Scarsdale Child + Teen Therapy
Ages 3 - 18
with Dahlia Kaufman, PhD,
Vini Zaninovic, LMSW &
Golda Fleishman, LMSW
Your child isn’t acting like themselves and you’re not sure how to help.
Maybe they’re melting down more often, snapping over little things, or retreating into themselves. You might hear from teachers that they’re struggling, or you’ve just noticed that the joy, confidence, or flexibility they used to have isn’t there right now.
Something feels stuck. As a parent, it’s confusing, frustrating, and exhausting to feel like nothing is working. And it’s heartbreaking to see your child struggling or in pain.
You’re not alone. And there’s child therapy to support you both.
Parents Come to Us When…
Emotions are out of control
Their child is sad, angry, or not themselves
Getting out the door is a struggle
School reports behavior concerns
Friendships are hard
A big event triggered a change
Nothing has worked
Our Therapy Meets Kids Where They Are
Children often struggle to express what they’re going through. That’s why we use therapeutic methods that help kids express, process, and develop new tools, whether that’s through play, emotion-focused work, or behavioral strategies.
Approaches We Use in Child Therapy
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Children express through play what they may not yet have words for. Play therapy allows us to enter their world gently, building trust and helping them process emotions and experiences in an age-appropriate way.
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CBT helps kids identify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors and learn more effective ways to respond to stress, frustration,
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We use DBT-informed tools to help children regulate intense emotions, increase distress tolerance, and improve interpersonal skills in a developmentally appropriate way.
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For children dealing with phobias or obsessive-compulsive behaviors, ERP helps them gradually face their fears and develop confidence in their ability to handle discomfort.
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PCIT strengthens the parent-child bond while improving behavior. You’ll learn to interact with your child in ways that increase cooperation, confidence, and emotional connection.
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We help parents develop consistent, positive strategies for managing challenging behavior at home without power struggles or guesswork.
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This parent-based treatment teaches caregivers how to reduce accommodations and respond effectively to anxiety-driven behaviors, supporting children without reinforcing their fears.
At our practice, we don’t just focus on the child. We support the family system too. You’ll gain insight into what your child is experiencing and feel more confident navigating tough moments with compassion and clarity.
Our Child & Teen Therapy Has Results
Therapy doesn’t just help your child feel better. It often brings more peace, connection, and clarity to the whole family. After working with us, parents notice real, meaningful shifts in their child’s emotional world and in family life overall.
You’ll likely notice:
Kids bounce back from frustrations more easily
Emotions feel less overwhelming at home and school
Fewer meltdowns, more communication
Friendships improve and feel easier to navigate
Home life feels calmer and more connected
Parents feel confident, supported, and no longer alone
Our Child Therapists
We know how hard it is to watch your child struggle and not know how to help.
Whether you're parenting a highly sensitive kindergartener, an anxious middle-schooler, or a withdrawn teen, our child therapists are here to support your child and you.
Vini Zaninovic, LMSW
Child Therapist in Scarsdale | Ages 3–18
Vini helps children and teens feel safe, empowered, and better able to navigate life’s emotional challenges.
I bring a warm, attuned, and strengths-based approach to therapy, helping kids express their emotions, process big experiences, and develop real tools to manage stress, frustration, or fear.
With training in CBT, TF-CBT, PCIT techniques, Play Therapy, and Family Therapy, I support children with trauma, anxiety, big transitions, and challenging behaviors. My background includes work at NYU’s Child Study Center, university research, foster care, and child advocacy. I’ll work closely with caregivers to create a supportive home environment and believe deeply in each child’s capacity for growth.
Golda Fleishman, LMSW
Teen Therapist | Ages 15+
Golda helps teens and parents navigate the complex emotional landscape of adolescence.
My style is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in a deep respect for clients’ resilience. With a background in both therapy and birth work, I bring a whole-person perspective to mental health, especially during big life transitions.
Much of my work with teens centers around anxiety, depression, identity questions, family conflict, or school-related stress. I integrate psychodynamic therapy, CBT, mindfulness, and somatic awareness into her work. And I bring experience as a public defender and a long-time yoga teacher to a deeply attuned presence with clients.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Child therapy isn’t just about fixing behavior, it’s about helping your child feel like themselves again.
Whether your child is having big emotions, trouble at school, or struggling after a major change, we’re here to support you both. You don’t need to have the answers.
Just a sense that something isn’t quite right is enough.
Let’s talk.