Melanie Kern, LMSW

I specialize in working with families with children who have big, challenging, and sometimes scary behaviors in response to the world around them. This may look like meltdowns or tantrums, aggression, oppositional behaviors, manipulation or retaliation, difficulty with accountability, or shutting down. Parents often come to me feeling frustrated, lost, guilty, ashamed, or burnt out from years of trying to manage their child’s big emotions and behaviors. Usually, their children feel the same way. Together, we work on improving the ability of the child, the parent(s), and the family as a whole to regulate emotions, communicate effectively, and find joy in relating to each other. 

My approach draws from attachment theory, developmental psychology, parts work (Internal Family Systems), polyvagal theory, behavior management training, and play therapy. I have had training in Integrative Attachment Family Therapy (IAFT), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), Parent Management Training (PMT), Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), and EMDR, and I am currently training in Sensory-Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART). I am certified as a provider of  the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP). I have extensive experience working with children who have experienced trauma and children who are neurodiverse. 

I received my MSW from New York University. Over the past ten years, I have worked with children and families in a wide variety of settings, ranging from schools to day treatment programs to inpatient hospitals. Prior to joining Mindful Therapy Brooklyn, I worked as a child and family therapist at the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic at Bellevue Hospital. I offer family therapy and parent coaching for children ages 4 to 12 and their families. Please note that at this time, I do not offer individual therapy for children or adults. I would be glad to speak with you to determine whether I am a good fit for your family. I am available for a free 30-minute consultation via video conference. Please email me at melanie@mindfultherapybrooklyn.com to schedule.