Child Matters - Therapy for Children
Where children thrive
while learning to cope with
life’s challenges
Hi, I’m Naama
Poker- Malkesman, LICSW.
As a therapist with twenty years of experience and a mom of two wonderful kids,
I truly believe that every child’s voice matters.
In my practice, I’ve seen again and again that real growth happens when children feel seen, heard, and accepted—and when parents feel supported and become more confident along the way.
I work with children (ages 0–14) and their families from diverse cultural backgrounds, offering psychotherapy and consultation in a warm, honest, and non-judgmental way.
I see parents and caregivers as essential partners in the process, and we communicate and work together every step of the way.
I’m here to work closely with your family.
Together, we can create a supportive, skill-building environment where your child can thrive emotionally, socially, and developmentally.
Reach out to me for a free consultation. Taking that first step can make a big difference—you don’t have to do this alone.
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My Specialties -
Real Tools. Real Change.
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CBT is a practical, skills-based therapy that helps children understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, we’ll build age-appropriate tools to manage big emotions, cope with worries, navigate challenges, and respond to difficult situations in more helpful ways. CBT combines understanding and acceptance with learning new skills and practicing them in everyday life. Through a supportive and collaborative approach, children can build confidence, develop greater emotional flexibility, and feel more capable of handling life’s challenges.
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ERP is a supportive, evidence-based treatment that helps children who are struggling with OCD and anxiety. Together, we gently practice facing fears and uncomfortable thoughts while learning to resist the compulsive behaviors or avoidance that keep anxiety going. With encouragement, practice, and at a pace that feels manageable, children learn that they can tolerate discomfort, respond differently to anxiety, and build confidence in their ability to handle challenging moments.
Learn more about helping your anxious child! -
PCIT is a supportive, evidence-based approach that helps strengthen the connection between parents and children while building positive, effective parenting skills. Together, we’ll work on increasing positive connection, responding to challenging behaviors, setting clear and consistent limits, and encouraging cooperation.
Through live coaching and practical strategies, parents gain confidence in responding to their child’s needs while creating more positive, connected, and enjoyable interactions
Learn more about how PCIT works! -
SPACE is a parent-based approach where parents are the agents of change, helping their child manage anxiety, OCD, and related challenges. Because the child doesn’t need to participate directly, SPACE can be especially helpful for children who are resistant to or not ready for therapy.
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SPACE-ARFID is a parent-based approach designed to support families navigating ARFID and other eating-related challenges. It helps parents better understand and respond to food-related anxiety, avoidance, rigidity, and refusal, while building confidence and creating a more positive, flexible relationship with food.
If mealtimes have become a source of stress for your family, SPACE-ARFID offers parents practical tools and support to help their child move toward greater flexibility and confidence with eating
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Parenting can feel overwhelming, especially when your child is navigating emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Through personalized parenting guidance, practical tools, and collaboration with your child’s school and other care providers, we can work together to better understand your child’s needs and create meaningful change at home and beyond.
Who I Help
As a therapist with extensive experience, I support children ages 0-14 and families navigating a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges, including:
Stress and anxiety
Emotional dysregulation, tantrums, and other challenging behaviors
Difficulties with daily routines such as mealtime, bedtime, and potty training
Adjustment to family transitions (e.g., divorce, relocation, new siblings)
Parent-child and sibling relationship concerns
Peer relationship struggles
I also work with children experiencing:
Low self-esteem
Depression, OCD, and mood -related concerns
Attention differences and ADHD
Rigid thinking and executive functioning challenges
Developmental delays
Gender identity exploration
I offer a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, thoughtfully tailored to each child and family.
Together, we’ll find the approach that best fits your child’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.
Services may include individual therapy, dyadic (parent-child) therapy, and personalized parent guidance and coaching—with a focus on practical tools, meaningful connection, and lasting change.