Elana CohenClinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW (she, her)

About

Family life can feel like a complex journey of balancing needs, emotions, and growth. As parents navigate through children’s stages of development, some face unexpected challenges that test their resilience and resources. Over my years working with families, I’ve seen firsthand the unique obstacles parents encounter when supporting a child with behavioral struggles. Understanding these experiences offers invaluable insight into how families can thrive, even in the face of adversity. For some families, behaviors such as self-injury or negative thought loops in children may emerge, adding layers of stress, worry, and confusion. Children display these behaviors as a response to underlying emotional pain, often struggling to convey their feelings through words. When working with a family experiencing this, my role involves not only supporting the child but also empowering parents with strategies to understand and respond constructively.