts #emotions #parenting #njmom #njparent #pamom #flmom #insideout2 #pixar #disney #njtherapist #traumatherapy #ifs #partswork

A new baby brings many new things as well as lots of people who want to visit! Here are some helpful tips and reminders of what helpful visits to new parents can actually look like: 🥘 bring food or coffee, and don't expect to come in with it - drop off/door dash works great 👍 accept a new parents boundaries and wishes 🩵 celebrate all their hard work with feeding, navigating sleep, and all they are learning about themselves 👶🏻 help with baby or siblings - give parents a chance to sleep or shower, or do laundry or clean 🧼 for them! Above all else, hold space for new parents for whatever they're feeling

Voting is still open for @newjerseyfamily #njkidstopdocs - your biggest thank is recognizing your child or teens therapist for all they do to support your child 🩵 link is in bio to vote! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGFzTb1_OUH_mB2iRfaPUY6reH5ZY8om6uOxRi7KQ_JOFbfQ/viewform?pli=1

Have you ever tried to take up meditation but deciding on an app as a tool felt impossible? Read the latest article we were featured in sharing 15 of the top + free #meditation apps 🩵 Read the article at link 🔗 in bio or below 👇🏼 https://www.wellandgood.com/free-meditation-apps . . #mentalhealth #aworkofheart #momowned #bergencountynj #womenowned #bergenmoms #njmoms #bergenmamas #bergencountymoms #femaleowned #bergencountylocalbusiness #postpartumjourney #parenting #teammotherly #trauma #ocd #anxiety #perinatal #postpartum #pregnancy #infertility #motherhood #parenthood #stress #wellness #childhood #childtherapist #passaiccountynj #hudsoncountynj

Group updated, open to parents and littles 0-24 months! 🩵

Don't wait to finish your CEUs fellow social workers and counselors! Head to the link 🔗 in the bio to sign up for one or both of these low cost trainings!

A LOT of kids' parents ask to pause therapy over the summer - we get it, when school ends it can feel like all the problems do, too. But the problem with this mentality is that it affects progress in really significant ways. In fact, summer can be one of the BEST times to continue or begin to see a therapist - here are some reasons why! 1️⃣ Our challenges don't just magically go away in the summer - they may be less noticeable but when things feel calmer it can actually be the best time to do the work in therapy because we can be more regulated! 2️⃣ If you give up an afternoon/evening spot there's no guarantee you will get it back - therapists have to fill their caseloads to meet the needs of others who want to come in now (and therapists also can't survive on weeks to months of holding an open spot), so if you decide to pause, you may risk struggling to get that spot back in the fall when you realize your kiddo really needs it 3️⃣ summer offers a TON of flexibility including scheduling, how and where therapy is conducted and it provides more consistency during a less structured time of the year. This helps kids return to school in September often in a better place If you're looking for support for your child or teen and aren't sure where to begin, DM or email us at the link in our bio! We are here to help and summer is a great time to get started ☀️ . . . #childtherapy #teentherapy #njtherapist #anxiety #depression #ocd #trauma #bergenmama #bergencountymoms #bergencountydads #parenting #psychotherapy #playtherapy #cbt #dbt #njmom #parenthood #summerslowdown #thoughtsfromthecouch

A Work of Heart Counseling is thrilled to announce that we will be one of the vendors at the FREE Parent Resource Night on Thursday, July 18th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at We Rock the Spectrum, Paramus! Parents and guardians are welcome to bring their children for free, open play while getting the opportunity to speak with and meet local businesses that are an incredible resource for children and parenthood. . Reservations aren't required, but are welcome so we can know how many families to expect! Please check out the link in our bio. . @aworkofheart_counseling @speechtherapyplusllc @flourishchiropractic @thegoodnight_nurse @wrtsbergen @bls_physical_therapy

When you are a new parent it can be easy to feel alone in the middle of the night wakeups, scary thoughts and major adjustments your life is undergoing. This year's climb paid tribute to the fact that the village exists 🩵 we are so grateful and can't wait to see you again next year!

Another reason "why" 🩵 #neurodivergent #asd #autism #adhd #youareenough

Cheers to @njbiz Healthcare Hero Awards for 2024! I am so honored to be receiving an award on behalf of A Work of Heart, recognizing all we do for a parents, children and families. "It's hard work because it's heart work" - even more so excited to be here with one of my own heroes - Dr. Carly Gossard of @empoweredpelvichealth - so excited that two perinatal providers are being recognized at this major event 🩵🧠 and that mental health is represented and recognized!!!

Join us this summer for 2 different postpartum groups for parents of littles 0-12 on July 19th and August 16th (Moms & Dads welcome!) at @wisewonder_ridgewood who has graciously opened their space to us! Register for one or both groups. Link is in our bio to register - space is limited!!! NOTE: This is a shoe free space, so please wear or bring socks :) Group is free, so please only sign up if you can commit to coming so that spaces are available for parents in need of attending!

We are full of gratitude this morning for having been able to lead the climb for the 2nd year 🩵 it takes months of behind the scenes planning and coordination to make this event happen and we are so impressed by the outpouring of support. . We want all pregnant and postpartum parents to know that you are not alone - our trained perinatal mental health providers are here waiting for you and remind you that seeing a PMH-C/trained provider by @postpartumsupportinternational is so critical to getting the best quality mental healthcare in parenthood . Always remember "the village exists": @FieldDayParties @jessicajanephotography_NY @glcbusinesslaw @jenniferchoijewelry @Thejesspress_ @honeybeeshive__ @elements_psych @n_heid_consulting @charissahyongphotography @busybinkids @mamameetupsnj @expectingwell @paperstreetplay @juliana.fondacaro_pr @ValleyHealthSystemNJ Bergencountypediatricdentistry @bcpwn @coredynamicsphysicaltherapy @empoweredpelvichealth @enchantedmoonhairstudio @courage_in_time @BozzaYogaLittles @mamabear_pt @flourishchiropractic @pourcityroasters @fourthtrifoundations @society201salon @thenestingplacenjny @momentswirhmerry @bloombabydoulas @thecuriousreader @thetimelesstallow @bls_physical_therapy @shopthecraftykit @greenwildernessbirth @purrfectlybare @yourpathtoempowerment @valleysmilesnj @glaminatorbeauty @madisonaveobgyn @fringeandthings @littlepinkbowparties @yourzenbabysleep @beautifuljrcc

WE ARE MOVING THE EVENT DUE TO THE HEAT! Please share with all you can! 🌡️🩷

This was a rather calm and brief day but it shows a few things: 🩵Therapists are human too 🧠 We try to practice what we preach and also need to take care of ourselves Balance is tricky but there are some days we only see a few clients and that's more manageable 🤦🏻‍♀️ we are not immune to the same struggles and guilt as you!

Our very own Gabrielle Frankel is quoted in this important article from @parents written by @laurenbwestro exploring the impact puberty has on girls, and how that impact looks considering we are seeing puberty onset earlier and in conjunction with other mood and anxiety challenges that can make this developmental change even more challenging - but there are lots of things parents can do to support their kids, and Gabi offers wonderful insight!! Link 🔗 in our bio 🩷

A sneak peek of upcoming children's book (in bluey fashion, actually written for parents!), written by @karakushnir_therapist coming this fall- here is a glimpse into what the book will look like! The main premise of the book is this - no matter what your early motherhood looks like, trust yourself and know you matter 🩵

Wishing a happy Father's Day to all the dads, and hoping to remind you that you are just as deserving of support. 🩵 According to Mental Health America, 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety; unfortunately, less than half will receive treatment, and more than four times as many men as women die by suicide yearly 🩵According to the National Institute for Children's Health Quality, around 1 in 10 new fathers experience Paternal Postpartum Depression/Anxiety, and up to 16% deal with an anxiety disorder during the weeks before and after birth 🩵There’s an association between dads' mental health and the quality of their co-parenting relationships—dads who report mild or serious psychological distress are likelier to report lower-quality co-parenting relationships It doesn't have to be like this. Help is out there, you are not alone and there is no shame 🩵

Clinician, Gabrielle Frankel, recently supported a group of students from River Dell HS in creating a #pride playlist to celebrate pride as well as be a resource to turn to when reflecting on some of the challenges that lgbtq youth can experience as they navigate their identity <3 link in bio to have a listen! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0CIbBzJWSMcUWj5P8eazqj?si=56b4db123fe640c4 #pride #lgbtq #supportqueeryouth #gay #lesbian #trans #pridemonth

Join us today in Oakland at Valley MS for this wonderful resource fair organized by a local Girl Scout! We will have a raffle giveaway, some goodies for kids, and information about all we offer for children, teens, women and parents 🩵

Thank you so much @riverdellhighschool for having us today to share resources and connection for students in honor of #pridemonth 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ our clinician, Gabi Frankel, LSW, did an amazing job facilitating the creation of a pride playlist 🎵- thank you so much for having us!

Thank you @bergenliving_bvm for letting us showcase @climboutbergen in the June edition of Franklin Lakes Living magazine 🩵

Have you ever wondered what therapists do with small children in session? If can look very different than what you'd see in an adult or teen therapy session! While talk therapy can happen, many littles do better through play - something our child therapists love facilitating as a means of exploration and connection! Pictured here is Alison Driben, LSW, one of our child therapists who loves incorporating a ton of play based activities with her clients! She currently has openings - especially over the summer - so don't hesitate to reach out if your child could use some support. 🩵 #aworkofheart #childtherapy #playmatters #playtherapistofinstagram #bergencountymoms #bergenfamily #njkidstopdocs