Starr Therapy

03/12/2026

Parents today are trying incredibly hard to do right by their kids.

But there’s one subtle trap I see all the time:

Rescuing instead of scaffolding.

When children struggle, the instinct is to fix the problem.

But resilience doesn’t grow when obstacles disappear.

It grows when kids are supported while they learn to navigate the obstacle themselves.

In my newest article, I unpack:

• the difference between rescuing and scaffolding
• why “lawnmower parenting” is so tempting
• and how small shifts in how we respond can build lasting confidence in kids.

Clearing the path for kids may also clear away opportunities to develop resilience. Here’s the difference between rescuing and scaffolding.

10/26/2025

Congrats to the Weitzman Institute for their ongoing contributions to reversing the child's mental health crisis, one pediatric visit at a time! For pediatricians out there, if you haven't heard of the P4P program partnership with the LEGO Group and The LEGO Foundation, check out the incredible outc...

09/09/2025

This week is the perfect time to reset energy levels by resetting the bedtime routine! Try winding the kiddos down tonight with one of my family's favorites...shadow puppets and giggles! My son's favorite is when the bunny bites the snake 🐰🪱😂😴 Shh...he doesn't know those are the only two animals I can do 😉🙃😆 Just keep playing... The Toy Association

04/24/2025

Check out Genius of Play for Earth-day inspired play activities!

Tovah Barocas, Earth Rangers president, suggests how to listen and validate a child’s concerns about the environment while helping to channel their energy into positive action.

04/24/2025

We are thrilled to welcome Dani Brunello to our practice to offer virtual training sessions! For anyone struggling to get to the gym, she's got your back. More details at

04/05/2025

Did you know? 🍷Alcohol doesn’t just affect your body, it can have a serious impact on your mental health too! It’s easy to forget that, while a drink might seem like a quick fix for stress, it could be making things harder in the long run. Swipe through to learn more about the effects of alcohol!

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

03/29/2025

Did you know? 🌙 Your sleep and mental health are more connected than you think! 😴 Poor sleep can worsen stress, anxiety, and mood, while mental health struggles can make it harder to get the rest you need. Swipe through to get some healthy sleep tips!

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

03/22/2025

Self-care is the intentional practice of taking care of your well-being. There are many forms of self-care, all of which can help maintain your health and happiness. Remember: self-care isn’t selfish! How do you practice self-care?

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

03/15/2025

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more than just a habit or quirk—it’s a mental health condition that involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can be extremely distressing. Swipe through to learn more about OCD and how therapy can help!

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

03/12/2025

If you're feeling stressed, try relaxing your nervous system using the 4-7-8 breathing exercise. By focusing on your breathing, you can help decrease your heart rate and relax your mind and body. Here's how it works:

1️⃣ Inhale for 4 seconds
2️⃣ Hold for 7 seconds
3️⃣ Exhale for 8 seconds

⚠️Caution: You may feel lightheaded the first few times you try this exercise as your body adjusts.

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

03/01/2025

Exercise isn’t just good for your body, it’s good for your mind too! 💪🧠 Regular movement can boost your mood, reduce stress, and help treat depression. So take that first step, even on tough days—your mind and body will thank you!

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

02/19/2025

We are Hiring‼️
Starr Therapy is looking for a Child and Family Therapist to join our Montclair, NJ office!

To learn more and apply, click the link in our bio or visit:
www.starrtherapy.com/employment-opportunities